Skoda’s flagship SUV, the second-generation Kodiaq, recently got a 5-seat variant. Kodiaq now offers three distinct variants, each catering to different needs. Here are the five essential facts to consider before purchasing one.
Is the 2025 Kodiaq a 5 seater or a 7 seater?
The 2025 Kodiaq now offers both 5-seat and 7-seat layouts.
The second-generation Skoda Kodiaq is available in both 5- and 7-seat configurations. Initially, it launched in April 2025 with 7 seats in the Sportline and Selection L&K trims, and Skoda recently introduced an entry-level 5-seater variant named Lounge. While mechanically identical to its siblings, the Lounge features some distinct exterior and interior elements.
Trim levels
The entry-level variant offers maximum boot space.
All three variants offer distinctive practicality options, with the 5-seater Lounge variant having the largest dedicated boot space of 786 litres. The 7-seat versions can achieve the same cargo volume by folding the third-row seats in a 50:50 split. However, choosing the entry-level variant involves trade-offs, including a different feature list and seat upholstery compared to the higher-spec variants.
| Key feature differentiators | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Feature | Lounge | Sportline | L&K |
| Boot space (litres) | 786 | 281 | 281 |
| Infotainment/Sound system | 10.4-inch display, 100W 9-speaker | 725W 13-speaker Canton system (higher variants) | 725W 13-speaker Canton system (higher variants) |
| No. of exterior colours | 3 | 6 (including Steel Grey) | 6 (including Bronx Gold) |
| Steering wheel | 2-spoke | 3-spoke | 2-spoke |
| Wheel design | 18" Mazeno alloy wheels | 18" Soira alloy wheels | 18" Mazeno alloy wheels with Aero trims |
Off-road capability and 4x4
All-wheel drive is standard across all Kodiaq variants.
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The Kodiaq comes equipped with all-wheel drive as standard, enabling effortless navigation across diverse terrains. Its robust suspension and balanced chassis maintain stability on slopes, even during significant weight shifts. On-board electronic aids enhance its off-road credentials – Hill Start Assist prevents rollback on inclines, while Hill Descent Control maintains a steady pace on descents. The Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) intelligently distributes torque to the wheels with the most grip, allowing the SUV to overcome obstacles where traction is limited.
The result is steady, undramatic progress for the occupants, with underbody protection and skid plates providing an extra layer of mechanical assurance.
Skoda Kodiaq 2025 price
Starts at Rs 39.99 lakh
The 2025 Skoda Kodiaq is offered in three distinct variants with the following ex-showroom prices: the 5-seat Kodiaq Lounge at Rs 39.99 lakh, the 7-seat Kodiaq Sportline at Rs 43.76 lakh and the top-end Kodiaq Selection L&K, also a 7-seater, at Rs 45.96 lakh.
Segment rivals
The 2025 Kodiaq competes with established models from Toyota, MG, Jeep, Nissan, Hyundai and VW.
The Kodiaq competes in a highly contested space, with rivals including the Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, Jeep Meridian, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan X-Trail, and the Volkswagen Tiguan, with which it shares the MQB platform. Each competitor offers distinct driving capabilities, in-cabin experience and comfort level.
| 2025 Kodiaq against its competitors | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specification | Kodiaq | Fortuner | X-Trail | Meridian | Gloster | Tucson | Tiguan |
| Powertrain | 1984cc, 4 cyls, turbo petrol | 2755cc diesel/hybrid, 2694cc petrol | 1498cc, 3 cyls, turbo petrol | 1956cc, 4 clys, multijet diesel | 1996cc diesel twin turbo | 1997cc diesel, 1999cc petrol | 1984cc, 4 cyls, turbo petrol |
| Power | 204hp, 320Nm | Diesel: 204hp, 500Nm; Petrol: 166hp, 245Nm | 163hp, 300Nm | 170hp, 350Nm | 215hp, 480Nm | Diesel: 186hp, 416Nm; Petrol: 156hp, 192Nm | 204hp, 320Nm |
| Gearbox | 7-speed dual-clutch auto | Diesel: 6MT, 6AT; Petrol: 5MT, 6AT | CVT auto | 6MT, 9AT | 8-speed AT | 6-speed DCT, AT | 7-speed dual-clutch auto |
| AWD / 4x4 | AWD | 4WD | FWD | FWD / 4WD | 4WD | AWD | AWD |
| Dimensions (L x W x H mm) | 4758 x 1864 x 1679 | 4795 x 1855 x 1835 | 4680 x 1840 x 1725 | 4769 x 1859 x 1698 | 4985 x 1926 x 1867 | 4630 x 1865 x 1650 | 4539 x 1859 x 1656 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2791 | 2745 | 2705 | 2782 | 2950 | 2755 | 2680 |
| Vehicle chassis | Monocoque | Ladder frame | Monocoque | Ladder frame | Monocoque | Monocoque | Monocoque |
| Number of seats | 5 & 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 & 7 | 6 & 7 | 5 | 5 |
| Ex-showroom price (Rs) | 39.99-45.96 lakh | 33.65-48.85 lakh | 48.20 lakh | 24.99-38.79 lakh | 41.07-46.24 lakh | 29.26-35 lakh | 45.73 lakh |
This detailed comparison shows that the Kodiaq’s emphasis is on premium comfort, practical technology and comprehensive AWD. The Fortuner’s ladder frame and true 4WD with low-range gearing contrast with others’ mostly monocoque AWD setups. MG Gloster leads in diesel power and space, while Jeep Meridian offers a distinctive dual-pane sunroof and rugged suspension. The Tucson is the only one that offers a hybrid option, whereas the Volkswagen Tiguan focuses on tech and driving dynamics. All models provide 7 seats, except the Tucson and Tiguan, reflecting varied usage priorities.
All prices, ex-showroom, India
