2025 Škoda Kodiaq: HIGHLIGHTS
- New generation of the SUV flagship: NEW appearance, new features and more spacious interior
- Completely redesigned exterior: first elements of the new Modern Solid design language and further aerodynamic improvements
- More space and comfort: roomier, minimalistic interior design featuring sustainable materials, Škoda Smart Dials and larger infotainments
- Cutting-edge technology: innovative assistance systems, new generations of LED Matrix beam headlights and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC Plus)
Škoda has presented the second generation of the Kodiaq, taking sustainability, spaciousness and safety to a new level, says the company. The Czech car manufacturer’s SUV flagship has seen its dimensions increased once again and now features the first elements of the Modern Solid design language.
The all-new Kodiaq comes with new infotainment systems, including a 13-inch screen for the Selection TDI 142kW and an optional head-up display. Škoda Smart Dials with haptic controls and a 10-inch Virtual Cockpit come as standard. Škoda’s large SUV also adopts a new interior concept based on Design Selections.

Two powertrains will be offered at launch with outputs from 110 kW to 142 kW. Both are mated to a DSG automatic transmission. Globally, the powertrain line-up now includes a plug-in hybrid version with an electric range of more than 100 kilometres and an entry-level mild-hybrid powertrain. The 142kW and 195kW TSI engines are combined with all-wheel drive as standard. Also making their debuts are the latest generations of the LED Matrix beam headlights with a significantly higher light output and the Dynamic Chassis Control system (DCC Plus). These features are native to RS variant set to arrive later in 2025.
Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, says: “Our all-new flagship SUV takes the Škoda hallmarks our customers love to the next level: more space, more features, and more efficiency. With innovations like Smart Dials and sleek, sustainable interior materials, elements from our Modern Solid design language, and updated safety and assistance systems, the next-generation Kodiaq makes everyday exploring even more rewarding.
Since its launch, the Kodiaq has been a real game-changer for our brand, playing a crucial role in Škoda’s growth and consistently resonating with our customers. The new Kodiaq is perfectly placed to continue this successful legacy.”
2025 Škoda Kodiaq: Design, Sustainability, Technologies
On the exterior, the Kodiaq RS has second-generation LED Matrix beam headlights and the front grille featuring a horizontal light strip. Inside the cabin, all variants employ recycled textiles. Those equipped with the ecoSuite design use leather originating from an eco-friendly tanning process that reflects the focus on sustainability. In addition to the new range structure with specific Design Selections and optional packages, the Kodiaq also features a new interior concept. The infotainment display is now free-standing, with a screen diagonal of up to 13 inches. A head-up display is optionally available for the first time.

The gear selector lever is now mounted on the steering column, which lends the centre console a very clean and tidy look while adding extra space. The Škoda Smart Dials are another brand-new feature in the all-new Kodiaq – three rotary controls positioned below the infotainment screen. Combining haptic controls with a 32-millimetre colour display, they provide customisable access to various vehicle and infotainment functions. The new ventilated Phone Box enables inductive charging of two smartphones at the same time, delivering up to 15 W of power.
2025 Škoda Kodiaq: Exterior
With the second-generation Kodiaq, Škoda has further refined the SUV’s robust and sculptural design, giving it a more rugged appearance. In addition to the squared-off wheel arches, the new brand logo on the bonnet and tailgate lettering conforming to the new Škoda CI. The vehicle’s solid look is further enhanced by the new Unique Dark Chrome finish. Standard for RS, the LED Matrix beam headlights and front grille with horizontal light strip and the interconnected LED rear lights with animated indicators are making their debut on the all-new Kodiaq.
With an increase in length of more than six centimetres, the Kodiaq offers more interior space for up to seven passengers and “plenty” of luggage. In addition, Škoda has improved the model’s aerodynamics, achieving a cd value of 0.282. Major aerodynamic advances were achieved by introducing active cooling shutters and redesigning the front and rear bumpers.

2025 Škoda Kodiaq: Upgraded Lighting
The new headlamps contain 50 per cent more light segments and offer more powerful light output than the first generation. Two headlight modules arranged one above the other contain a Bi-LED module for the full beam and dipped beam and an inner Matrix beam module comprising 36 light segments. They create the typical four-eyed look of a Škoda SUV at night. Between the two vertically arranged “eyes”, a fine LED strip in the shape of a “Flying Arrow” serves as the daytime running light, parking light and indicator. A static corner light near the inside edge of the headlamp unit tapers towards the Škoda grille. The look of the LED Matrix beam headlights is also defined by Crystallinium. This crystalline element evoking coloured crystal glass brings a new splash of turquoise colour to the headlights. The entry Kodiaqs front headlights also uses LED technology exclusively, as do the standard LED rear lights. The optional LED rear lights with animated indicators (standard for RS) come with a red decorative strip with a crystalline structure that connects the two rear lamps together.
The rear lamps are split into three sections, with a sharp design featuring crystalline elements. The new, wide C-shaped light signature extends deep into the tailgate. The optional LED rear lights with animated indicators come with illuminated crystalline sections and additional side marker lights.

2025 Škoda Kodiaq: Interior
The new Škoda Kodiaq comes with a completely redesigned interior and a new set of controls. Its free-standing infotainment screen measures up to 13 inches. Positioned below the infotainment screen are the new Škoda Smart Dials, providing quick access to numerous vehicle functions. In a first for Škoda’s large SUV, an optional head-up display is available to complement the reworked 10-inch Virtual Cockpit featuring new graphics. The new centre console has a clean, tidy look, as the gear selector lever is now mounted on the steering column.

Four USB-C ports with an output of 45 W ensure fast charging of smartphones, tablets or laptops. Also making its Škoda debut is a Phone Box that enables inductive charging of two smartphones at up to 15 W and includes a ventilating function. Both the Loft and ecoSuite Design Selections feature numerous sustainable materials making the Kodiaq TSI 110kW and Selection TDI 142kW great examples of Škoda’s focus on a circular economy.
2025 Škoda Kodiaq: Smart Dials
The Škoda Smart Dials in the second-generation Kodiaq are three new, intuitive multifunctional controls below the infotainment display. They can be operated by turning and pressing, and each carries a digital colour display with a 32-millimetre diameter. This clever combination of haptic and digital elements allows quick access to numerous vehicle functions. The controls have a Unique Dark Chrome finish and a tactile surface texture composed of tiny pyramids. The two outer Smart Dials for the driver and front passenger control the interior temperature, seat heating and seat ventilation. Each Smart Dial’s current function is shown in the display. A short press of each knob selects from the chosen functions and all adjustments of the set functions are done by turning the Smart Dial.
The centre Smart Dial controls up to four functions selected by the user from the following six: the volume of the infotainment system, fan speed, air direction, smart air conditioning, driving modes and map zoom.

Configuration of the centre Smart Dial is performed via a long press of the centre Smart Dial and then in a relevant infotainment system menu. Four additional hardware buttons between the dials provide direct access to windscreen defogging, rear window heating, air recirculation and automatic air conditioning functions. In a first for the Kodiaq, the gear selector lever is mounted on the steering column for easy access. As a result, the centre console has a clean and tidy look. The storage compartment’s capacity has also increased by 2.1 litres.
2025 Škoda Kodiaq: Improved AC, massage seats
The climate control menu has been updated to allow quick access to all heating functions for the seats, steering wheel, windscreen and rear window via a convenient ‘Heaters’ button.
AGR-certified Ergo seats with a pneumatic massage function are optionally available. They each have ten air cushions that can be programmed using the infotainment menu or the controls on the seat, with up to eight different massage functions to choose from. The Kodiaq also offers an optional Phone Box for simultaneous inductive fast charging of two smartphones at up to 15 W, complete with a ventilating function.

2025 Škoda Kodiaq: Four Design Selections to choose from
The Kodiaq adopts the Design Selections already known from the Enyaq family, featuring coordinated colours and materials. The choices include Loft, with grey recycled fabric seat upholstery – standard for Kodiaq TSI 110kW. An optional Lounge design with grey Suedia microfibre upholstery in combination with wool, artificial leather and X-shaped decorative stitching in Mustard Yellow. The third option, ecoSuite (standard for Selection TDI 142Kw) features sustainably treated leather in black with grey X-shaped decorative stitching or in optional Cognac with tone-on-tone stitching.
All chrome detailing in the interior has been replaced with the new Unique Dark Chrome finish. In addition to the Smart Dials, this also includes the trim on the door panels and on the redesigned steering wheel, the frame of the infotainment screen and other decorative strips accentuating the instrument panel’s air vents, the top part of the dashboard and the cover for the storage compartment in the centre console. Ambient lighting and footwell lighting come as standard with all interior Design Selections.
2025 Škoda Kodiaq: Numerous sustainable materials and new Simply Clever features
The interior of the Kodiaq is focused on sustainability. All textiles used for the seat upholstery, the carpets in the cabin and the luggage compartment as well as the headliner contain recycled polyester or, in the case of the Design Selection Lounge, a combination of recycled yarns and natural wool. The leather featured in the Suite Design Selection is tanned in an environmentally friendly way using residues from coffee bean processing. Two iconic Simply Clever details, the umbrella and the ice scraper, are now also made from sustainable materials.

New to the list of Simply Clever details are a display cleaner stored in the centre console (for vehicles with 13” infotainment) and a storage box on the central tunnel in front of the sliding rear seat bench, which once again enables backward and forward adjustment. Two additional seats in the third row are standard for Selection TDI 142kW. The two cargo elements under the boot floor have been improved and are now made of aluminium.
Also on board in the second Kodiaq generation is the door edge protection. There is now a QR code in the boot, linking users to an instructional video on how to make full use of the luggage and storage compartments.

2025 Škoda Kodiaq: Powertrains – plug-in and mild-hybrid technology, a first for the Kodiaq
The second-generation Kodiaq showcases a versatile range of modern and highly efficient engines that includes both petrol and diesel options. Globally, for the first time, the Kodiaq is also available with plug-in and mild hybrid technology. The plug-in hybrid powertrain for the Kodiaq iV offers a system output of 150 kW (204 hp) and an all-electric range of more than 100 kilometres on the WLTP cycle. Mild-hybrid technology comes in the entry-level 1.5 TSI with 110 kW (150 hp). For the New Zealand market, a 2.0 TDI diesel with 142 kW (193 hp) is the headliner at launch. This will be accompanied by the familiar 1.4 TSI powertrain paired to the previous generation Kodiaq. The 142kW diesel comes with all-wheel drive as standard and all engines are mated to a DSG transmission.
2025 Škoda Kodiaq: Premiere for the new DCC Plus Dynamic Chassis Control
The second-generation Kodiaq is optionally available with the new DCC Plus Dynamic Chassis Control. This new version uses two independently controlled valves to separate the suspension’s rebound and compression stages. Previously, both functions were controlled by a shared valve. The new generation enables faster damping adjustment and a wider range of damping characteristics. Drivers and passengers will notice the difference in the form of faster responses, enhanced driving dynamics and increased comfort. Ground clearance with DCC Plus remains the same as with the standard suspension.

2025 Škoda Kodiaq: Safety
The new Škoda Kodiaq is now equipped with nano radar sensors. Positioned in the right and left corners of the front apron and rear bumper, they further enhance the performance of the state-of-the-art assistance systems, such as the upgraded Front Assist or Side Assist. Among the new assistance systems which increase safety and comfort are Turn Assist, Collision Avoidance Assist, Crossroad Assist and Exit Warning. Turn Assist responds with a warning and where appropriate, automatic braking if there is a vehicle approaching when turning in the face of oncoming traffic. Collision Avoidance Assist automatically amplifies steering movements during sudden evasive manoeuvres. Crossroad Assist uses radar sensors and the front camera to warn of crossing traffic, cyclists or pedestrians when pulling out of a driveway or blind exit.
Where appropriate, it triggers visual and acoustic warnings and then automatically applies the brakes. Exit Warning provides a visual warning in the exterior mirror as well as a warning sound when the door is opened while traffic is approaching from behind. It has a range of 35 metres and covers an angle of 120 degrees.

2025 Škoda Kodiaq: Improved Side Assist, Travel Assist, new Attention and Drowsiness Assist
With the latest version of Side Assist, the detection range for vehicles coming from behind increases from 70 to 90 metres for more safety, especially on motorways. This is due to more powerful nano radar sensors positioned in the corners of the bumpers. The improved Travel Assist offers enhanced visualisation of other nearby vehicles in the Virtual Cockpit. In the Assisted Drive package, Travel Assist includes Adaptive Lane Assist and Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control (PACC). Working in concert with the Traffic Sign Recognition and navigation system, this anticipates bends, junctions and roundabouts. The maximum speed permitted at any time is acquired from the Intelligent Speed Assist, which also uses the latest version of the Traffic Sign Recognition assistant and adapts the speed to upcoming restrictions in a timely manner, without using the brakes. The new Attention and Drowsiness Assist replaces the previous Driver Alert system. It monitors driver behaviour, assesses the driver’s potential level of fatigue and triggers visual and acoustic warnings in the Virtual Cockpit if necessary. In addition to data from the power steering, the new system now also accesses information from various vehicle control units, including Lane Assist, and detects deviations from normal steering behaviour at speeds over 10 km/h.
2025 Škoda Kodiaq: Up to nine airbags
The second-generation Kodiaq comes with nine airbags. In addition to driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags for the front seats, head airbags and a central airbag between the driver and front passenger are already included as standard. Side airbags for the second row of seats are also standard irrespective of trim for the New Zealand market.
2025 Škoda Kodiaq RS: Sports variant offers even more dynamic performance in its second generation
The second generation of the dynamic range-topping Škoda Kodiaq RS model benefits from a significant increase in power. The new 2.0 TSI petrol engine now produces 195 kW. With its gloss black exterior details extending all the way to the D-pillar, the sporty Kodiaq version is instantly recognisable as a member of Škoda’s RS family. The specific exterior look is underlined by sporty bumpers and the front grille’s horizontal light strip.
The extensive standard equipment includes LED Matrix beam headlights, progressive steering, DCC Plus and a Canton sound system. Customers can choose from two Design Selections.

2025 Škoda Kodiaq RS: Black exterior accents, sporty bumpers, front grille with horizontal light strip
Numerous black exterior accents are a hallmark of Škoda RS models. Accordingly, the second-generation Kodiaq RS comes with a glossy black finish for its grille frame, exterior mirror covers, the upper parts of the window frames, the roof rails and the entire D-pillar. This establishes a visual link between the darkened rear side windows and the darkened rear window (Sunset). The Kodiaq RS also has a sporty front bumper with various parts finished in black. Another exclusive exterior highlight is the front grille featuring a horizontal light strip. As in all Škoda RS models, the rear has a reflector spanning the entire width of the vehicle. The Škoda lettering and model designation on the tailgate also come in black, while the rear bumper and side sills are painted in body colour. Polished stainless-steel exhaust tips are visible under the rear bumper. The new RS logo adorns the tailgate and the Škoda grille. The standard 20-inch Elias alloy wheels have a polished black finish and are exclusive to the RS. The brakes are sized to match the higher power output of the car, and the seven-seat version (standard) comes with two-piston calipers on the front axle. The front and rear brake discs are ventilated.
Furthermore, the calipers are painted in red, emphasising the alloy wheels’ sporting appeal. The Kodiaq RS is available with a choice of eight exterior finishes: one solid colour and a total of seven metallic paint finishes, including Bronx Gold Metallic.
2025 Škoda Kodiaq RS: New 2.0 TSI petrol engine delivers more power than its predecessor
The 2.0 TSI petrol engine in the new Kodiaq RS offers a power output of 195 kW (265 hp) – an increase of 15 kW (20 hp) over its predecessor – and a maximum torque of 400 Nm. The engine complies with the EU 6 EB emissions standard. Torque distribution to all four wheels is handled by a 7-speed DSG transmission included as standard. Progressive steering is standard as well and makes for particularly safe and agile handling. The Kodiaq RS also includes Dynamic Sound Boost underlining the emotive engine sound.
2025 Škoda Kodiaq RS: Interior with a choice of two Design Selections and acoustic side windows
In the interior, two Design Selections are available for the Kodiaq RS. The RS Lounge Design Selection is standard and includes sports seats with integrated headrests and black Suedia/artificial leather upholstery with red contrast stitching. Both front seats are electrically adjustable as standard and come with a memory function.
Like most of the interior, the headliner is finished in sporty black. The design part of the dashboard, the door inserts and the centre armrest are covered in black Suedia. The optional RS Suite Design Selection features sports seats with integrated headrests and black perforated leather/artificial leather with red contrast stitching.

The design part of the dashboard, the door inserts and the centre armrest are covered in black artificial leather.
The Kodiaq RS comes with a 3-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel with red stitching and an RS badge.
Stainless-steel pedal covers are included as standard and the front door sills feature “Kodiaq” lettering. The laminated glass of the acoustic side windows at the front and rear improves comfort inside the car through even better sound insulation. Like the Selection TDI 142kW, the Kodiaq RS complements its 10-inch Virtual Cockpit with a free-standing 13-inch infotainment screen as standard, displaying an RS welcome logo when the driver enters the vehicle.
DriveLife will be attending the New Zealand launch of the Kodiaq next week.