2022 Skoda Kodiaq Review

If you're looking for a spacious seven-seater that will carry you, the family, and plenty of luggage in comfort, it's time to take a closer look at the 2022 Skoda Kodiaq.

Here we take a look at whether the 2022 modifications (along with the inevitable price hike) mean the Kodiaq is still a good choice in the larger SUV class.

Key Features

- A new petrol engine in the top-of-the-range RS. No Kodiaqs are offered with a diesel engine.
- Exterior tweaks to give a cooler vibe.
- Flat boot floor for greater versatility and storage space.
- A good selection of autonomous safety features and driver-assist features.

Exterior and Interior

The exterior has undergone some minor tweaks compared with last year's model - there's a new grille and headlights, as well as some slight alterations to the bonnet and the back end. If you opt for the Sportline Kodiaq, you'll benefit from a black trim and some 20" Vega Anthracite wheels.

Inside, little has changed. This is mainly because the cabin is already well laid out and nicely equipped. The 9.25" infotainment screen is Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatible. A 10.25" digital dash provides plenty of information for drivers. The Sportline includes grey interior stitching and sports seats, as well as ambient interior lighting and an electric tail lift.

At the top of the range, the RS includes red interior stitching, three-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof and a 360-degree camera.

Drivers of the Style or Sportline can opt to purchase the "Luxury Pack" add-on. This gives drivers access to most of the features found in the RS.

Reviewers find the cabin to be spacious and are particularly impressed by the amount of boot space, enhanced by the flat boot floor that makes it easier to pack in more.

The third-row seats are probably too cosy for adults on a longer trip, but fine for a short journey and great for younger passengers.

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Engine

The big news on the engine front is that the diesel RS has been withdrawn. All three versions of the 2022 Kodiaq (the base spec Style, the Sportline and the RS) now run on petrol. The Style and Sportline have a 2l 4-cylinder turbo engine that delivers 132kW and 320Nm of torque. The RS has a vamped up 21 4-cylinder turbo that delivers 180km/370Nm torque. All versions benefit from AWD and a 7-speed, dual-clutch, automatic gearbox.

Reviewers are positive about the Kodiaq driving experience, particularly the degree of comfort. This will never be the fastest SUV on the planet, but it can certainly keep pace with the traffic. It's worth noting here that, for an additional cost, you can have a tow bar with trailer assist (or a tow bar) fitted. The Kodiaq can pull up to 2000kg - perfect if you want to tow a trailer or caravan for a family holiday.

Tech

Even the entry-level Style has a respectable level of tech. As well as the infotainment screen, drivers benefit from a USB-C port, front assist and adaptive cruise control. Additional tech as you move up the range includes ambient lighting, an electrically adjustable driver's seat, driving mode selection, a 12-speaker 625W Canton sound system, and a suite of autonomous driver safety features.

Style and Sportline drivers can purchase most of the RS features as a "tech package", which costs an additional $3000 (when fitted in the Style) and $2900 (when fitted in the Sportline).

The level of tech is on a par with others in the Kodiaq's class.

Safety

The 2022 Kodiaq retains its 5-star ANCAP rating, which is exactly what's needed when you're purchasing a family SUV. The RS benefits from a generous suite of autonomous safety features, including emergency assist, lane keep assist, rear-cross traffic alert and blind-spot detection. All models have a good range of physical safety features, including 9 airbags and ISOFIX points on the two outer seats of the second row.

If Style and Sportline drivers wish to, they can buy the luxury pack upgrade, which includes the autonomous safety features that come as standard in the RS.

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Pricing

A base-level Style will set you back $48,540 (before on-road costs). At the top end, an RS costs $67,440 (before on-road costs).

Pros

- Plenty of interior space.
- Plenty of boot space.
- Can be used for towing.
- Quiet, comfortable ride.

Cons

- Not a particularly exciting drive.
- No diesel or electric version.

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Final Verdict

Although there are relatively few changes in the Kodiaq compared with last year's model, the reality is that there's not much reason to change. If you're looking for a seven-seater people mover that can carry you and the family where you need to go, with all your gear and in comfort, the Kodiaq ticks all the relevant boxes.

Despite keeping the Czech branding, Skoda is owned by VW. This means that you're buying a vehicle from a company that also owns Audi, Lamborghini and Ducati.

Skoda offers a five-year, unlimited warranty on the 2022 Kodiaq, which is in line with other manufacturers.

There's very little you can critique about the Kodiaq when you relate its performance to its intended function. It doesn't have particularly speedy acceleration or a mega-amount of torque, but, as a family run around, it doesn't need to. If you want safe, comfortable motoring, the Kodiaq is fantastic.

Where a few niggles may creep in is when it comes to the price - this year's Style is up $1,545 on the 2021 price; the RS is up $1,280. Given that the alterations between years are minimal, the Kodiaq may be slightly less good value than it was last year. At the moment, the Kodiaq can probably still hold on to its reputation as a reasonably priced, larger SUV that's a good option for bigger families.

That said, the lack of electric options, the 2022 price increase and the cost of the various add-on packages if you want to enjoy some of the more sophisticated features, means that you may wish to look at others in the class (such as the Kia Sorrento or the Hyundai Santa Fe) before making a final decision.

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