The new generation of the Škoda Kodiaq has made a stylish entrance into the Indian premium SUV market, challenging the status quo with a blend of European design sophistication, modern technology, and a pricing strategy carefully crafted to attract discerning buyers. As urban families and SUV enthusiasts navigate a landscape crowded with well-established models like the Toyota Fortuner, Volkswagen Tiguan, Kia Sorento, and MG Gloster, the 2025 Škoda Kodiaq aims to carve a distinctive niche by balancing luxury, practicality, and value. To truly appreciate how the Kodiaq stacks up, it is essential to explore its pricing and powertrain approach, cabin refinement and features, and practical usability relative to its rivals.
At the heart of the Kodiaq’s promise lies its competitive pricing. Starting around ₹46.89 lakh and going up to approximately ₹48.69 lakh (ex-showroom), the Kodiaq positions itself strategically. It is more affordable than premium European SUVs but priced above many mainstream options, aiming to capture buyers seeking quality without an exorbitant premium. This pricing places it within arm’s reach of the Toyota Fortuner, which has a wider fare from about ₹36.33 lakh to ₹51.94 lakh. However, the Fortuner’s diesel variants enjoy considerable popularity among Indian SUV buyers, leveraging diesel’s torque advantages and extended driving range, traits absent in the Kodiaq’s lineup. Škoda’s choice to offer only a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder TSI petrol engine producing 204 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque reflects a refined, petrol-only powertrain philosophy. The coupling of this petrol engine with a smooth 7-speed DSG automatic transmission enhances driving comfort and offers a quieter, more sophisticated driving experience. This is a conscious trade-off by Škoda — choosing petrol refinement over diesel ruggedness — a nod toward urban buyers prioritizing on-road comfort and lower emissions.
The interior of the Kodiaq makes a strong statement in terms of premium quality and modern conveniences. Unlike some competitors that sprinkle premium features selectively or offer them as optional add-ons, the Kodiaq delivers an array of upscale inclusions as standard. This includes a digital instrument cluster that enhances driver engagement through crisp visual feedback and a large infotainment touchscreen with full smartphone compatibility—a tech combo more akin to European luxury standards than typical midsize SUVs in the Indian market. Advanced driver assistance systems further elevate the safety and convenience quotient, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. When measured against rivals, the MG Gloster attempts to push luxury boundaries with lavish interiors but often exudes extroversion in design, while the Kodiaq leans into subtlety and European craftsmanship. This carefully curated ambience suits a buyer who values elegance and modernity without the ostentation some SUVs embrace. Ergonomics are thoughtfully designed, making daily drives and longer journeys comfortable for all occupants.
Practicality remains another pillar underpinning the Kodiaq’s appeal, especially for families and those requiring versatile seating arrangements. The Škoda Kodiaq offers a seven-seat configuration, distinguishing it from many competitors like the Volkswagen Tiguan, which primarily offers five seats, thereby giving the Kodiaq an edge in passenger capacity. This extra seating flexibility appeals to buyers who need to transport larger families or multiple passengers regularly, making the Kodiaq a compelling candidate for Indian buyers where family outings often involve extended groups. While the Kodiaq offers only a single four-wheel-drive option—unlike some rivals that furnish multiple drive variants—it is well-tuned to handle both urban streets and occasional off-road forays. This balanced setup suits typical Indian topography and driving patterns, providing enough capability without the complexity or cost premium associated with hardcore off-roaders.
Fuel economy and cost of ownership figure prominently in Indian buyers’ minds and the Kodiaq fares well here. Thanks to efficient turbo petrol engineering and a lightweight body, it delivers competitive mileage figures and reduced running costs. Business Car magazine highlights the Kodiaq’s running cost at just 53.8 paise per mile, which is commendable among premium SUVs. This operating cost combined with steady residual values softens the impact of the initial higher price tag, making it a thoughtful investment for those focused on long-term affordability rather than just upfront costs. Conversely, while the Toyota Fortuner’s diesel variants shine in torque and range, they typically incur higher maintenance costs and may lag behind in delivering the refined driving experience and interior comfort the Kodiaq brings.
Beyond these critical facets, the Kodiaq operates in a crowded and evolving premium SUV segment where the competition intensifies every year. The Kia Sorento and Hyundai Tucson offer modern safety technologies and fresh design philosophies, but with differing focuses—some emphasizing powertrain diversity or trim options, others prioritizing styling or technology. The MG Gloster continues to raise the stakes with aggressive pricing and upscale features, but Škoda’s strength lies in its European quality and understated luxury. Unlike ultra-premium SUVs such as the Audi Q5 or BMW X3, the Kodiaq offers a handsome middle ground, marrying practicality with premium touches while avoiding sticker shock.
Ultimately, the 2025 Škoda Kodiaq captures the imagination of buyers seeking a modern, stylish SUV that doesn’t sacrifice practicality or value. While it foregoes the diesel options many Indian buyers traditionally gravitate towards, it compensates with a refined petrol engine, a spacious seven-seat layout, and a cabin filled with thoughtful technology and design flourishes. Compared to the Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, Kia Sorento, and Volkswagen Tiguan, it stands out by emphasizing refinement, comfort, and European build quality. Its positioning appeals to urban families and professionals eager for a premium SUV experience that balances luxury aesthetics with everyday usability.
As the Indian premium SUV market heats up, the Škoda Kodiaq injects fresh competition by offering buyers a compelling alternative — one that blends a polished driving experience, versatile seating, and a rich feature set under an accessible price umbrella. For those seeking more than brute force or well-known badges, the Kodiaq promises a sophisticated European SUV that fits the bill, ready to outshine and elevate your midsize SUV choice.
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