Czech automaker Skoda has launched its latest premium SUV, the Kodiaq in an all-new avatar last month. The new Kodiaq, apart from an updated design, comes with a new 2.0 litre TSI engine mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission. The Kodiaq has been launched in only one powertrain with the new model, and has been launched at a price of ₹46.89 lakh for the base variant and ₹48.69 lakh for the Laurent Klement (L&K) Edition.
Given the price range, the Skoda Kodiaq comes as a direct competitor to popular SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner, Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line, the BMW X1, MG Gloster, Nissan X-Trail, Hyundai Tucson, and the Jeep Meridien. So how does the Kodiaq compare with each of its competitors in terms of price, design, powertrain, features, and fuel efficiency? Let’s find out!
Skoda Kodiaq vs Rivals: Price
As mentioned above, the Kodiaq is priced at ₹46.89 lakh onwards (ex-showroom) in India. Skoda has also launched the L&K variant of the car this time around, which is priced at ₹48.69 lakh (ex-showroom) in India. In comparison, the Toyota Fortuner starts at ₹42.72 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base variant, the MG Gloster is priced at ₹46.24 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards, the Audi Q3 is priced at ₹44.99 lakh onwards, and the BMW X1 starts at a price of ₹50.80 lakh (ex-showroom).
Skoda Kodiaq vs Rivals: Powertrain
It has been established that the new Skoda Kodiaq has been launched in a single powertrain option – a 2.0 litre 4-cylinder TSI petrol engine with a 7-speed DSG transmission. This allows the Kodiaq to generate 201 bhp of power and 320 Nm torque.
Now while the Kodiaq only comes in a petrol option, only the Audi Q3 joins it in a petrol-only option. The Toyota Fortuner and the BMW X1 are available in both petrol and diesel options, while the MG Gloster is available only in diesel.
Skoda Kodiaq vs Rivals: Features
Now in terms of the features and comfort, the Toyota Fortuner is no match to the Skoda Kodiaq. This car is a proper luxury SUV, despite the market placement. This is probably the most feature-loaded car in this segment and gets pretty much every creature comfort feature that you can think of, apart from many safety and convenience features.
| Feature | 2025 Skoda Kodiaq | Toyota Fortuner | MG Gloster | Jeep Meridian | VW Tiguan R-Line | Audi Q3 | BMW X1 | Hyundai Tucson | Nissan X-Trail |
| Touchscreen Size | 12.9/13 inch | 8 inch | 12.3 inch | 10.1 inch | 12.9/15 inch | (Size Varies) | (Size Varies) | 10.25 inch | (Size Varies) |
| Digital Instrument Cluster | 10.25 inch | Semi-Digital | 8 inch | 10.25 inch | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | (Details Needed) | (Details Needed) | Yes | (Details Needed) |
| Premium Audio System | Canton (14 spk) | JBL (11 spk) | 12 Speakers | Alpine (9 spk) | Harman Kardon | (Details Needed) | (Details Needed) | (Details Needed) | (Details Needed) |
| Heads-Up Display (HUD) | Yes | No | No | No | (Availability?) | No | No | No | No |
| Panoramic Sunroof | Yes | (Availability?) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (Available) | Yes (Available) | Yes | Yes (Available) |
| Ventilated Front Seats | Yes (L&K) | Yes | Yes | Yes (Top Trims) | (Availability?) | (Details Needed) | (Details Needed) | Yes | (Details Needed) |
| ADAS Features | Yes (Limited) | Yes (Limited) | Yes (Comprehensive) | Yes (Limited) | Yes (Very Comp.) | (Details Needed) | (Details Needed) | Yes (Comprehensive) | (Details Needed) |
| Airbags | Up to 9 | Up to 7 | 6 | 6 | 9 | (Details Needed) | (Details Needed) | Up to 6 | (Details Needed) |
| 360-Degree Camera | Yes (L&K) | No | Yes | Yes | (Availability?) | No | No | No | (Details Needed) |
| Massage Seats | Yes (L&K) | No | Yes (Driver) | No | Yes (Global) | No | No | No | No |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 | 6/7 | 5/7 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Standard AWD | Yes | (Availability?) | (Availability?) | (Availability?) | Yes | (Availability?) | (Availability?) | (Availability?) | (Availability?) |
In terms of the safety features, the Skoda Kushaq variant that has been launched in the country
Skoda Kodiaq vs Rivals: Design and Dimensions
Without commenting on the design of the Skoda Kodiaq, I will say that there is no good or bad design. All cars have their own distinct character. While some may have a bigger, more bold road presence, some are smaller in size. It is only fascinating to think that in the borderline luxury segment, there are five cars of distinctive sizes. From big and bulky Toyota Fortuner and MG Gloster to sleek and stylish Audi Q3 and BMW X1, this segment itself has many variations in terms of the design and look of cars.
Here’s a detailed look at the size difference between the Skoda Kodiaq and its other rivals:
Conclusion
So the Skoda Kodiaq has its advantages and disadvantages when it comes to comparing it with rivals. The car is much more luxurious and comes with many features that its rivals or even cars in segments above it don’t offer. And while it stands out in terms of luxury and comfort, rivals like the Fortuner and Gloster are ahead in sheer size and off-road capabilities. But if you want an SUV that can be a comfortable city car and a pretty capable off-roader when it wants to be, the Skoda Kodiaq is probably the best car under ₹50 lakh.
