All-new 2024 Skoda Kodiaq family SUV revealed

The bigger, bolder second-generation 2024 Skoda Kodiaq seven-seater large SUV has been unwrapped ahead of its launch in Australia next year.

Closely related to the incoming third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan, the new Skoda Kodiaq is underpinned by the same MQB evo architecture, which is an updated version of the current platform.

The Czech brand’s bigger three-row family SUV will also use VW Group powertrains and tech.

But the new Kodiaq cuts a striking pose, standing as the first Skoda production model to adopt the brand’s new ‘Modern Solid’ design language.

Featuring more of a bluff front-end, squared-off wheel-arches and a sculpted bonnet, the new Kodiaq has more of an imposing, rugged look than before.

The dominant hexagonal grille and split LED Matrix headlights will also ensure it won’t be mistaken for smaller Skoda SUVs – especially with the option of a 14-light element across the grille that gives the impression of a light bar, linking the two headlight clusters.

Beneath the new light show are two new air curtains that combine with contoured door mirrors, a smoother alloy wheel design, rear spoiler and a pair of slippery roof rails to reduce the drag coefficient to 0.28Cd, down from the current SUV’s blockier 0.31Cd.

At the rear, the new Kodiaq gets a large and wide tailgate, a low loading sill, a pair of new LED tail-lights and new SKODA lettering.

For the first time, there’s also the option of ordering the D-pillars in a dark chrome finish.

What powers the new Skoda Kodiaq?

Under the bonnet, the big news – for Europe, at least – is the 2024 Skoda Kodiaq features a new plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a mild-hybrid 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic, an electric motor and a 25.7kWh battery.

The result is an efficient powertrain that pumps out 150kW and provides users with a decent 100km pure-electric range.

That might sound appealing but Skoda Australia has already ruled out the PHEV for our market, saying it will focus its resources for electrified vehicles on battery-electric cars like the Skoda Enyaq.

Instead, Skoda has confirmed this morning that it will launch with a 150kW 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine – with a seven-seat body style only.

It will combine with a dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive as standard.

The new Kodiaq has also emerged with 142kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel and 110kW 1.5-litre turbo-petrol powerplants, but these remain off the Australian menu for now.

Improving ride and handling, the 2024 Kodiaq is equipped with Skoda’s latest DCC Plus Dynamic Chassis Control tech that sees the dampers get new independent valves for rebound and compression, replacing the current system’s shared valve.

The system is also said to be faster to react and offer both enhanced agility and increased comfort.

Wheel sizes range from 17- to 20-inch rims.

What’s the new Skoda Kodiaq like inside?

Inside the new-generation 2024 Skoda Kodiaq there’s more space than before thanks to its more generous proportions that see the SUV measure in at 4758mm long – 61mm longer than the current model, with a stretched 2791mm wheelbase.

The width (1864mm) and height (1659mm) remain almost the same, but it all translates into plentiful space.

Even in the third row there’s now 920mm of headroom, more than 15mm more than before.

Luggage space is another highlight. The five-seater – which won’t be offered in Australia at launch – gets a huge 910 litres of space (+75L) without folding the second row of seats down. Once folded, total space increases to 2105 litres (+40L).

Even the seven-seater manages to offer a respectable 340 litres behind the third row, which is 70 litres more than the current version. All seats down and that expands to 2035 litres (+30L).

Skoda’s interior designers claim they’ve started from scratch with the Kodiaq.

There’s now a free-standing 13-inch infotainment system that combines with a 10-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a large head-up display.

New innovation includes some very old-school-looking ‘Smart Dials’ that actually have a clever multi-function purpose and utilise a tiny 32mm digital colour display.

The two outer dials can be configured to control the temperature and seat heating and ventilation, while the centre dial manages the infotainment volume, fan speed, air direction, air-con, driving modes and map zoom. All require one long press to change the function.

Rebelling further against the Volkswagen Group’s recent trend of eliminating buttons and using the large touch-screen to control all minor functions, the Kodiaq stubbornly offers four further buttons for the windscreen ventilation, heated rear screen, air recirculation and other climate functions.

For the first time, Skoda has relocated the Kodiaq’s gear lever to the steering column for more space on the centre console, where there’s now an extra 2.1 litres of storage space, the car-maker says.

There are four USB-C charge points across the cabin, including a port on the rear-view mirror for a dash-cam. There’s also wireless phone charging for up to two phones, while the Kodiaq is fitted with an eight-speaker audio system at the entry level, with the option of upgrading to 14.

Improving comfort, the second-gen Kodiaq can be specified with climate-controlled massage seats that have 10 adjustable air cushions.

All the materials used for the seats, carpets and headliner are now made of 100 per cent recycled polyester or a combination of recycled yarns with 40 per cent natural wool.

There’s up to nine airbags on board, while new driver assist tech includes Turn Assist (for intersections), a new remote park assist system and a more advanced adaptive cruise control.

Once launched, the new 2024 Skoda Kodiaq range will be topped by a sporty Sportline trim that will feature gloss black design elements, 19-inch dark alloy wheels and black sports seats and metallic cabin trim.

Later on, a faster RS version will also be offered.

Full pricing and local launch timings are expected in the coming months.

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