Skoda Kodiaq - Boot space, comfort & practicality

The Skoda Kodiaq continues to be a versatile and user-friendly family SUV, although some rivals are better seven-seaters.

Dimensions and size

This Kodiaq is 61mm longer than the old model at 4,758mm, which is 27mm shorter than the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Kodiaq should be a little easier to thread through narrow streets because it’s 36mm narrower than the Santa Fe at 1,864mm, although the Kodiaq isn’t as tall as the Santa Fe at 1,659mm.

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How practical is the Skoda Kodiaq? 

Seats & space in the front

There are no complaints about front passenger space, with lots of wheel and seat adjustment to get comfortable. Storage is good, too, with twin gloveboxes, deep bins in the doors and armrest, and a centre console that features a pair of wireless smartphone charging pads. There are two USB-C sockets beneath the climate controls, while a third socket can be found next to the rear-view mirror for powering a dash cam.

Seats & space in the back

The Kodiaq’s second row is good, but it’s not the widest bench if you’re travelling three abreast – rivals such as the Santa Fe and Kia Sorento have more space in their middle seats. At least a light-coloured headlining helps the cabin feel bright. There are climate controls in the back and twin USB-C sockets, but while the door bins up front are flock lined to stop items rattling around, this luxury doesn’t feature in the rear.

The rearmost row is also a little tighter than in rivals. Access is fair, but the seating is suited to kids rather than adults.

Boot space

The rear of the Kodiaq is better geared towards carrying cargo than some rivals, because there’s a decent amount of space for the weekly shop even when all three rows are in use. If all of the seats are folded, then there’s space under the floor to stow the load cover. A cargo volume of 2,035 litres is among the best of any seven-seat SUV on sale.

The SE trim only offers a seven-seat layout as an option, and the five-seat model has a bit more cargo capacity, at 2,105 litres.

Towing 

The Kodiaq is a popular model with caravanners, thanks to its space and the towing capability of its engines. The 2.0 TDI can haul a trailer weighing up to 2,000kg in 148bhp guise, while the 190bhp 4x4 model has a towing capacity of up to 2.4 tonnes. Even the plug-in hybrid Kodiaq iV can tow 1,800kg – 700kg more than a Hyundai Santa Fe, which can only manage up to 1,100kg irrespective of the powertrain chosen.