Skoda has brought its flagship SUV, the second-generation Kodiaq, to India in an expanded lineup. With the recent addition of a five-seat version, the Kodiaq is now available in three trims, each tailored for different kinds of buyers. If you’re considering this premium SUV, here are the five key things you should know.
1. Seating Options: 5 or 7 Seats
The 2025 Kodiaq is offered in both five- and seven-seat layouts. At launch in April 2025, Skoda introduced the SUV in two 7-seat trims — Sportline and Laurin & Klement (L&K) Selection. Later, an entry-level five-seater called Lounge was added.
While all three versions are mechanically identical, the five-seat Lounge variant maximizes boot space and offers a slightly different feature mix and interior trim.
2. Trim Levels and Boot Space
Each Kodiaq variant is designed with a specific focus:
-
Lounge (5-seater) – Largest boot space at 786 litres, practical family choice.
-
Sportline (7-seater) – Sportier design and premium Canton audio system.
-
L&K Selection (7-seater) – Most luxurious, featuring exclusive colour options and aero wheel trims.
For reference, the seven-seat models offer 281 litres of cargo room with all rows up but can match the Lounge’s 786 litres when the third row is folded flat.
3. Features That Set Each Trim Apart
Here’s how the three variants differ in terms of equipment:
-
Infotainment: The Lounge gets a 10.4-inch display with a 9-speaker setup, while the Sportline and L&K feature a 13-speaker, 725W Canton sound system.
-
Wheels: Lounge – 18″ Mazeno alloys; Sportline – 18″ Soira alloys; L&K – 18″ Mazeno alloys with aero elements.
-
Steering: Lounge and L&K get a two-spoke wheel; Sportline gets a three-spoke.
-
Exterior Colours: Lounge offers 3 shades, while Sportline and L&K get 6 (including unique shades like Steel Grey and Bronx Gold).
4. Standard AWD & Off-Road Tech
Unlike many rivals, all Kodiaq variants come with all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. Skoda has equipped it with off-road-friendly features such as:
-
Hill Start Assist & Hill Descent Control – making slopes easy to handle.
-
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) – automatically sends torque to wheels with better grip.
-
Underbody protection & skid plates – for added peace of mind on rough terrain.
This makes the Kodiaq a versatile option for Indian buyers who want a premium SUV that can comfortably handle highway cruises as well as the occasional off-road trip.
5. Pricing & Competition
The 2025 Skoda Kodiaq is priced as follows (ex-showroom):
-
Lounge (5-seater) – ₹39.99 lakh
-
Sportline (7-seater) – ₹43.76 lakh
-
L&K Selection (7-seater) – ₹45.96 lakh
Its segment rivals include the Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, Jeep Meridian, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan X-Trail, and the Volkswagen Tiguan.
How It Stacks Up
-
Fortuner: Tough, ladder-frame 4WD with low-range gearing, but pricier in higher trims.
-
Gloster: Bigger and more powerful in diesel, best for space and road presence.
-
Meridian: Rugged suspension and dual-pane sunroof stand out.
-
Tucson: Only SUV here to offer a hybrid option.
-
Tiguan: Shares platform with Kodiaq, focuses on driving dynamics and tech.
-
X-Trail: Practical but less powerful than rivals.
The Kodiaq positions itself as a premium, tech-forward family SUV with standard AWD and strong practicality — making it a well-rounded choice in this competitive field.
✅ Verdict: The new Skoda Kodiaq is best suited for buyers who want European styling, a refined petrol powertrain, premium features, and the security of AWD — all in a versatile family SUV package.
Read More:
