It’s the first time we’ve seen the next-generation Skoda Kodiaq in production bodywork.
The seven-seat Kodiaq kicked off Skoda’s current lineup of SUVs when it launched back in 2016, but now it’s almost time for a second-generation model. Now we’ve spotted the new Skoda Kodiaq testing in Sweden ahead of an expected reveal later this year.
We’ve previously seen the new model undergoing development in 2022, but that car was using the outgoing model’s bodywork – this time it’s the real deal. Although there’s camouflage all over this test car, plenty of design details can already be pictured.
Since the Kodiaq was launched we’ve seen Skoda’s SUV range grow to include the Karoq and Kamiq along with the all-electric Enyaq. We expect to see a mild evolution of the current Kodiaq’s design language, borrowing elements from newer Skodas.
The headlights will remain split and the wide grille has been slightly reshaped but the front end is recognisable as a Kodiaq – although with a more aggressive bluff form. The side profile is very similar to the outgoing model’s, with a boxy shape maximising cabin space. To the rear we can see the brake lights are positioned higher up, but they’ll maintain a rather sleek shape.
The big changes for the Kodiaq will happen underneath. The current Kodiaq sits on parent company Volkswagen’s MQB A2 platform – which sits under similar-sized family SUVs such as the Volkswagen Tiguan and SEAT Tarraco. However, we expect the next generation model to gain VW’s MQB Evo platform, which is used by the VW Golf, Cupra Formentor, Skoda Octavia and the upcoming third-generation Tiguan.
MQB Evo will allow for plug-in hybrid power for the Kodiaq, although former Skoda CEO Thomas Schäfer seemed unsure on the question of a Kodiaq PHEV telling Automotive Daily last year, “hybrids won’t be supported in the future. That makes it very difficult to get incentives for this car”. With the new Tiguan PHEV certainly coming, costs would be shared by the two companies, making a Kodiaq plug-in hybrid more feasible.
The next-generation Kodiaq should offer a range of mild-hybrid and diesel and petrol variants, too. MEB is VW Group’s pure-electric powertrain so we won’t see a fully-electric Kodiaq, because that position will eventually be filled by the Vision 7S concept.
As for the interior, the Kodiaq will most likely borrow plenty of technology from the VW Group stable. We’re likely to see two 10-inch infotainment displays on the dash, borrowed from the current Golf and all the safety features VW Group cars of the Kodiaq’s size currently offer. The huge 15-inch infotainment screen spotted on the upcoming VW ID.7 will most likely be reserved for VW’s more expensive model.
Given the lifespan of the outgoing Kodiaq, the new model will almost certainly be the last one offered with petrol and diesel engines ahead of VW’s switch to pure-electric cars.