Skoda has been doing some impressive work in recent years, and the 2024 Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 193PS DSG 4x4 SE L is a shining example of what happens when practicality meets performance with a sprinkle of everyday luxury. It’s a car that straddles the line between being a family hauler and a competent adventure vehicle, and it manages to do both with relative ease.

On-Road

Let’s be honest, most Kodiaq owners won’t be chasing dust trails in the Sahara or the rocky steps in the Rubicon. The majority will use this 4x4 for the school run, the daily commute, and the occasional weekend getaway. So, how does it handle the everyday grind? Surprisingly well, actually.

The 2.0-litre TDI engine offers a healthy 193PS, giving the Kodiaq more than enough oomph for motorway cruising and quick overtakes. The 7-speed DSG gearbox is buttery smooth, and you can barely notice the gear shifts unless you're really paying attention. It’s no hot hatch, but it does have a decent turn of speed when you put your foot down, reaching 0-62mph in about 8 seconds, if that’s important to you. The engine remains refined, with a low rumble that only gets noticeable when you're really pushing it.

When it comes to the suspension setup, Skoda has opted for a balanced approach. The Kodiaq doesn’t roll around like a boat in choppy waters, nor does it feel too stiff. The SE L model comes with 19” alloys, and they soak up most of the bumps without making you feel like you’re driving a rigid off-roader. Around town, it’s nimble enough, although its size might make parking in tight spots a bit of a challenge as it really does fill those parking spaces.  Thankfully, front and rear sensors, and a rear-view camera, come as standard.

On the motorway, the Kodiaq excels. It's stable at speed, and the cabin is quiet enough to hold a conversation without having to shout over road noise. The adaptive cruise control takes the edge off long journeys, making the Kodiaq a comfortable choice for family trips across the country.

Off-Road

Now, for the bit we’ve all been waiting for, the off-road capabilities. Let’s set realistic expectations: the Kodiaq isn’t designed to tackle the hardest trails known to man. It’s not a Land Rover Defender or a Toyota Land Cruiser, but what it offers is more than enough for the adventurous weekend warrior.

The 4x4 system in the Kodiaq is electronically controlled and works primarily in front-wheel-drive mode, engaging the rear wheels only when it senses slippage. This makes it fuel-efficient on normal roads while providing a decent amount of grip on trickier terrains.

If you're taking it off the beaten track, the Kodiaq does come with off-road mode, which adjusts the throttle response, traction control, and ABS to handle looser surfaces like gravel or mud. With 194mm of ground clearance, it's not exactly a mountain goat, but it’s more than capable of handling rutted tracks, grassy fields, or even a bit of shallow water.

It’s also worth noting that the Kodiaq’s all-wheel-drive system works seamlessly with the DSG gearbox. On slippery or uneven ground, you won’t find yourself struggling for grip, and it’s more than competent in dealing with typical UK countryside conditions. For most people, it’s exactly what they need - capable, but without the overkill.

Interior

Step inside, and the Kodiaq’s cabin immediately feels like a pleasant place to be. Skoda has done a great job of making the SE L feel premium without overdoing it. It’s well laid out, and there’s a sense of solidity in the build quality. Soft-touch plastics and brushed aluminium accents are dotted around, and everything feels just right.

The leather seats are heated, with electrical adjustment for both the driver and front passenger. The driving position is excellent, giving you a commanding view of the road without feeling too much like you’re piloting a tank. The dashboard is clean and minimalistic, with a 10.25” digital display behind the steering wheel, allowing you to customise the readouts to show everything from navigation to media info.

In terms of tech, you get Skoda’s 9.2” touchscreen infotainment system, which is snappy and easy to use, though it does stick out like a sore thumb and not very well integrated into the dash layout. It comes with built-in sat-nav, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, so no complaints there. The audio system is decent, though not earth-shattering. For those after something punchier, the Canton sound system is available as an optional upgrade.

Other reasons to love to the interior are that on the steering wheel you will find a lane assist and speed warning off button, actual physical heater control dials.  Press the centre dial and you are able to control the diving modes and fan speed.

Storage-wise, the Kodiaq excels. There are plenty of cubby holes and practical touches, like the Skoda ‘Simply Clever’ umbrella in the door and the ice scraper hidden in the fuel cap. The rear seats fold flat with the pull of a lever, giving you up to 2,065 litres of space, which is perfect for lugging around everything from camping gear to flat-pack furniture. Even with the third row of seats in place (yes, it’s a 7-seater), there’s still enough room for a couple of small bags.

Comfort

Comfort is a big selling point for the Kodiaq, and it delivers in spades. The ride is smooth, especially on motorways, where it eats up the miles with ease. Road imperfections are handled well, and you don’t feel too much harshness from potholes or rough tarmac.

The seats are comfortable, even on longer trips, with good lumbar support. The cabin is spacious, and the panoramic sunroof (available as an optional extra) adds a sense of airiness. Even with the third row of seats up, there's reasonable legroom for smaller passengers—though adults might find it a squeeze on longer journeys.

Noise insulation is impressive, too. You won’t hear much from the wind or road, and the diesel engine remains quiet enough at a steady pace. It’s clear that Skoda has designed this car with families in mind, there are Isofix points in the second row, and the rear doors open wide, making it easier to fit child seats.

Safety

Skoda has packed the Kodiaq with safety features to keep you and your family safe. Standard kit includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot detection, and automatic emergency braking. It’s also got traffic sign recognition and rear cross-traffic alert, making those tricky reversing manoeuvres a little less stressful.

Euro NCAP has awarded the Kodiaq a 5-star safety rating, which is no surprise given its long list of active and passive safety features. There are multiple airbags throughout the cabin, and the car’s structure is designed to absorb and distribute impact forces in the event of a collision.

Conclusion

The 2024 Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 4x4 SE L is the kind of car that fits perfectly into a busy, active lifestyle. It’s versatile enough to handle the daily grind, comfortable enough for long family trips, and capable enough to tackle a bit of off-road fun when the mood strikes.

Is it the most exciting car on the market? Probably not. But excitement isn’t always the point, especially in a 7-seater 4x4. What the Kodiaq offers is a solid, reliable, and well-equipped package that can do almost everything you ask of it, without breaking a sweat.

For families who want a practical 4x4 with a touch of luxury and the ability to handle the odd weekend adventure, the Kodiaq is a superb choice. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but for what it offers in terms of space, comfort, and capability, it’s worth every penny.

The Kodiaq range begins at £36,645, the model reviewed is £46,225, and with options tops out at £50,530.

For more details, visit; www.skoda.co.uk