By MotorOctan, Published: April 16, 2025

The premium SUV market in India is heating up, and the 2025 Skoda Kodiaq is leading the charge with a bold blend of European style, family-friendly practicality, and cutting-edge technology. As a contributor to Elite Vehicles—the UK-based YouTube channel with 55.2K subscribers diving into elite cars like Porsche, Bentley, and now Skoda (youtube.com/@EliteVehicles)—I’ve seen SUVs evolve from rugged haulers to luxurious multitaskers. The second-generation Kodiaq, priced at ₹45-50 lakh, takes on stalwarts like the Toyota Fortuner with a fresh design and tech that feels a step ahead. After analyzing its specs and market buzz, I’m sharing the top 10 reasons to buy the 2025 Skoda Kodiaq, plus a look at its drawbacks to help you decide if it’s your next ride. Whether you’re a city dweller or weekend adventurer, let’s explore why this SUV deserves a spot in your garage. Subscribe to Elite Vehicles and dive in!

1. Stunning Design: European Elegance Meets SUV Swagger

The 2025 Kodiaq’s Modern Solid design is a visual knockout, stretching 4,758mm long (+59mm over the original), 1,864mm wide, and 1,659mm tall for a sleek, grounded stance. Unlike the Fortuner’s boxy bulk (4,795mm x 1,855mm), it balances sophistication with presence.

• Signature Looks: The butterfly grille and Matrix LED headlights (software-upgradable for adaptive beams) give it a crystalline, futuristic edge—perfect for urban show-offs.
• L&K Exclusives: The Velvet Red paint and 18-inch aero alloys (removable covers for efficiency) scream premium—Sportline trims add sportier flair.
• Aerodynamics: A ~0.30 drag coefficient (est.) boosts fuel economy, outshining the Fortuner’s less-slippery frame.
• Practical Touches: Roof rails and a 192mm ground clearance handle city roads and light trails, though not deep off-roading.

Compared to the Fortuner’s chrome-heavy aggression or MG Gloster’s busy lines, the Kodiaq’s clean, elegant profile appeals to buyers craving style without shouting. It’s the SUV you park proudly at a five-star hotel.

2. Luxurious Interior: A Cabin That Feels Like Home

The Kodiaq’s interior is a masterclass in comfort—soft-touch plastics, leatherette upholstery, and a light-colored roof create an airy, upscale vibe that trumps the Fortuner’s utilitarian cabin.

• Front Seats: Ventilated, heated, and massaging with thigh extenders—ideal for my 6-foot frame on long drives. Adjustability ensures comfort for all sizes.
• Second Row: Sliding seats deliver 36 inches of knee room (max) and 39 inches of headroom—tall adults stretch out easily, unlike the Fortuner’s fixed bench.
• Third Row: A step up from the old Kodiaq—37 inches of headroom lets 6-footers sit (just), with 30 inches of legroom for kids or short trips. It’s a “5+2.5” setup, better than Fortuner’s cramped rear.

The panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light, and ambient lighting sets a cozy mood—features the Fortuner skips in lower trims. It’s a sanctuary for families or solo cruisers alike.

3. Family-Friendly Practicality: Space and Smarts for All

The Kodiaq’s 7-seat versatility makes it a family MVP, with Simply Clever touches that ease daily life—something the Fortuner’s raw space can’t match.

• Boot Space: 270L with third row up (fits two small suitcases), expanding to 2,065L folded—great for weekend getaways. Fortuner’s 296L base is less flexible.
• Storage Galore:
  • Door bins hold 2L bottles—perfect for road trips.
  • Sliding armrest hides sunglasses and gadgets—deeper than Fortuner’s console.
  • Hooks, bins, and a fixed boot light keep things tidy.
• Rear Amenities: Tablet holders, sunblinds, Type-C ports, and 12V sockets keep kids happy—Fortuner offers only basic vents.

The Kodiaq’s thoughtful design—like a screen-cleaning cloth—makes it a practical partner for busy parents or gear-heavy travelers.

4. Cutting-Edge Technology: A Digital Cockpit That Delivers

Tech lovers, rejoice—the Kodiaq’s digital cockpit is a game-changer, leaving the Fortuner’s dated setup in the dust.

• 13-inch Touchscreen: Crisp, responsive, with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, and OTA updates—menus are intuitive, unlike Fortuner’s clunky 8-inch screen.
• Smart Dials: Control AC, drive modes, and volume—ergonomic and slick, saving fumbling compared to Fortuner’s buttons.
• 10-inch Digital Cluster: Customizable—show maps, fuel, or music. Fortuner’s analog-digital mix feels old-school.
• Audio Bliss: 14-speaker Canton system delivers rich sound, outclassing Fortuner’s 9-speaker JBL.

Extras like a head-up display (L&K), wireless charging pads, and a dashcam port cement its modern edge—ideal for gadget-savvy buyers.

5. Refined Performance: Power That Balances Thrill and Efficiency

The Kodiaq’s 2.0L turbo-petrol engine churns out 204hp and 320Nm, paired with a 7-speed DSG and AWD—expect 0-100kph in ~8 seconds (est.).

• Driving Feel:
  • Smooth acceleration—no turbo lag, unlike Fortuner’s diesel surge.
  • 14.86kmpl (claimed)—sips fuel for a 1,805kg SUV, beating Fortuner’s 10-14kmpl.
  • Dynamic Chassis Control (future-ready) tailors modes (Eco, Sport, Snow).
• Future Options: A 2.0L diesel (~200hp) and 260hp RS petrol (5-seater) are slated for 2026, adding versatility.

The Fortuner’s 2.8L diesel (201hp, 500Nm) offers torque but feels noisier—Kodiaq’s petrol polish suits city commutes, with diesel/RS for later buyers.

6. Comfortable Ride: Urban Poise Meets Long-Distance Ease

The Kodiaq’s MQB Evo platform and multi-link suspension deliver a plush ride—smoother than the Fortuner’s bouncy ladder-frame setup.

• City Comfort: Absorbs potholes at low speeds; firm in Sport mode for control.
• Highway Stability: 192mm clearance and AWD grip keep it planted—quiet cabin (laminated glass) blocks noise, unlike Fortuner’s diesel clatter.
• Handling: Nimble for its size—less body roll than Fortuner in corners.

While the Fortuner shines off-road, the Kodiaq’s urban refinement—think Mumbai traffic or Delhi highways—makes daily drives a breeze.

7. Advanced Safety: Protection You Can Trust

Safety is paramount, and the Kodiaq’s 5-star Euro NCAP rating delivers:

• Standard Features:
  • 9 airbags, ABS, ESC, hill hold/descent control.
  • 360° camera and six sensors (front/rear) with park assist—decent visuals, though not class-leading.
• Future-Ready: Radar hints at ADAS (lane-keep, adaptive cruise) via updates—Fortuner skips this entirely.

The Fortuner’s 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating (7 airbags, VSC) is solid but basic—no 360° camera or ADAS potential. Kodiaq’s modern suite gives peace of mind for families.

8. Competitive Pricing: Premium Value Without Breaking the Bank

At ₹45 lakh (Sportline) to ₹48-50 lakh (L&K), the Kodiaq undercuts European rivals like the VW Tiguan (~₹55 lakh, est.) while matching the Fortuner’s top trims (₹33.43-51.44 lakh).

• What You Get:
  • Matrix LEDs, massage seats, Canton audio—features Fortuner reserves for Legender or skips.
  • 5-year/1,25,000km warranty—beats Fortuner’s 3 years/1,00,000km (extendable to 7).
• Ownership Costs: ₹59,900 for 4-year maintenance (est.)—slightly pricier than Fortuner (~₹50,000), but tech justifies it.

The Kodiaq’s value-luxury balance appeals to buyers who want more than Fortuner’s base-model basics without Audi-level costs.

9. Family Versatility: A 7-Seater Built for Real Life

Unlike 5-seat rivals like the Hyundai Tucson, the Kodiaq’s 7-seat flexibility caters to growing families or group outings.

• Seating Dynamics:
  • Second-row slide adjusts for third-row access—easier than Fortuner’s clunky climb.
  • Third row suits kids or 5’5” adults—better than Fortuner’s tighter space.
• Cargo: 270L boot (third row up) fits school bags or groceries; 2,065L folded handles camping gear—Fortuner’s ~1,800L max lags.
• Kid-Friendly: ISOFIX mounts, sunblinds, and rear AC vents keep everyone comfy.

The Kodiaq’s practical smarts make it a family road-trip star—Fortuner’s space is similar but less thoughtful.

10. Brand Momentum: Skoda’s Premium Push Pays Off

Skoda’s climbing the premium ladder in India—sales hit 1,00,000 units since 2021, per X posts (@volklub). The Kodiaq builds on this:

• L&K Prestige: Named after founders Laurin & Klement, it’s Skoda’s luxury flagship—think Genesis to Hyundai.
• Future Plans: Diesel (2026) and RS variant (260hp) show commitment—Fortuner’s GR-S is sporty but less refined.
• Service Reach: 150+ touchpoints in India—smaller than Toyota’s 400+ but growing fast, with 5-year roadside assistance.

While Toyota’s reliability legend (10,000+ Fortuner sales yearly) holds strong, Skoda’s European cachet and innovation lure urban buyers seeking something new.

Drawbacks: Where the Kodiaq Falls Short

No SUV is flawless—here’s where the Kodiaq stumbles:

• Third-Row Comfort: Tight for adults over 5’8”—legroom (~30 inches) and seat angle limit long trips. Fortuner’s third row is equally cramped but cheaper at base trims.
• Off-Road Limits: 192mm clearance and no low-range gear can’t match Fortuner’s 225mm and 4WD prowess—stick to light trails.
• No ADAS Yet: Radar exists, but lane-keep or adaptive cruise awaits updates—Fortuner skips ADAS too, but rivals like MG Gloster offer it now.
• Price Premium: ₹45-50 lakh is steep vs. Fortuner’s ₹33 lakh start—value-conscious buyers may hesitate.
• Resale Value: ~55% after 3 years (est.) trails Fortuner’s ~65%—Toyota’s market grip is unmatched.

These niggles don’t dim the Kodiaq’s shine but matter for specific needs—off-roaders or budget buyers might pause.

Kodiaq vs. Fortuner: Which Should You Choose?

The 2025 Skoda Kodiaq and Toyota Fortuner cater to different drivers—here’s how to decide:

• Choose the Kodiaq If:
  • You’re an urban family seeking luxury, tech, and comfort—think Mumbai or Delhi commutes.
  • You value European style, massage seats, and a quiet ride for ₹45-50 lakh.
  • You want future-proofing—diesel/RS variants and ADAS are coming.
  • Example Buyer: A tech exec needing a stylish 7-seater for school runs and weekend getaways.
• Choose the Fortuner If:
  • You’re an adventurer tackling rugged terrain—think Himalayan trails or rural roads.
  • You prioritize diesel torque, reliability, and resale value for ₹33-51 lakh.
  • You don’t need flashy tech—basic safety and space suffice.
  • Example Buyer: A business owner hauling gear across tough landscapes.
• Specs Snapshot:
  • Kodiaq: 204hp petrol, 14.86kmpl, 270L boot, ₹45-50 lakh—tech and refinement.
  • Fortuner: 201hp diesel, 14kmpl, 296L boot, ₹33-51 lakh—rugged and trusted.
• Other Options:
  • MG Gloster (₹38-43 lakh): Diesel, ADAS, but less premium.
  • Jeep Meridian (₹31-39 lakh): Plush but underpowered.
  • Hyundai Tucson (₹29-36 lakh): Urban, no third row.

My Take: If city comfort and modern features drive you, the Kodiaq’s luxe-tech edge wins—I’d pick it for its quiet cabin and Canton audio. If off-road grit and long-term savings matter, the Fortuner’s proven toughness is king. Test-drive both to feel the vibe—your lifestyle picks the champ.

Verdict: Is the 2025 Skoda Kodiaq Your Next SUV?

The 2025 Skoda Kodiaq is a premium SUV triumph—204hp power, a plush cabin, and family smarts for ₹45-50 lakh. Its Matrix LEDs, 14-speaker audio, and future diesel/RS plans shake up a segment ruled by the Fortuner. Third-row limits and off-road constraints exist, but they don’t overshadow its urban versatility and European flair. Whether you’re ferrying kids or cruising highways, it’s a compelling pick—I’d love one in Velvet Red for weekend escapes. Fortuner fan? Kodiaq curious? Sound off below—subscribe to Elite Vehicles for more elite reviews!

Quick Specs

• Price: ₹45-50 lakh (ex-showroom)
• Engine: 2.0L turbo-petrol, 204hp, 320Nm
• Transmission: 7-speed DSG, AWD
• Mileage: 14.86kmpl (claimed)
• Key Features: Matrix LEDs, Canton audio, panoramic sunroof, 270L boot