2023 Skoda Kodiaq Sportline 132TSI AWD Review

Hard to believe it these days, but it was the Kodiaq which spearheaded Skoda’s SUV reinvigoration all the way back in 2017. Blessed with excellent stablemates such as the baby Kamiq and mid-sized Karoq SUVs, the Kodiaq has always been another fine Skoda, offering seemingly everything to everyone. Enter this newly facelifted 2023 Skoda Kodiaq Sportline 132TSI, which promises to move the Kodiaq’s game even further, and make it a little more modern.

We’ve long found the Kodiaq to be spacious, thoughtful and well-engineered. But since 2017 – competitors from Europe, Korea and Japan are all nipping at the heels of the large Skoda. The Kodiaq’s pricing has also increased, something not uncommon these days, but hardly welcome.

So how does this new Kodiaq, tested here in just-right Sportline 132TSI spec fare in 2023? And does it still have what it takes to remain the goldilocks of SUVs? Let’s find out.

Price & Equipment: 8/10

There are now three Kodiaq models available in Australia: the entry-level Style, the mid-range Sportline tested here and the top-spec RS. The Style and the Sportline both use the same 132TSI engine under the bonnet.

Thanks to nationwide drive away pricing, the base Style kicks off the range for $54,990 drive-away, whereas the Sportline comes in at $59,990 drive-away when using Skoda’s online configurator.

The 2023 Skoda Kodiaq Sportline 132TSI is well equipped with features like 20-inch alloy wheels, automatic all-LED lighting, automatic wipers, keyless entry and start, heated/auto-dimming and auto-folding mirrors with puddle lamps, an electric tailgate, suede and leather upholstery, a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, front sports seats with 10-way electric adjustment with memory for the driver, dual-zone climate control, a 9.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation, a wireless phone charger, an eight-speaker sound system, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, rear privacy glass and rear door sunshades.

Safety kit include nine airbags, auto emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, automatic braking in reverse, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, Matrix adaptive high beam functionality, driver fatigue monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, an alarm, automatic post-collision braking, tyre pressure monitoring and a reversing camera.

Colour options for the 2023 Skoda Kodiaq Sportline include the no-cost ‘Candy White’, as well as ‘Moon White’, “Race Blue’, ‘Brilliant Silver’, ‘Black Magic’ and ‘Graphite Grey’ for an extra $550, while ‘Velvet Red’ costs $1,100. Black and grey cloth is the only interior colour option.

Options for the 2023 Skoda Kodiaq Sportline include two option packs:

Tech Pack ($2,100):

• Adaptive dampers
• Automatic parking
• Hands-free power tailgate
• Off-road mode driving mode
• Sleep package with inbuilt head restraints into the rear headrests and two blankets

Luxury Pack ($2,500):

• Electrically adjustable front passenger seat with memory 
• Heated front and rear seats
• A 360-degree camera
• Tri-zone climate control
• Emergency assist
• Lane keep assist with lane trace assist
• Traffic jam assist

Separately available are a $1,900 panoramic sunroof, $1,250 blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, $1,400 side steps and $2,000 leather upholstery with 12-way electrically adjustable front seats with memory and ventilation (this option requires the Luxury Package as well). In fact, loading a Kodiaq Sportline up takes it to $69,740 drive away – if you’re spending that much, keep in mind that the more powerful yet more efficient (plus better equipped) Kodiaq RS is $76,240 drive away and has equipment that can’t be optioned on the Sportline, like digital radio.

There are a plethora of large SUV rivals for the Kodiaq, including the Hyundai Santa Fe highlander at $68,381 drive-away and the Toyota Kluger Hybrid GXL at $69,964 drive-away, all with a Victorian post code.

Where the Kodiaq feels rather petite in its segment, both the Santa-Fe and Kluger feel like proper large-SUVs, on account of their bulkier dimensions. The Santa Fe comes superbly well equipped for the money, beating the Kodiaq with features such as a heads up display, a Passenger Talk function and a sunroof, which would have otherwise been an option on the Kodiaq. The Kluger, on the other hand brings a hybrid drivetrain to the fight with impeccable fuel economy, but also an inferior infotainment system, with a smaller 8 inch screen. The Kluger also misses out on the other models’ real leather seats too, and rides on smaller 18-inch wheels.

Performance & Economy: 8/10

The 2023 Skoda Kodiaq Sportline 132TSI is impressive behind the wheel thanks to the rather common EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder found in other VW Group cars. Here, it produces 132kW and 320Nm in what is one of the lower tune levels for this unit. For a large SUV, those aren’t any amazing numbers to write home about, but the engine’s relaxed and refined nature matches the Kodiaq perfectly.

Peak torque arrives at an early 1400rpm meaning the Kodiaq never feels stressed or has to work particularly hard with this engine. A car to chase redlines this is not, rather its a large SUV with sufficiently swift turn of speed with a 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.8 seconds.

Stepping off from a stop is met with a little delay as the dual-clutch DSG automatic engages first gear, but from there the Kodiaq builds speed respectably. Nothing more, nothing less when it comes to hauling the Kodiaq Sportline’s 1750kg kerb weight. The gearbox manages to make the most of the torque on offer, always keeping the engine it its ideal powerband. Add a sporty thrum at higher revs and we’re happy campers driving the Kodiaq. An on demand 4×4 system makes light work of gravel roads and slippery surfaces.

The 2023 Skoda Kodiaq Sportline 132TSI might have a quoted combined fuel consumption figure of 8.2L/100km, but in the real world expect it to use a lot more than this, especially around town. VW’s 2.0L engine likes a drink when worked hard, and during some spirited drives, expect to see the Kodiaq’s fuel consumption figure in the high teens. Driven sedately around town and on freeways, we averaged around 12L/100km. A Kluger has a very realistic claimed fuel consumption figure of just 5.6L/100km on the combined cycle. The Kluger will halve the fuel bill of a Kodiaq.

Ride & Handling: 8.5/10

Put simply, the 2023 Skoda Kodiaq excels both in town and on the open road, with a sure footed, well balanced feel. Right off the bat, the Kodiaq feels smaller than other large SUVs around town, because it is – its footprint is smaller than the Toyota Kluger and Hyundai Santa Fe. This makes the Kodiaq easier to park andnavigate city streets. Add some decent visibility, large door mirrors and solid rear camera, along with a little grainy 360 degree camera system, and you have the best large SUV to navigate the urban jungle in.

The lack of bulk is further helped by Skoda’s expert work in making all of the controls feel well judged and responsive. Take the steering for example, there’s copious amounts of feel through the wheel and control inputs are felt immediately and precisely.

Sure, the Kodiaq won’t handle as well as a Golf R through corners, but for a large family-focussed SUV it performs exceptionally well. With Sport mode selected on a winding country road, the Kodiaq’s body feels tied down, and the grippy Pirelli Scorpion tyres make running out of grip almost impossible.

What’s equally impressive is that the Kodiaq rides well too, with a typically European taut and controlled feel. It might not have the softest suspension setup regardless of the drive mode chosen, but we’d be more than happy with its ability to iron out bumps at all speeds and across most surfaces. Its quiet too, with decent sound deadening and to create a peaceful and calming environment inside. In many ways, you’ll find yourself looking for a premium badge inside the Skoda, only to see just how well it delivers on its promise of being a brilliant family hauling SUV.

Interior & Practicality: 9/10

The 2023 Skoda Kodiaq Sportline has a spacious, welcoming and well-built interior which has really stood the test of time since it launched in 2017. It might not be the flashiest or most sophisticated with a rather antiquated, traditional and blocky feel inside, but it feels functional and built for purpose. This updated Kodiaq brought some small trim changes inside to keep things fresh, such as Alcantara door panel inserts some fake carbon fibre to help lift the mood inside. Together with the smattering of Sportline elements such as the wonderfully supportive front seats and sporty steering wheel, there is a real air of quality inside.

Sitting integrated in the dash is a 9.2-inch central touchscreen with solid graphics and fast responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow the centre console to remain cable free, with phone-charging handled through the integrated wireless charger in the centre console cubby in front of the gearstick. You’ll also find two USB-C ports and a 12V socket in there. The infotainment system works well with intuitive menus and a bright, well-lit screen which thankfully doesn’t control any of the cars climate control functions. These are still found on the panel underneath the screen.

With Skoda’s reputation for practicality, there’s not getting around just how well thought out the Kodiaq’s interior is. The twin gloveboxes in front of the passenger are roomy, the door pockets can hold large bottles and the centre cubby features removable cupholders if more storage space is needed for things other than drinks. There’s also an umbrella in each of the front doors. Rolls-Royce, eat your heart out.

Up front, the driving position is a little on the high side, making you feel as if you’re sitting on the Kodiaq’s seats, rather than in them. Other than that, the seats are comfortable and supportive, even on longer journeys. Skoda’s ‘Virtual Cockpit’ digital dials, which not only look great and are super legible, also offer a ton of customisation options.The front doors feature clever rubber edge protector strips that help prevent damage to the Kodiaq and other cars in tight parking spots.

Jumping in the rear reveals an inviting second row of seating, with plenty of leg and headroom, even with the optional sunroof fitted. The entire row can slide back and forth and the recline can also bee changed, too. Amenities abound with manual window shades, a centre armrest with holders, individual climate controls, large door bins and a 12V socket – though no rear USB ports is annoying for a family car.

Things get rather tight in the third row, making the Kodiaq more of a ‘5+2’ seater, rather than a true seven-seater. This is where the Kodiaq’s size lets it down a little, with just not enough leg or headroom for any adult passengers to sit in the third row. There are also no air vents or charging ports, but there are cupholders and unlike the Santa Fe and Sorento, airbag coverage.

Skoda says there is a total of 270-litres of luggage space if the third-row seats are in use, which is well above rivals including the Santa Fe (130L), the CX-9 (230L) and the Kluger (241L). With the third row folded and the Kodiaq in five seater mode, there is a whopping 765L of space, with the Kodiaq easily eclipsing its rivals and a massive 2,005L with all the rear seats folded. There’s a space saver tyre under the boot floor, along with various hooks, storage spots, a blanket for the kids and some clever velcro backed plastic pieces which can attach to the boot floor to stop objects from moving around in the boot.

Service & Warranty: 7/10

As with the rest of the Skoda range, the 2023 Kodiaq Sportline 132 TSI comes with a new seven-year/unlimited km warranty and a single year of roadside assistance that’s topped up to seven years with dealer servicing. Five years/75,000km of pay-as-you-go servicing costs $2,733 ($547 per service), but buyers can choose a five-year service pack at the time of purchase for $2,200 ($450 per service) that includes five years of roadside assistance.

Skoda also offers a seven-year/90,000km service pack with seven years of roadside assistance and seven years of warranty for $3,200 ($457 per service).

You can also pay a monthly subscription fee for servicing that is quite variable from length, what’s included and distance covered. Subscription fees for the Kodiaq RS start at $59 per month for the basic/15,000km annual plan. Servicing the Kodiaq is not cheap, but Skoda offers lots of choice to buyers

The 2023 Skoda Kodiaq Sportline 132TSI DiscoverAuto Rating: 8.3/10

The 2023 Kodiaq still manages to be one of our favourite large SUVs, with tons of space, a solid feel and an absolute bucket-load of clever and thoughtful touches inside. While the design refresh was welcome, price rises have put a dint in the Kodiaq’s value equation these days. Yet, it still offers so much and hits the brief perfectly in terms of what a large SUV should be like. The Kodiaq genuinely feels like a cut-price Audi, rather than just another rebadged Volkswagen – such is its breadth of accomplishment.

Sure, it might have a small third-row, bit it remains a cleverly engineered, well-built, family hauling large SUV that will never cease to suprise and delight. Pick your options carefully to keep costs down, and the value equation tilted your way, and you have a brilliant SUV that deserves to be on your shopping list.