Skoda Kodiaq 4x4 Review

Caroline reviews the Skoda Kodiaq Scout.

Following on from the successful 2017 launch of the new Skoda Kodiaq SUV, Skoda has enhanced the Kodiaq range further with the addition of an upscale Kodiaq Scout model, packed with features, style upgrades and 4×4 for when the going gets rough. All ‘Scouts’ will need 4×4 at some point, right?

If Skoda were a fashion label, the Scout line of models would be their Outdoors range. The Skoda Kodiaq Scout wears extra body jewellery in the form of special Scout off-road front and rear bumpers, a rear diffuser, Scout plaques on the front wings, silver roof rails and door mirrors, and unique 19″ ‘Crater’ alloy wheels. The silver details heighten the Kodiaq’s visual chutzpah considerably, going a long way to justify the €50,395 price tag bestowed upon my test model.

The Scout also features a ‘rough road package’ as standard that includes an engine guard and underbody protection.

Does the Skoda Kodiaq Scout make a good family SUV?

Inside the Skoda Kodiaq is naturally cavernous with 5 or 7 seat models available. It offers tonnes of space in row 2, while row 3 is more than good too. There’s an optional electric tailgate (€508) that opens to reveal 720 litres in 5 seat mode, and 270 litres in 7 seat mode.

The cabin of the Kodiaq Scout is well-finished with controls and an infotainment system that are pleasingly logical to use. The Columbus navigation system, has a 9.2-inch monitor, a Wi-Fi hotspot and an LTE module. An automatic Emergency Call function comes as standard.

The Scout features Alcantara-trimmed seats, wood-finish dashboard and door inserts, and a Scout plaque on the dashboard. There’s also aluminium-trimmed pedals, LED ambient lighting, dual zone climate control, cruise control, rear parking camera and parking sensors.

Driving Mode Select comes as standard with Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual and Snow settings, which can be used to control the engine, automatic transmission, power steering and air conditioning.

In Ireland the Skoda Kodiaq Scout is available with a 1.4TSI petrol (150bhp) or the 2.0TDI diesel (150 or 190bhp). 4×4 is standard. The Kodiaq Scout range starts from €44,650 for a 5 seat 1.4-litre model. Depending on model, there’s manual and automatic gearboxes available.

My test car was a 7 seat 2.0TDI 190bhp with DSG automatic gearbox for €50,395.

What’s the Skoda Kodiaq Scout like to drive?

On the road the Skoda Kodiaq Scout is easy to drive and relatively agile for its size. It’s smooth on the road and the DSG gearbox never misses a beat. The steering is light making it an effortless daily drive, and while it can’t be described as sporty, grip is good in the corners and body roll neatly contained. It’s refined and comfortable on the move, and the 2.0TDI provides plenty of strength and flexibility.

The Skoda Kodiaq makes a great family car because it’s spacious, comfortable and nice to drive. The Kodiaq Scout errs more on the expensive side, but the Scout makes a compelling case for itself. The test model with range topping 2.0-litre diesel, 4×4 and automatic gearbox leaves drivers wanting for nothing, while the car has a lot of visual clout and smart touches. Skoda just keeps raising the bar and it would be foolish to bypass an SUV as good as the Kodiaq Scout.

Caroline Kidd

Model tested: Skoda Kodiaq Scout 2.0TDI 4X4 DSG 7 seats
Price: €50,395 (Scout available from €44,650)
Engine:  2.0-litre turbo diesel
Power: 190hp
Torque: 340Nm
0-100km/h: 10.1 seconds
Top speed: 192km/h
Claimed Economy: 5.7/100km
CO2 emissions:  149g/km
Motor tax: €390 per year