Drive with us: Skoda Kodiaq Sportline Review (2022)

Join us as we take a closer look at the SKODA Kodiaq — the seven-seater offering a serious amount of car for the money

Need a seven-seater, but don't want to sacrifice style or quality? Meet the SKODA Kodiaq — SKODA's flagship SUV, available as both a five and seven-seater.

We drove the first generation Sportline in Black Magic, and it made quite the impression. Since then, a second generation arrived in April 2024, bringing a new interior, larger dimensions, a 13-inch touchscreen and a PHEV with up to 76 miles of electric range (WLTP Comb).

Competing with the likes of the Kia Sorento, Peugeot 5008, Hyundai Santa Fe and Volkswagen Tayron, the Kodiaq is a serious contender — and SKODA's aggressive pricing strategy only strengthens the case.

But can SKODA really compete with the bigger names in the seven-seat SUV class on merit, not just on price? Let's find out.

What we drove:

Model: SKODA Kodiaq Sportline TDI SCR 4x4

Fuel type: Diesel

Engine: 2.0 TDI 150PS 4x4 DSG SCR Auto Start/Stop

Transmission: Automatic (DSG)

Colour: Black Magic Metallic

Specifications correct at the time of publication

Or watch our video review over on YouTube:

Built to impress

For what is essentially a large, practical seven-seater, the SKODA Kodiaq looks seriously smart.

Our Sportline in Black Magic Metallic made an immediate impression.

The black styling around the grille and mirrors creates a striking contrast that gives the Kodiaq a presence far beyond what you'd expect at this price point. It's the kind of look that has more in common with a Range Rover Evoque than your typical family hauler.

The Sportline's 20-inch Vega Anthracite alloy wheels add something special, while the black sports styling across the front grille and window surrounds gives it a cohesive, purposeful look throughout.

Sharp, angular lines run the length of the car, and the rear is clean and well proportioned — a rear spoiler adding just enough of a sporty touch to finish things off.

It solves a common problem among those bigger, utilitarian SUVs: They don't always look the part. But the Kodiaq? We can safely say it does.

The second generation, which arrived in April 2024, pushed things further still. 

Sharper lines and more angles give it an even stronger road presence, and at 61mm longer than the first generation, it's a more imposing machine altogether.

Smart inside and out

Step inside and the Kodiaq's smart exterior carries through to the cabin.

The Sportline's interior is a warming blend of quality materials.

Microsuede sports seats are comfortable and supportive, while carbon fibre styling throughout the dash and a suede finish on the doors give the cabin a genuine sense of quality. For a car at this price point, it’s impressive.

The 9.2-inch touchscreen is integrated into the dashboard effortlessly — responsive, easy to use and logically laid out.

Wireless Apple CarPlay comes as standard, though Android Auto required a wired connection on the car we drove.

A nice balance of physical and touchscreen buttons keeps things intuitive on the move, and two USB-C ports and a 12V socket in the centre console cover the connectivity basics. Door bins are generously sized and the armrest compartment does the job well.

SKODA's 'Simply Clever' touches are dotted throughout too, adding those small but genuinely useful details that make everyday life that little bit easier.

Plus, in the back you’ve got 765 litres of space with the third row down. Put the second row down as well and you’re left with a whopping 2,065 litres of space.

The second generation took things further still.

A new 13-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now both standard, and twin wireless charging pads sit neatly in the centre console.

The overall interior quality took a noticeable step upmarket — making an already good cabin even better.

Large and in charge

At nearly five metres long, you really feel the size and presence of this beast from behind the wheel.

But despite the dimensions, the drive is composed and sturdy. The soft suspension soaks up bumps well, and once up to speed, it has all the power you could ever need for everyday driving.

It's ideal for carrying multiple passengers — comfort levels are high, the seats have plenty of adjustment and it delivers that commanding driving position we've all grown to know and love in SUVs.

The steering is light in town but builds weight pleasingly on faster roads, and despite its size, the Kodiaq feels more like driving a large hatchback than a big 4x4. For many drivers, that will inspire a lot of confidence.

It's not the most dynamic SUV on the market, but it was never designed to be.

The DSG gearbox can be a little slow to respond when pulling away from junctions, and the engine gets a touch coarse when pushed. Once you're up to motorway speed though, it settles down beautifully. Wind and road noise are well suppressed and it becomes a genuinely relaxing long-distance companion.

The second generation improves the ride and handling balance further still, and the PHEV variant adds near silent running in electric mode, a particularly impressive achievement in a car of this size.

What's good, and what's not

The Kodiaq makes a great seven-seater, but it still has its flaws:

The good bits:

• Looks far more premium than the price tag suggests
• Composed, sturdy drive despite the size
• Quality interior materials — carbon fibre and suede throughout on Sportline
• 9.2-inch touchscreen is responsive and well integrated
• SKODA's Simply Clever touches make everyday life easier
• Fantastic boot space — 765 litres with third row down, 2,065 litres with all seats folded

The not-so-good bits:

• DSG gearbox can be slow to respond at junctions
• Engine gets a little coarse when pushed hard
• Third row is suited to children rather than adults for longer journeys
• Not the most dynamic SUV in class — BMW X3 and Volkswagen Tayron are more engaging

What's the verdict?

The SKODA Kodiaq is genuinely one of the best value seven-seat SUVs on the market. You can get some serious car for the money here.

It may not be the most dynamic drive, but it delivers where it matters: Style, substance and practicality. And the second generation takes things up a notch — better tech, a PHEV option and more space. What's not to love?

Top five reasons to consider the SKODA Kodiaq:

1. Seriously smart styling that punches well above its price point
2. Massive boot — 765 litres with third row down, 2,065 litres with all seats folded
3. Composed, comfortable drive that's ideal for families and longer journeys
4. Five-star Euro NCAP rating for total peace of mind
5. Second generation PHEV offers up to 76 miles electric range (WLTP Comb)

Would we recommend leasing an SKODA Kodiaq?

Absolutely. The Kodiaq is ideal for families who need space, practicality and style without the premium price tag.

Leasing makes it even more accessible too, and if your budget allows, the second generation PHEV is the one to go for — lower emissions, stronger fuel economy and reduced BiK tax rates make it a particularly compelling choice for business drivers.