2025 Skoda Kodiaq : After months of anticipation and carefully orchestrated teasers, Skoda has finally unveiled the second-generation Kodiaq to the Indian market.

The 2025 iteration of this flagship SUV represents the most comprehensive evolution of the nameplate since its original introduction, bringing a distinctly upmarket aesthetic that positions the Kodiaq more confidently against established premium competitors.

While maintaining the practical DNA that won the first generation a devoted following, the new Kodiaq elevates every aspect of its execution—from visual presence to tactile quality—creating a compelling option for discerning buyers seeking European sophistication without the accompanying price premium.

2025 Skoda Kodiaq Design Evolution: Crystalline Sophistication

The most immediately striking aspect of the 2025 Kodiaq is its exterior design, which adopts Skoda’s latest “Modern Solid” design language while maintaining recognizable Kodiaq proportions.

The front end makes the boldest statement, featuring a substantially larger and more upright grille with vertical slats that creates a more commanding presence.

This grille is flanked by slimmer, more technical headlamp units that incorporate matrix LED technology on higher trim levels, featuring distinctive crystalline elements that reference both Skoda’s Czech heritage and luxury contemporaries.

The hood features more pronounced power domes that flow into sharper character lines along the flanks, creating more dynamic light-catching surfaces than its predecessor.

The silhouette maintains the previous generation’s elegant proportions while incorporating subtle refinements, including a slightly more raked windshield and a character line that rises more dramatically toward the rear quarter panels, creating a more dynamic stance despite the practical two-box design.

At the rear, slimmer split LED tail lamps create a more sophisticated light signature, connected by a reflective strip that emphasizes the vehicle’s width. The tailgate features the Skoda lettering in individual letters rather than a badge, following contemporary premium design trends.

Lower bumpers incorporate brushed aluminum-look skid plates on all variants, reinforcing the vehicle’s SUV credentials while adding premium visual elements.

Wheel designs have been completely revised across the range, with options up to 20 inches for the first time on Indian-market models. The flagship L&K variant receives a distinctive wheel design with a diamond-cut finish and darkened inserts that create visual depth and reinforce the premium positioning.

Color options expand to include several sophisticated new choices, including “Lava Blue”—a deep metallic shade exclusive to the Kodiaq that shifts dramatically under different lighting conditions.

This color in particular has been drawing significant attention at launch events, offering a distinctive alternative to the conventional silver and grey tones that dominate the segment.

Interior Refinement: Czech Craftsmanship

Inside, the Kodiaq’s transformation is equally comprehensive, with a cabin that feels genuinely premium in both design and execution. The dashboard adopts a more horizontal emphasis with layered elements creating visual depth, while the reduced button count delivers a cleaner, more contemporary aesthetic.

The centerpiece is a free-standing 13-inch infotainment display—substantially larger than its predecessor—positioned at driver eye level for improved usability.

Material quality takes a significant step forward throughout the cabin, with expanded use of soft-touch surfaces on major touchpoints and genuine materials replacing simulated equivalents.

The top-spec L&K variant features open-pore wood inserts with a natural finish that showcases the grain patterns, while ambient lighting illuminates various interior elements with a choice of ten colors, creating a sophisticated atmosphere after dark.

Seating comfort has received particular attention, with front seats now featuring extended cushions, more pronounced bolstering, and additional adjustment range.

The ergonomics benefit from a slightly higher seating position that improves visibility while maintaining sufficient headroom. The second row gains adjustable thigh support on higher trims and improved contouring that enhances comfort during longer journeys.

The trademark Skoda attention to practical details remains evident throughout the cabin, from the umbrellas integrated into the front doors to the smartphone pockets on the front seatbacks.

The center console features a more substantial design with increased storage capacity, higher-quality materials, and thoughtful details like felt-lined compartments that prevent items from sliding and creating noise during driving.

Sound insulation has been comprehensively upgraded with additional material in the doors, floor, and firewall, creating a notably quieter cabin environment even at highway speeds.

This refinement particularly benefits the Kodiaq’s premium positioning, creating the hushed atmosphere typically associated with luxury vehicles.

Technology Integration: Digital Sophistication

The 2025 Kodiaq represents Skoda’s most advanced technological package for the Indian market, centered around the latest generation of infotainment and digital instrumentation.

The aforementioned 13-inch touchscreen features significantly improved graphics, responsiveness, and feature integration compared to the outgoing model.

The system incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, while also offering embedded navigation with real-time traffic information on higher trim levels.

The digital instrument cluster—now standard across the range—has grown to 10.25 inches with enhanced display options including full-screen navigation, driving data, or traditional dial layouts.

This display can be configured according to personal preference and changes appearance when switching between driving modes, subtly reinforcing the character of each setting.

Voice control functionality has been significantly enhanced, now supporting natural language commands for various vehicle functions from climate control to navigation.

The system can understand context and conversational instructions rather than requiring specific command phrases, making interaction more intuitive.

The premium Canton audio system returns with an upgraded 12-speaker configuration including a dedicated subwoofer, now featuring improved digital signal processing that optimizes audio quality based on vehicle speed and ambient noise.

The system supports high-resolution audio formats and offers surround sound processing that creates an immersive listening experience.

Connectivity extends beyond entertainment to practical functionality through the Skoda Connect suite, which now includes remote vehicle monitoring, geofencing alerts, and service scheduling through a smartphone application.

The system can provide status updates including fuel level, vehicle location, and even notify owners if the vehicle exceeds predetermined speed limits when driven by others—a useful feature for family vehicles.

Driver assistance technology takes a substantial leap forward with the inclusion of Level 2 semi-autonomous capabilities on higher trim levels. The system combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering assist to reduce driver workload during highway journeys, though it still requires hands on the wheel and driver attention.

Additional safety technologies include autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and a more sophisticated blind spot detection system with extended range.

Particularly notable is the addition of a 360-degree camera system with dynamic guidelines and multiple view options, including a virtual overhead perspective that proves invaluable when maneuvering in tight spaces.

The image quality from this system represents a significant improvement over the previous generation, with higher resolution and better low-light performance.

Powertrain Refinement: Smooth Sophistication

Under the hood, the 2025 Kodiaq retains its proven 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged petrol engine, though with meaningful refinements to enhance both performance and efficiency.

Power output increases modestly to 190 horsepower, but more significant is the broader torque curve that now delivers 320 Nm from just 1,500 RPM, improving drivability in everyday conditions.

The seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission receives updated software that provides smoother shifts at low speeds—addressing a minor criticism of the previous generation—while maintaining the quick responses during more spirited driving that have always characterized this gearbox.

The transmission now includes a coasting function that decouples the engine when lifting off the throttle at higher speeds, improving fuel efficiency during highway cruising.

All-wheel drive remains standard across the range in India, with the latest generation of the system featuring faster response and more sophisticated torque distribution.

The system now includes selectable drive modes that modify not just throttle and transmission behavior but also steering weight and all-wheel drive characteristics to suit different conditions and preferences.

Ride quality has received particular attention during the development process, with the Kodiaq now featuring adaptive dampers as standard on higher trim levels. This system provides a noticeably more compliant ride over poor surfaces without compromising body control during cornering.

Even the standard suspension on entry models benefits from revised tuning that better balances comfort and control—a necessary evolution given India’s varied road conditions.

NVH suppression has been a development focus, with additional engine bay insulation, acoustic glass for the windshield and front windows, and revised engine mounts all contributing to a remarkably refined driving experience.

At highway cruising speeds, the cabin remains notably hushed, creating an environment more commonly associated with vehicles from premium German manufacturers.

Practical Versatility: Function with Flair

While the Kodiaq has clearly elevated its premium credentials, it hasn’t abandoned the practical versatility that made the original so appealing to family buyers.

The overall dimensions remain similar to its predecessor, preserving the generous interior space while maintaining manageable external proportions for urban environments.

The three-row seating configuration returns, with the third row offering slightly improved accommodation thanks to revised cushioning and additional legroom created by a more space-efficient second-row design.

While still best suited for occasional use or younger passengers, these seats now fold completely flat into the floor when not needed, creating a more usable cargo space.

With all seats in place, the luggage compartment offers 270 liters of capacity—sufficient for weekend bags or grocery shopping. With the third row folded, this expands to 740 liters, while utilizing only the front seats creates a substantial 2,065-liter cargo bay with a completely flat load floor.

The tailgate features hands-free operation as standard on higher trims, opening to reveal a lower loading lip that facilitates easier handling of heavier items.

Storage throughout the cabin has been thoughtfully designed, with the traditional Skoda “Simply Clever” features present in abundance. These include a ticket holder on the windshield, removable waste bin in the door pocket, and foldable tray tables for rear passengers.

New additions include USB-C ports for all three rows, wireless charging for two devices simultaneously, and tablet holders that attach to the front seat headrests.

Market Positioning and Value Proposition

The 2025 Kodiaq enters the market with a more confident premium positioning than its predecessor, reflected in both its specification and pricing strategy.

The range now starts higher than before, with even the entry-level Style variant offering features that were previously reserved for top specifications, including the digital instrument cluster, matrix LED headlights, and tri-zone climate control.

The mid-range Sportline variant introduces a more dynamic aesthetic with blacked-out exterior trim, sports seats with integrated headrests, and a specific steering wheel design. This variant particularly targets younger buyers looking for a more distinctive appearance without sacrificing practicality.

At the top of the range, the L&K (Laurin & Klement) variant embraces full premium positioning with extended leather upholstery, ventilated front seats with massage function, head-up display, and the Canton premium audio system.

This specification competes directly with entry-level offerings from traditional premium brands while offering more generous equipment and space.

Pricing reflects this upmarket repositioning, with the range now starting approximately 15% higher than the outgoing model. However, when equipment levels are compared, the value proposition remains strong, with the Kodiaq offering features that would typically cost substantially more in established premium competitors.

The ownership experience has also received attention, with Skoda extending service intervals to 15,000 kilometers and offering comprehensive maintenance packages that provide cost certainty over the first five years of ownership.

Additionally, the MySkoda app now includes service booking, maintenance history, and direct communication with service advisors, streamlining the ownership experience.

2025 Skoda Kodiaq Conclusion: Confident Premium Credentials

The 2025 Skoda Kodiaq represents a confident step upmarket that builds on the strengths of its predecessor while addressing the few areas where it lagged behind premium competitors.

The comprehensive enhancements to design, material quality, technology, and refinement create a genuinely premium experience that belies the Skoda badge’s historically mainstream positioning.

Perhaps most impressive is how the Kodiaq has achieved this upmarket evolution without sacrificing the practical versatility and value proposition that made the original so appealing.

It remains a thoughtfully designed family vehicle, now wrapped in a more sophisticated package that looks and feels genuinely premium rather than merely premium-adjacent.

For buyers seeking European design sophistication and driving dynamics without the price premium commanded by traditional luxury brands, the new Kodiaq presents a compelling proposition.

Its confident execution suggests Skoda has found a sweet spot in the market—premium enough to satisfy aspiration, practical enough to justify the investment, and distinctive enough to stand apart from increasingly homogeneous competitors.

As Indian consumers continue to embrace SUVs across all segments, the timing of this more premium Kodiaq seems particularly astute. With its blend of sophisticated design, technological integration, and practical versatility, the 2025 model appears well-positioned to elevate both Skoda’s brand perception and its market share in the premium SUV segment.