Skoda Kodiaq iV PHEV review: near perfect plug-in?

Introduction

The super-roomy Kodiaq SUV has been around since 2016, but amazingly it has taken Skoda until now to bring out a plug-in hybrid version. Beyond a new powertrain and some fresh styling, I’m also pleased to report this latest iteration is now even more family-friendly, thanks to a minor growth spurt.

Carrying capacity remains one of this car’s most appealing aspects, even if (unlike the diesel variant) this PHEV is only available with five seats. Elsewhere, a revised interior helps the Kodiaq feel like it’s been brought bang up to date. If you have a growing clan and access to home charging, here’s why it could be worth your attention.

The styling

A distinctive new front end, comprised of neatly styled grille and striking LED headlights, gives the Kodiaq a much fresher feel that’s more in line with Skoda’s Enyaq electric SUV. Those lights are adaptive matrix units if you plump for SE L, the pricier of the two trims on offer. A classy tail end (also with LED lights) has enough going on at the rear to make it noticeably different to earlier cars.

I think Skoda’s current colour palette is brilliant, with some great shades available to contrast brilliantly against the black and silver trim around the windows and pillars. Plastic trim sections further down offer added durability, while wheels that range from 18 to 20in set the package off really nicely. Overall, the Kodiaq is much classier than I’d expected from a car that viewed by many as fairly utilitarian.

An extra 61cm helps boost the interior space even further than before, while the upright shape remains a real benefit to anyone on the taller side, or who needs to carry more awkwardly shaped cargo. Ride height is also sufficiently lofty to make me confident enough to take the Kodiaq off the edges of lanes without fear of grounding it on the tarmac edging.

The cabin is perfect for anyone with children, pets, or both. Skoda has chosen to cover most, if not all of the surfaces inside the car with durable coverings, ranging from slightly mundane plastic through to more imaginative fabrics. Most can be easily wiped down or cleaned more vigorously. And while it might not be the most exciting dashboard you’ll encounter, everything I needed fell easily to hand.

The drive

The Kodiaq is now quite a lengthy car, but it doesn’t feel that way when you’re behind the wheel. A high driving position proved handy for seeing everything in front me, and while it’s quite wide, I found it easy enough to thread into tighter spaces thanks to great all-round visibility.

This is an easy car to drive too, with a drive selector conveniently mounted on the steering column. A central dial between the climate controls hides more drive mode options, but this low-key location meant I regularly forget to reach for them, so largely stayed in the standard mode.

It’s not bad in the bends, although the car’s size and weight can come back to bite you when driving over very lumpy surfaces. I wouldn’t call it skittish, but did have to slow down a little to regain its composure. If you live out in the sticks, it’ll still handle country roads just fine.

Unlike the diesel Kodiaq, which has a slightly agricultural feel when it comes to power delivery, the PHEV is more refined – especially in electric mode, where it’s good for (a claimed) 75 miles. In reality it achieves less, particularly when loaded to the roof rails – but still has enough juice for most commutes and school runs.

The plug-in isn’t especially fast, though, and feels relatively sedate even its zestier driving modes. But considering most owners will probably be preoccupied with their passengers, I doubt this will be a sticking point.

• Read more: Audi Q4 review – A groovy kind of SUV

The technology

Simplicity is the secret to the Kodiaq’s success, and that extends to the tech on offer. I find the 13in touchscreen in the centre of the dash to be perfectly fine, with a decent layout meaning it’s quick and easy to use something like the sat nav. A head-up display is a welcome addition too.

Naturally there’s the usual smattering of driver aids, with nominal levels of speed bongs and a lane assist that can be easily switched off if you’re not to enamoured by its persuasive correction on winding roads. However, the likes of blind spot detection and front cross traffic assist functions are good to have if you like a bit of help when you’re on the move.

Get the SE L model and you’ll enjoy a higher level of features, including an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory function, an electric boot lift, keyless entry and start/stop. Twin phone wireless charging will be invaluable for anyone with family members on board too.

Oh, and the PHEV can also be charged via faster DC charging, thanks to a CCS socket – not always a given on plug-ins. This adds the ability to charge from 10% to 80% in less than half an hour. Even on my home charger it’ll only take 2 hours 30 minutes, meaning it’ll be easy to use the car on short runs using batter power alone and the car’s E-mode. In this scenario I reckon visits to the petrol pump will be few and far between.

Skoda Kodiaq iV PHEV verdict

I like the no-nonsense simplicity and practicality of the latest Skoda Kodiaq, which is why I think it’s perfect for the target market of families and those with stuff to move around. Skoda has perked up the appearance with a carefully curated collection of trim features, while the new colours on offer make this otherwise quite sensible car really pop.

I’d take the plug-in model as, personally, it suits me better than the diesels. If you’ve owned one before I’d recommend revisiting the Skoda Kodiaq if you’re still in the market for a capable and spacious family hauler. And, if you haven’t? Give it a whirl, as it impresses on almost every level.

Skoda Kodiaq iV PHEV technical specifications

Powertrain	1.5-litre petrol engine + permanent magnet synchronous electric motor
Battery	25.7kW
Power	148bhp
Torque	244lb ft
0-60mph	8.4sec
Top speed	130mph
Range	75 miles (electric only)
Charge rate	50kWh
Cargo volume	745 litres