Skoda is pitched as the value brand within the Volkswagen Group portfolio. This doesn't suggest it competes on bargain prices, but rather that it adds a little extra in terms of convenience features and offers nationwide on-road pricing, unlike a comparable Volkswagen.

An inherent part of Skoda's strategy is to provide more space than the Volkswagen counterparts with which they share platforms.

In Australia, the Skoda Kodiaq, sharing its foundation with the Volkswagen Tiguan, comes standard with seven seats and is marginally taller and broader than even the seven-seat Tiguan Allspace.

The market is filled with quality competitor SUVs, but the Skoda Kodiaq still stands as a somewhat unconventional choice. Perhaps it's the choice for those who prefer to tread the path less travelled.

There are distinct reasons to choose the Kodiaq over others. Maybe a Toyota Kluger Hybrid seems too practical, while Mazda CX-9s, Hyundai Santa Fes and Kia Sorentos already dominate local club carparks. You crave distinction.

A Subaru Outback might feel more rugged than stylish, and you're longing for a touch of European elegance. So you consider a Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. But wait, you could opt for the Skoda Kodiaq instead – it's still a product of the VW Group, but a more daring choice both in terms of looks and brand reputation.

The Kodiaq offers an enticing package, but the question remains, against which alternatives is it most compelling?

What are the prices for the Skoda Kodiaq Sportline?

2023 Skoda Kodiaq Pricing 

2022 Skoda Kodiaq Style 4×4 - 52,990

2022 Skoda Kodiaq Sportline 4×4 - 57,990

2022 Skoda Kodiaq RS 4×4 - 74,990

All prices above are drive away. 

The Kodiaq Sportline competes directly with the slightly upper-tier Santa Fe Active, Mazda CX-8 Touring AWD, and Sorento Sport in a similar AWD configuration. However, these competitors primarily offer all-wheel drive coupled with diesel powertrains.

What’s under the bonnet? 

The Kodiaq Sportline, just like the entry-level Style, derives its power from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 132kW in the 3900 to 6000rpm range and 320Nm between 1400 and 3940rpm. This engine works in conjunction with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive.

The choice of a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine in this segment is quite unconventional. Competitors like the Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Outlander rely on naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engines, with the smaller Honda CR-V opting for a 140kW/240Nm 1.5-litre turbo.

Larger seven-seater SUVs typically do not offer turbo-petrol power, presenting options between naturally-aspirated petrol or turbo-diesel fours (Mazda CX-8), or between a petrol V6 or a turbo-diesel four (Santa Fe, Sorento). An exception would be Skoda's corporate cousin, the Tiguan Allspace, or the significantly larger Mazda CX-9.

On a test drive encompassing city, suburban, and highway environments, we achieved an average fuel economy of 8.6L/100km. Skoda officially claims a combined cycle fuel economy of 8.2L/100km, but over a week's span, we observed a slightly higher figure of 10.2L/100km. This model requires 95 RON premium unleaded fuel.

How does the Skoda Kodiaq Sportline drive?

The Kodiaq is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering a decent 132kW and a substantial 320Nm of torque. It's this torque figure that ensures the Kodiaq is never found wanting for pep.

Whether you're pulling away from a standstill or overtaking on the freeway, you'll find a satisfying boost readily available. All 320Nm of that torque is accessible from 1400–3940rpm, resulting in a robust and responsive torque curve.

And before you bemoan a lack of power, keep in mind that the Kodiaq RS is the performance-focused variant, packing a potent 180kW/370Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine under the hood. This model can sprint from 0–100km/h in a brisk 6.6 seconds.

Besides, the Kodiaq's engine really shines during city driving and highway cruising, its usual stomping grounds. In the urban environment, it feels sprightly, even lively for a vehicle of its size. However, this does rely on the seven-speed DSG transmission being cooperative.

The dual-clutch system used by Skoda (and VW) performs beautifully at higher speeds, delivering quick, smooth gear shifts. However, at lower speeds or from a stop, it can display a slightly lackadaisical character.

There may be moments of jerkiness, and it can sometimes feel sluggish when pulling out of intersections or onto roundabouts. Using the steering paddles and switching into Sport mode can remedy much of this sluggishness.

Highway driving at 110km/h is a breeze. The Kodiaq proves to be impressively quiet and comfortable, perfect for family road trips.

Its radar cruise control is top-tier, and while it's easy to critique the absence of standard lane-keeping tech in a family SUV, its absence makes for a quieter, less intrusive drive with no beeping alerts or steering nudges.

Our test model came with optional adaptive suspension, which allows for drive mode selection and damping adjustment. In Comfort mode, the ride is remarkably smooth, only interrupted by larger road imperfections felt through the slim (235/45 R20) Pirelli Scorpion tires.

If you happen upon a well-crafted back road, switch to Sport mode and the Kodiaq shows itself as a surprisingly capable curve-handler, thanks to stiffer damping, sharpened steering, throttle response and gears. The 4x4 Kodiaq demonstrates solid handling, balance, and grip.

It's certainly one of the more composed large SUVs when it comes to spirited driving, although it can't quite match the excitement of its RS sibling.

The Sportline features standard progressive steering, which adjusts the steering angle based on the driving scenario.

Steering effort is lessened at lower speeds, while the steering angle is minimized at higher speeds, providing a rapid response. The fact that it operates so seamlessly, hardly drawing attention to itself, is a testament to its effectiveness.

What is the Skoda Kodiaq Sportline like on the inside? 

The interior of the Kodiaq is comfortably familiar, showcasing Skoda's signature style and attention to detail.

The cabin's design is tastefully understated, boasting a neat layout that's easy on the eyes. The contrast-stitched dash is a nice touch, while the grey marle accents on the door trims and dash inject a modern flair. The seats offer good comfort, and with electric adjustment included in the optional Luxury Pack, dialing in your perfect driving position becomes effortless.

A highlight is the new steering wheel, clad in perforated leather. Instead of traditional switches, it features integrated rollers for managing the Kodiaq’s infotainment functions. These rollers are intuitively placed and easy to operate.

Dual-zone climate control is standard, though our tester sported tri-zone. Regardless of how many zones, adjusting the settings via the robust and tactile dials located just below the 9.2-inch infotainment screen is satisfying. There's no need to navigate complex touch-sensitive sliders or dig into nested menus on a screen. Well done, Skoda.

Skoda's signature features can be found throughout, including flocked door bins (which help silence rattling items), a small litter bin, an umbrella in the driver’s door, and even a designated spot in the center console for the Kodiaq’s key.

Door protectors that flip out are a considerate addition, mitigating potential damage from carelessly opened doors. Skoda demonstrates a keen understanding of interior packaging.

The second row is roomy, offering seats that slide forward and back and have reclining seatbacks for extra comfort. The tablet holders in the front seatbacks are perfect for children on lengthy journeys, while optional separate climate controls and heated seats enhance comfort. However, the lack of USB charging ports is a slight oversight, leaving second-row passengers to compete for the sole 12V outlet.

While the second row is spacious and comfortable, the third row is a bit cramped and challenging to access. Leg and knee room are quite limited, although headroom is surprisingly good. It's fair to consider the Kodiaq as a 5+2 seating configuration, with the sixth and seventh seats best used occasionally.

The cargo area is more generous, providing a modest 270L of space with all seats in use. This expands to 765L with the third row folded and a substantial 2005L with both back rows stowed.

One caveat: folding the second row requires sliding the seat back fully; otherwise, the headrests interfere with the front seatbacks. While initially a minor nuisance, it's something you'd grow accustomed to over time.

The boot floor hides a space-saver spare tire and includes a convenient compartment for storing the cargo blind when it's not needed.

Is the Skoda Kodiaq Sportline safe? 

In terms of safety, the Skoda Kodiaq boasts a five-star ANCAP rating from its 2017 testing. It scored 92 per cent for adult occupant protection, 77 per cent for child occupant protection, 62 per cent for pedestrian protection, and 54 per cent for safety assist features.

Standard safety features encompass:

Autonomous emergency braking

Adaptive cruise control

Driver attention monitoring

Nine airbags, including driver’s knee and rear-side airbags

Front and rear parking sensors

Reversing camera

It's worth noting that several additional active safety and driver assist features are included within optional packages, for example, Skoda’s Lane Assist with adaptive lane guidance and emergency assist is only available through the $2500 Luxury Pack. Also, adding Side Assist (blind spot monitor) with rear cross traffic alert requires an additional $1250. Given that this is a family-focused SUV with a starting price over $50k, it's disappointing to see these safety features not included as standard.

How much does the Skoda Kodiaq Sportline cost to run? 

The Skoda Kodiaq comes with a standard five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. This can be extended to seven years with the purchase of a seven-year prepaid service pack, which costs $3200.

Skoda allows you to pre-pay for servicing, protecting you from potential price increases in the future. A five-year service plan costs $2200, a reasonable price for a large 4x4. If you plan to sell the vehicle before the plan expires, it can also serve as an attractive incentive for potential buyers. Additionally, Skoda offers a service and maintenance subscription, functioning as a pay-as-you-go system.

Yeecar’s Take on the Skoda Kodiaq Sportline 

Despite being close to the introduction of a new model, the current Kodiaq remains an impressive option in the family SUV segment due to its versatility, desirability, and pleasant driving dynamics. Its aesthetic appeal is still strong, particularly in the sportier Sportline all-wheel-drive configuration.

Its user-friendly dashboard, versatile seating, and clever cargo space are strong selling points, although it does lag behind some competitors in terms of standard tech and safety features. The seven-year warranty does somewhat mitigate this issue.

The ride and handling of the Kodiaq are impressive, but if you're looking for high performance, consider the Skoda Kodiaq RS or a competitor like the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 162TSI R-Line. The Kodiaq Sportline prioritizes style over performance, which aligns with its intended family-oriented duties.

The Sportline’s appealing looks and luxurious, comfortable cabin make it an SUV that owners can take pride in. If you can resist adding too many optional features and packages, its price remains competitive. However, if you're considering upgrades, the $2100 Tech Pack—with adaptive dampers—would be a recommended choice.