Some SUVs make a scene. Others make sense. The new Škoda Kodiaq somehow manages to do both — a rare beast that juggles family practicality with designer swagger, while still flexing a bit of Central European engineering nerdiness for good measure.

After spending a few days test-driving the 2025 All-New Kodiaq across the UAE — from the endless smooth tarmac of Sheikh Zayed Road to the sandy outskirts of Al Qudra — I can say this with confidence: this SUV is more than just a facelift. It’s Škoda finally stepping into its golden era.

What used to be a “clever alternative to the Volkswagen Tiguan” has evolved into something bolder, techier, and a little more soulful. The 2025 Kodiaq isn’t trying to shout — it’s trying to outthink the competition. And honestly? It’s working.

Bigger. Bolder. Better.

Let’s start with the looks, because Škoda clearly spent time in front of the mirror before heading out this time.

The 2025 Kodiaq has grown in both presence and personality. It’s longer by about 60 mm — now a full 4.758 meters of SUV real estate — but it wears that size with finesse. Gone are the slightly anonymous lines of the outgoing model. This new one carries itself like it knows it’s photogenic.

The front fascia is dominated by a wider, illuminated grille whose vertical slats light up in LED glory at night — a subtle but satisfying bit of showmanship. Above that, the LED Matrix beam headlights take center stage. They’re not just bright; they’re art. Each headlamp contains 36 individual LED segments arranged in a double-stack Matrix configuration. The crystalline element, a design flourish Škoda calls Crystallinium, shimmers like jewelry in daylight.

You don’t need to understand lumens and lux to appreciate it — but for the record, the low beams push 950 lumens, and full beams a retina-scorching 185 lux. Translation: your night drives through Hatta will look like a Christopher Nolan establishing shot.

The “Flying Arrow” light signature — a nod to Škoda’s logo — adds continuity to the design, and the animated “coming home/leaving home” light show greets you like a personal butler. It’s the kind of car that says hello before you open the door.

The side profile is taut and muscular, with clean Czech precision replacing unnecessary drama. Subtle gloss black trim wraps around the upper window line and D-pillar, while 20-inch Rila Aero alloys on my test car fill the arches with quiet confidence.

Around back, the taillights now feature a sleeker, horizontal LED signature with a crossbar that stretches across the tailgate. It looks cohesive, mature, and dare I say — premium enough to make Audi owners squint.

And for those who prefer darker drama, the Sportline trim swaps chrome for Unique Dark Chrome, adds a black roof, gloss mirrors, and body-colored sills. It’s the Škoda that’s been secretly watching John Wick.

The Cabin – Your New Living Room on Wheels

Open the door and step inside — you’ll understand immediately what Škoda means when it calls the Kodiaq “your second home on the road.”

This cabin feels like it was designed by someone who actually drives with a family — not by a touchscreen-obsessed focus group.

Front and center, the Smart Dials take your attention — three tactile rotary knobs with tiny digital displays in the center. They’re configurable: twist one to adjust cabin temperature, another for volume, another for seat heating or drive modes. The tactile satisfaction is immediate. It’s technology that respects your muscle memory — a small rebellion against the touchscreen tyranny taking over modern cars.

Above that sits a massive 13-inch infotainment display, sharper and faster than before. Škoda’s latest software runs smoothly, and the graphics are crisp without being gaudy. There’s full wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus a neat wireless charger for two phones — each with built-in cooling vents to prevent your devices from overheating under Dubai’s desert sun.

The gear selector has moved up to the steering column, freeing up space on the center console for massive cupholders, storage, and a neatly integrated display cleaner (yes, an actual mini bottle hidden in the console). Little touches like that make you wonder why every other carmaker is asleep at the wheel.

My test car came finished in Black Magic, giving it a sleek and commanding presence. The interior blends premium materials with thoughtful design touches that feel both modern and inviting. Subtle ambient lighting and elegant décor trim elevate the cabin’s atmosphere, creating a warm, contemporary space that feels more like a craft cocktail lounge after dark than a conventional SUV interior.

Other trims include the Loft (gray Yocto melange fabric made from recycled yarns) and Lounge, which pairs suede-like Suedia materials with recycled wool certified by The Woolmark Company. You can even choose Sportline, which wraps everything in black perforated Suedia, with Peter Chrome décor and aluminum pedals — for those who think family cars shouldn’t have to look family-friendly.

And the Ergo seats? Oh man. They’re thrones. Adjustable, ventilated, heated, and now with an improved massage function that targets your back in all the right places after an hour stuck on Al Khail Road.

Škoda’s obsession with ergonomics extends to visibility — the driving position is commanding, yet not truck-like. The dash is low, the pillars are thin, and the all-black headliner (in Sportline trim) adds that “private jet” vibe.

Then there’s space. This SUV’s party trick.

All three rows now feel roomier, thanks to the stretched wheelbase. The third row gets 15 mm extra headroom, making it genuinely usable even for adults under six feet. The middle row slides and reclines, giving you full flexibility whether it’s kids, luggage, or that IKEA flat-pack situation.

Fold everything down, and you’re looking at 2,035 liters of cargo capacity — enough to fit your life, your dog, and your regrettable online shopping haul.

Tech That Feels Human

There’s tech that dazzles you for five minutes and tech that earns your respect over time. The Kodiaq leans hard toward the latter.

Škoda’s digital ecosystem feels thoughtfully designed — not just crammed in for a spec sheet flex.

The Virtual Cockpit (10-inch display) is sharp, legible, and customizable. I kept mine on the “Minimalist” layout for night drives, but switched to the “Classic” dial view for longer trips. The optional Head-Up Display projects navigation and safety info directly on the windshield — so cleanly, it’s almost addictive.

The infotainment system doesn’t just serve Spotify and maps — it’s the control hub for the entire car. From ambient lighting (which can be synced with drive modes) to drive-assist settings, it’s all logically laid out and smooth to use.

There’s even a built-in “Display Cleaner” reminder — yes, Škoda knows you’ll smudge the touchscreen and gives you a microfiber bottle tucked right into the center console. It’s peak European logic meets dad-level practicality.

Connectivity is bulletproof — USB-C ports for everyone, wireless charging for two, and the digital cluster even pairs with Škoda Connect for remote access and diagnostics.

This is the kind of smart that doesn’t shout. It just works.

Bonus: The Soundtrack to Your Drive

And then there’s the CANTON premium sound system — a 14-speaker setup that turns the Kodiaq into a rolling concert hall. I don’t throw that phrase around lightly. The acoustics are crisp, layered, and immersive, with a subwoofer so refined it makes Hans Zimmer’s “Time” feel like it’s vibrating in your ribcage.

Each note is sculpted through a digital equalizer you can tune to your mood — whether it’s lo-fi for city cruising or full symphonic for a late-night desert sprint. It’s the kind of system that reminds you why you still care about owning your music instead of just streaming it in the background. And the cabin insulation? Quiet enough to make that soundstage sing.

Driving Experience – Calm Power Meets Adaptive Genius

Let’s talk about how this thing drives — because this is where Škoda’s engineering really flexes.

My test car came with the 2.0L TSI engine, producing 190 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. It’s paired with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission and 4×4 drivetrain.

This combo is gold. It’s punchy, refined, and delivers a sense of confidence that many rivals in the segment lack. The 0–100 km/h dash takes just 8.1 seconds, but what matters more is the effortless mid-range torque. You can glide past slower traffic or merge onto highways without breaking a sweat or spilling your karak.

The DSG transmission is tuned beautifully — no jerky lurches, just smooth, pre-emptive shifts that make it feel intuitive. It’s one of those cars that just seems to know what you want next.

The Adaptive Chassis Control Plus (DCC+) system is a game-changer. It uses dual-valve dampers that constantly adjust to road conditions, giving you buttery comfort on Sheikh Zayed Road and surprising composure on twisty mountain passes. Flick into Sport mode, and the suspension tightens up just enough to make you grin.

It’s not pretending to be a sports SUV, but the steering feels direct, and body roll is impressively controlled for something this large. It’s like Škoda found the sweet spot between comfort and control that other brands keep missing.

And the noise insulation? Unreal. At 140 km/h, the cabin remains serene — just the faint whisper of tires and the distant hum of the turbo four.

Fuel economy hovered around 12.5 km/l, close to Škoda’s claim. Considering the power, size, and 4×4 drivetrain, that’s a solid result for UAE driving conditions.

Real-Life Family Test – The Kodiaq in Chaos

You can’t judge a family SUV by its spec sheet — you judge it by its Saturday chaos.

Two kids, a cat appointment for grooming, and a weekend supermarket run at Carrefour later, the Kodiaq didn’t even break a sweat.

The Virtual Pedal (kick-to-open tailgate) proved a lifesaver when my hands were full of shopping bags and a carrier box. The foldable protection mat kept fur and stray litter from ruining the upholstery, while the cargo nets and partitionsstopped groceries from rolling around like a pinball machine on the drive home.

Inside, the three-zone climate control worked beautifully, even during a brutal 42°C afternoon. The rear air vents actually deliver — not just token vents that blow warm sighs.

Parking, despite the SUV’s size, is effortless thanks to a 360° camera system with clear resolution and realistic overlays. The auto-park assist genuinely impressed me: it found a parallel spot in Al Barsha and parked itself perfectly between two SUVs that clearly skipped geometry class.

And for longer road trips? The Entertainment Pack from Škoda’s accessories — complete with Smart Holders for tablets and multimedia — kept the kids entertained on the drive to Ras Al Khaimah. There’s even a portable coffee maker available in the accessories list. I repeat: a coffee maker in your car. Someone at Škoda deserves a raise.

Even my Labrador got VIP treatment, with the optional dog safety belt and rear seat protector. Try finding that combo on a BMW X3.

Safety – Predictive, Not Preachy

The Kodiaq’s safety suite is comprehensive — and crucially, it’s not annoying.

It’s earned a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, thanks to nine airbags, a reinforced body structure, and the most advanced assist systems Škoda’s ever packed into an SUV.

The new Exit Warning System deserves special mention. Using rear nano-radar sensors, it warns passengers if a cyclist or vehicle is approaching before you open the door. Dubai cyclists, you’re welcome.

Then there’s Front Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection — it now recognizes movement from the sides, not just straight ahead. Lane Assist, Side Assist, and the upcoming Adaptive Cruise Control (MY26) all work together to create an invisible safety bubble around you.

But the best part? It all feels predictive, not intrusive. Lane Assist doesn’t fight you; it guides you. Blind Spot Monitoring gives gentle nudges, not panic attacks. It’s active safety for people who still like being in charge.

Ownership, Warranty & Peace of Mind

Škoda knows that buying a family SUV isn’t just about horsepower or touchscreens — it’s about peace of mind.

Here in the UAE, the Kodiaq comes with a 5-year/150,000 km warranty, 3-year or 45,000 km service package, and 5-year roadside assistance. That’s easily one of the best ownership deals in its class.

It’s essentially Škoda saying, “Go have your adventures — we’ve got your back.”

And with the brand’s expanding dealership network and improved service reliability (thank you, Ali & Sons), ownership anxiety is pretty much gone.

At a starting price of AED 129,500, the Kodiaq punches way above its weight. Even fully loaded, it undercuts German rivals while offering equivalent build quality and tech.

Verdict – The Geek’s Family SUV

After a few days with the all-new Škoda Kodiaq, I realized something: this car doesn’t just check boxes — it solves problems.

It’s not trying to be the flashiest SUV on the road, but it’s effortlessly competent, cleverly designed, and genuinely enjoyable to live with. Every feature feels intentional — from the eco-tanned leather to the Smart Dials that make you feel smarter just using them.

It’s a car that knows who it’s for: people who want space, smarts, and subtle style without shouting about it. If you’re a family of five with a hint of wanderlust and a healthy appreciation for good engineering, this is your next SUV.