Skoda Kodiaq new vs old: larger, more premium and more expensive

The second-generation Skoda Kodiaq was recently launched in India, with prices ranging between Rs 46.89 lakh and Rs 48.69 lakh (ex-showroom, India). At first glance, it may look like just a facelift, but it is indeed an all-new model with evolutionary styling, brand new interiors with a lot more features and an updated powertrain as well. Let’s take a closer look at how the second-gen Skoda Kodiaq compares to its predecessor.

Skoda Kodiaq new vs old exterior design

Evolutionary design updates 

The new Kodiaq’s face closely resembles its predecessor, thanks largely to the split headlamp arrangement that has been carried over. However, it now gets new LED daytime running lamp signatures that extend into the grille in a segmented style. The grille itself has grown larger, while the bumper now gets a cleaner look with larger functional air vents on either edge. The bonnet is also more sculpted and looks more muscular than before.

Skoda Kodiaq front quarter

Slightly longer, but wheelbase remains unchanged 

Over to the side, the alloys remain 18 inches in size but now get a new aero-optimised design. The new Kodiaq, however, misses out on the sharp character line that defined the side profile of the previous model; instead, it looks a lot more rounded, with softer edges. There’s, however, a new D-pillar garnish that creates a wraparound effect for the glasshouse. The wheelbase has remained unchanged at 2,791mm, but the overall length is up by 59mm.

The rear of the new Kodiaq sees more notable updates than the front, with the new C-shaped tail-lamps connected by a light bar in the centre. The rear spoiler now has a deeper recess, and the bumper gets a two-tone silver and black finish instead of the chrome garnish on the first-gen Kodiaq. As before, the Sportline variant is marked out by blacked-out elements and a different design for the alloy wheels.

Skoda Kodiaq side profile

Skoda Kodiaq interior and features

A lot more premium and feature-packed 

While the exterior styling is certainly evolutionary, the interior gets a completely new dashboard with a winged design. The interior also sees a notable step up in terms of the materials used, with plenty of wood, leather and soft-touch inlays on the dashboard and door pads. The use of the ambient lighting strip just below the central screen beautifully complements the cabin.

Speaking of which, the central touchscreen itself has grown much larger in size – 13 inches as compared to 8 inches on the previous Kodiaq – and is now a free-floating unit instead of being integrated into the dashboard. It packs in a lot more functionality, too. Meanwhile, the gear selector has been relocated from the centre console to behind the steering wheel, and that has helped free up space for larger cup-holders and two wireless charging pads, as well as more storage.

Skoda Kodiaq rear quarter

Some physical controls retained 

Thankfully, Skoda has retained the Kodiaq’s signature three rotary dials for the HVAC system, but they differ in functionality, now also doubling up for volume and drive mode controls.

Elsewhere, the 10-inch digital instrument cluster doesn’t have the hooded binnacle anymore, but it has been thoroughly updated with more modern features and graphics, including a navigation feed. The two-spoke steering wheel looks familiar, but it now gets the ‘Skoda’ lettering instead of the Skoda logo. Additionally, the front seats now get a massage function on the L&K trim, while the Sportline trim gets sporty bucket seats.

Skoda Kodiaq powertrain and suspension

Slight bump in power 

Under the hood, the new Kodiaq continues to be powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces 204hp and 320Nm of torque. Compared to the predecessor, the power figure is up by 14hp, although torque has remained unchanged. The 7-speed DCT transmission and standard all-wheel drive system have also been carried over on the new Kodiaq.

No adaptive suspension 

There is, however, one important mechanical update, or the lack of it – the new Kodiaq doesn’t get the DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) system that was offered with the previous-gen Kodiaq. The DCC was essentially an adaptive suspension system that let you adjust for ‘comfort’ or ‘sport’ modes for the suspension.

Skoda Kodiaq interior

Skoda Kodiaq price

Finally, in terms of price, in its Laurin & Klement spec, the new Kodiaq sees a Rs 8.7 lakh price bump over the previous Kodiaq, which was priced at Rs 39.99 lakh (ex-showroom). As before, the new Kodiaq continues to be locally assembled in India. For the extra money, you get a lot more premium interior with some new features and slightly improved performance as well.