The Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tayron share the same platform and are positioned as their brand’s flagship SUVs. They are also priced similarly and are offered with the same EA888 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, which is admired by enthusiasts due to its refined and responsive nature. But between the Kodiaq and Tayron, which one is more fuel efficient in the real world? We find out.
Skoda Kodiaq vs Volkswagen Tayron: Specifications, price
The Kodiaq is slightly lighter and more affordable than the Tayron
As mentioned earlier, both the Skoda Kodiaq and the Volkswagen Tayron are offered with the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, with identical outputs of 204hp and 320Nm, paired with a 7-speed DCT. Skoda has revealed the claimed mileage of the Kodiaq, while Volkswagen has yet to disclose it.
The differences are kerb weight and fuel tank size. The Kodiaq is 39kg lighter than the Tayron but has a 1-litre smaller tank. The Kodiaq is more affordable than the Tayron at both the lower and top ends.
Skoda Kodiaq vs Volkswagen Tayron: Real-world fuel efficiency
What community is saying on the Kodiaq?
The Kodiaq has a slightly higher average fuel efficiency than the Tayron
Both the Kodiaq and Tayron offer six driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Offroad, Snow and Individual. For our real-world fuel efficiency tests, we drove the SUVs entirely in Eco mode. Both have an eco-coasting function, which allows them to freewheel with the engine idling when the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal, as well as an auto engine stop/start system that helps fuel economy.
In city conditions, we found the Tayron to be 0.07kpl more efficient than the Kodiaq. However, the Kodiaq offered 1.13kpl more mileage on the highway; that’s mainly because the Tayron has a higher kerb weight, broader tyres and larger wheels (255/45 R19 compared to 235/55 R18 on the Kodiaq). So the Kodiaq offered a 0.53kpl higher average fuel economy and a higher full-tank range of around 22km than the Tayron.
Autocar India’s fuel-efficiency testing
Before our real-world fuel efficiency tests, we fill our test cars’ tanks to the brim and maintain tyre pressures based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. These cars are driven in fixed city and highway loops in and around Navi Mumbai, and we maintain certain average speeds. Throughout the tests, there is only one person in each car, running the aircon at 22deg C in full-auto mode, and other electricals, such as the audio system, ventilated seats, indicators and wipers, are used when required, just like a regular user would. Periodic driver swaps further neutralise variations in driver patterns. At the end of each cycle, we calculate efficiency by filling the tanks to full again.
Prices are ex-showroom, India.
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
