Skoda Kodiaq 2025 – Big on Space, Big on Value

The Skoda Kodiaq has quietly built a reputation in Australia as one of the smartest family SUVs you can buy. Known for its blend of practicality, understated European design, and surprising affordability, it has carved a niche in a market dominated by heavyweights like the Toyota Kluger, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Mazda CX-9. For 2025, Skoda has given the Kodiaq a significant update that refines its strengths, adds more tech, and ensures it stays relevant in Australia’s competitive large SUV scene.

This review takes a deep dive into everything the 2025 Skoda Kodiaq offers – from design and features to performance, safety, and ownership value. If you’re a family buyer or someone who needs a versatile SUV that won’t break the bank, this is one worth shortlisting.

Exterior Design – Evolved, Not Reinvented

The Skoda Kodiaq 2025 continues with its sharp, modern lines but introduces subtle changes that enhance its road presence. Skoda’s design language remains conservative compared to flashier rivals, but that’s part of its charm – understated elegance that ages well.

The front fascia gets slimmer LED Matrix headlights with a sharper daytime running light signature, while the grille has been refined with a bolder chrome finish. Skoda has also introduced new alloy wheel designs ranging from 18 to 20 inches depending on the trim, alongside fresh paint options including an earthy Olive Green and a striking Graphite Grey.

The overall size remains family-friendly: just under five metres long with a wide stance, giving it the road presence of larger SUVs without appearing bulky. Buyers who value subtle sophistication will find the Kodiaq appealing over some of its more aggressively styled competitors.

Interior – Spacious and Thoughtful

Step inside the Kodiaq, and it’s immediately clear why this SUV resonates so strongly with families. The cabin prioritises space and comfort, offering one of the most versatile layouts in its segment.

The 2025 update brings new sustainable materials, softer upholstery, and an improved digital cockpit. Higher trims feature perforated leather and ambient LED lighting that can be customised to set the mood. The dash layout is clean and functional, with physical controls for climate retained – a welcome decision for usability compared to rivals that push everything into a touchscreen.

Seating & Space

The Kodiaq remains available in both five-seat and seven-seat configurations. The third row is best suited for kids or shorter trips but folds flat into the boot floor when not in use, opening up a massive cargo area.

• Boot capacity ranges from 270 litres with all seven seats up, to 765 litres with the third row folded, and a cavernous over 2,000 litres with both rear rows down.
• Second-row passengers benefit from generous legroom, wide-opening doors, and optional rear climate control.

This space efficiency makes the Kodiaq one of the most family-friendly SUVs under $70,000 in Australia.

Technology & Features

The Skoda Kodiaq has always punched above its price in equipment, and the 2025 model is no different.

• A 13-inch infotainment screen now dominates the centre console, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• A fully digital 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit comes standard, with configurable layouts for navigation, media, and driving data.
• USB-C ports are plentiful across all three rows, catering to device-heavy families.
• The Kodiaq also debuts Skoda’s new ChatGPT-powered voice assistant, allowing natural language interaction for navigation, climate, and even information requests.

Other clever touches include the iconic umbrella hidden in the door, a removable torch in the boot, and retractable sunshades for rear passengers. These “Simply Clever” features continue to set Skoda apart as a brand that thinks about the little things.

Performance & Engines

For Australia, the 2025 Kodiaq is expected to be offered with a choice of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, though final confirmation of the exact lineup is pending. Globally, options include:

• 2.0 TSI Petrol (140kW / 320Nm) with all-wheel drive.
• 2.0 TDI Diesel (142kW / 400Nm) for buyers prioritising efficiency and towing.
• A new mild-hybrid 1.5 TSI paired with front-wheel drive for entry trims.

All engines are paired with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic, known for smooth shifts but occasionally hesitant at low speeds. For towing, the Kodiaq offers a braked towing capacity of up to 2,000kg, making it suitable for trailers and small boats.

On the road, the Kodiaq isn’t a performance SUV but strikes an excellent balance between comfort and stability. The steering is light around town but firms up nicely on highways, while adaptive dampers on higher trims smooth out rough country roads.

Safety & Ratings

Safety remains a priority for Australian family buyers, and the 2025 Kodiaq doesn’t disappoint. It is equipped with a full suite of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) including:

• Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Adaptive Cruise Control with stop & go function
• Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• 360-degree parking camera

The previous generation Kodiaq held a 5-star ANCAP rating, and the 2025 model is expected to maintain the same with updated testing protocols. Skoda has also improved the structural rigidity of the SUV to offer better crash protection.

Fuel Efficiency

Efficiency depends on engine choice:

• The 1.5 TSI mild-hybrid promises sub-7.0L/100km economy, ideal for urban commuters.
• The 2.0 TDI diesel remains the fuel-sipping champion, returning around 5.8–6.2L/100km on combined cycles.
• The 2.0 TSI petrol averages closer to 8.5L/100km, which is competitive for its size and output.

These figures place the Kodiaq ahead of many rivals in terms of efficiency, particularly for families doing long-distance driving.

Value for Money – Where the Kodiaq Excels

Skoda has built its reputation on delivering near-premium quality at mainstream pricing, and the 2025 Kodiaq continues that formula.

Pricing for Australia is expected to start in the mid-$50,000s drive-away, undercutting many competitors. Even higher trims with luxury features are likely to stay below $75,000, making them accessible for families upgrading from smaller SUVs or sedans.

Where rivals like the Toyota Kluger and Hyundai Palisade stretch beyond $80,000 in top trims, the Kodiaq keeps things attainable without sacrificing core features. Factor in Skoda’s 5-year/unlimited km warranty and capped-price servicing, and ownership costs remain attractive.

Rivals in Australia

The large SUV segment is crowded, so how does the Kodiaq 2025 stack up against key rivals?

• Toyota Kluger – bigger and offers hybrid powertrains, but more expensive and less feature-rich in base trims.
• Mazda CX-9 / CX-90 – more premium interior feel, but pricing is steeper.
• Hyundai Santa Fe – strong safety and tech package, but less practical third row.
• Kia Sorento – great value and warranty, but smaller boot compared to Kodiaq.

Against these, the Kodiaq offers the best balance of space, smart features, and pricing.

Ownership & Maintenance

Skoda has worked to improve its aftersales support in Australia, addressing concerns about parts availability and servicing networks. Owners benefit from:

• Prepaid service packs that reduce running costs.
• 12-month/15,000km service intervals.
• Competitive insurance premiums due to strong safety ratings.

Resale values for Skoda have been steadily improving as brand recognition grows in Australia, and the Kodiaq is expected to hold its value better than older generations.

Verdict – Who Should Buy the 2025 Skoda Kodiaq?

The 2025 Skoda Kodiaq is not just another SUV in a crowded field – it’s one of the most thoughtfully packaged large SUVs on sale. If you’re a family buyer who values space, safety, smart tech, and genuine value for money, the Kodiaq delivers on all fronts.

It may not have the badge prestige of a BMW X5 or the hybrid powertrain options of a Toyota Kluger, but for the price, it represents one of the smartest choices in Australia’s large SUV market.

Big on space. Big on value. That’s the Kodiaq’s winning formula for 2025.