Škoda has long been known for producing sensible, practical cars, but until 2016 it hadn’t entered the wonderful world of SUVs. Then along came the Kodiaq, which was pretty much the ideal family vehicle. And now that it has been around for six years or so, there are numerous examples on the used tow car market.
As we’ll see, the Škoda stacks up pretty well if you’re in the market for a previously owned tow car.
What’s a used Škoda Kodiaq like inside?
If what you’re looking for is a Swiss Army knife of a car, then the Škoda Kodiaq is an excellent place to begin when you’re choosing a tow car.
For a start, there’s loads of space, no matter whether you’re sitting in the front two seats or the middle row. Headroom and legroom are both very plentiful, so even if there’s someone tall up front, anyone behind won’t feel cramped.
So long as you avoid the base model, there are a further two seats in the boot, which enhance the Kodiaq’s adaptability. Bear in mind, however, that these seats are designed to be used by children on shorter journeys – an adult will struggle to fit, and will almost certainly be asking you, “Are we there yet?” before too long. These two seats have no Isofix fittings, either.
The two seats fold down to leave you with a huge boot area and a flat floor. Indeed, the luggage capacity expands from a small 270 litres with all seven seats in use, up to 2065 litres with all five rear seats folded down. The boot’s also pretty big when the middle-row seats are upright.
All of the materials in the cabin feel nice and squidgy, and all models in the line-up are well equipped, so long as you skip the entry-level vehicle.
SE models come with auto lights and wipers, rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control and cruise control.
Moving up to SE L brings keyless go, an electrically operated tailgate, sat nav and adaptive headlights. You can also take a look at our best caravan sat nav guide if you’re looking at a Škoda that doesn’t come with one.
How does a used Škoda Kodiaq drive?
The 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine is the one to go for. This gives the car a good spring in its step, and means there’s no sense of it struggling when towing.
Many buyers opted for the twin-clutch DSG automatic gearbox, which is worth seeking out, because it takes the strain out of towing. Meanwhile, the steering is light, so parking is easy, even if a tad more weight would be appreciated at faster speeds.
The car’s legal towing limit is 2000kg, although its 80kg noseweight is a little on the light side.
Although it remains unflustered at speed on motorways, the Škoda can be pushed around a bit by crosswinds when you’re towing a caravan.
However, rapid lane changes present no difficulty, and the brakes are strong enough to haul both vehicle and trailer to a halt in impressively rapid fashion.
Add in the official average economy figure of 49.6mpg and the Kodiaq has most of the bases covered.
What will a used Škoda Kodiaq tow?
- Kerbweight: 1795kg
- Towing limit: 2000kg
- Noseweight limit: 80kg
- 85% match: 1526kg
Running costs
- Insurance group: 20
- Annual VED: £165
- Average economy: 49.6mpg
- Interim/full service: £87/£125
Servicing prices by Servicing Stop, 0844 324 5262
Trouble spots
The Škoda Kodiaq has been recalled comparatively few times. An airbag that might not inflate quickly enough caused one recall, as did a software update to remedy the problem of too little torque at lower engine speeds.
Missing nuts from the second-row seat frame forced another recall.
A potential crack on the frame of the front passenger seat prompted another trip back to dealerships.
A full list of recalls can be found at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk.
- High: price £41,000; model: 2021 2.0 TDI 190 Laurin & Klement DSG; miles 7000
- Sweet spot: price £24,000; model: 2020 2.0 TDI 190 SE DSG; miles 21,000
- Low: price: £14,000; model 2017 2.0 TDI 150 SE; miles 100,000
Verdict
The Škoda Kodiaq is a great SUV to live with on a daily basis, because it’s a roomy and comfortable family vehicle.
It also makes a strong and confident tow car – so long as there aren’t any strong side winds to contend with. If you’re interested in seeing what a newer Skoda is like, take a look at our review of the Škoda Karoq 2.0 TDI 150PS Sportline 4×4 DSG.
- After a way to improve your towing? Then take a look at our guide on tips for towing a caravan, where we share our advice for staying safe on the roads.
Or you could try…
Kia Sorento
The big Kia (see our review of the 2016 Kia Sorento) is another seven-seater, but trumps the Kodiaq by offering space for seven adults. All models are well kitted out; even the entry model has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB radio, air-con and rear sensors.
The 2.2-litre diesel is punchy and doesn’t make a fuss. Later cars will have some of the seven-year warranty still intact.
If you’re interested in a more modern Sorento, see our review of the Kia Sorento 1.6 T-GDi Plug-In Hybrid 4.
Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Land Rover might not have the space offered by the other two here, but it seats seven, with cachet others can only dream of.
There are many petrols and diesels (we’d avoid the earliest diesels), and later cars offer mild hybrid tech. SE trim (see our review of the 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport D180 AWD SE) is our choice; it has dual-zone climate control, heated windscreen and heated front seats.
Peugeot 5008
Not only is the Peugeot a bit of a looker, it’s also one of the more practical offerings in the class. It will seat seven, with the rearmost seats capable of carrying adults. The 2.0-litre diesel makes a good option, although the 1.5 diesel is good, too. It’s comfortable and quiet, but ensure you can live with the dash, where you view the dials over the top of the steering wheel.
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