2 days ago
20
New-generation Skoda seven-seater SUV due in Australian showrooms within weeks with more equipment and practicality.
Skoda’s new Kodiaq large SUV will arrive in local showrooms in March – 18 months after its global reveal – initially available in Select, Sportline and limited Launch Edition grades before the hi-po RS lands later in the year.
All non-RS grades will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, outputting 140kW/320Nm, while the flagship Kodiaq punches out 195kW/400Nm from the same sized engine.
All new Kodiaqs send drive to all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Kodiaq Select, Sportline and Launch Editions will accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds, while the RS needs only 6.4s.
Growing in length and height, but shrinking its width, the 2025 Kodiaq measures 4758mm long, 1864mm wide and 1657mm tall, while its 2781mm wheelbase is identical to the model it replaces.
All Australian version will be seven seaters, meaning the new Kodiaq will line-up against the Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-80, and Hyundai Santa Fe, while the Toyota Kluger remains slightly larger than its rivals.
With all seven seats in place, the Kodiaq’s boot can swallow a 289-litre load, expanding to 794L with the third row stowed and 2035L with the second-row also folded, an increase over the outgoing model of 19L, 29L and 30L, respectively.
As standard on all new Kodiaqs is a 13-inch infotainment touchscreen with satellite navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 15-watt dual wireless smartphone charger with cooling.
There is more centre console space with the gear shifter moved to the steering wheel column.
Other equipment highlights in the Kodiaq Select includes 19-inch alloy wheels, black leather interior, rear privacy glass, power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, tri-zone climate controls, keyless entry, push-button start, LED exterior lighting, and nine-speaker sound system.
In terms of safety, Skoda Australia is touting its latest version of traffic sign recognition with predictive speed limiter and adaptive cruise control capabilities based on navigation data.
Rounding out the safety suite is lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert, an exit warning system, driver fatigue monitoring, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring, and nine airbags.
Stepping up to the Sportline nets buyers matrix LED headlights, dynamic turn indicators, 20-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out exterior accents, black headliner and D-pillar trim, front sports seats, a heated steering wheel, driver profile settings, and a ‘premium’ sound system.
Buyers of the Sportline also gain access to the Ultimate Package that bundles dynamic chassis control (DCC), a head-up display, heated rear outboard seats, a surround-view monitor, hands-free tailgate, progressive steering, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat.
The Launch Edition meanwhile, which is based on the entry-level Select, adopts the matrix LED headlights and dynamic indicators from the Sportline and all equipment found in the Ultimate Package, as well as massaging front seats, a unique light-up front grille, and a panoramic glass roof.
Pricing for the new Kodiaq is yet to be revealed by Skoda Australia, but for reference, the outgoing model starts from $59,490 drive-away for Style and Sportline grades, rising to $76,890 for the RS.
2025 Skoda Kodiaq Select standard features:
2025 Skoda Kodiaq Sportline adds (over Select):
2025 Skoda Kodiaq Launch Edition adds (over Select):
The optional Ultimate Package, available on the Sportline, adds:
Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
