[adi_petrolhead]

Originally Posted by MileCruncher

Not bad for a re-badged, better equipped Q5!

I wouldn't go as far as comparing it to a Q5. It's a stretched Q3 at best. Q5 is far superior in interior quality, features and powertrain. Where as the Q3 has some missing features but based on same platform and mechanically identical. Q5 is an X3 / GLC / XC60 rival and hence there's no comparison between these and the Kodiaq although the car holds good in itself. Closest competitors are the VW Tiguan, Audi Q3, Hyundai Tucson and Jeep Meridian.

[thefourthdriver]

Originally Posted by adi_petrolhead

I wouldn't go as far as comparing it to a Q5. It's a stretched Q3 at best. Q5 is far superior in interior quality, features and powertrain. Where as the Q3 has some missing features but based on same platform and mechanically identical. Q5 is an X3 / GLC / XC60 rival and hence there's no comparison between these and the Kodiaq although the car holds good in itself. Closest competitors are the VW Tiguan, Audi Q3, Hyundai Tucson and Jeep Meridian.

I had compared directly the Q5 against the Kodiaq during making my purchase decision. Q3 was smaller, missing features & way less value for money so didn't even consider.

I drove the Q5 and then drove the Kodiaq. Really didn't feel a step down and the purchase decision was made within the first 100 meters when I drove away from the hotel entry and into traffic and immediate noticed the insulation was on par with the Q5. Had many more features as well including reclining rear seats, ventilated seats at the front, leather instead of 'Leatherette' seat covers and much more interior space. Even had the felt lining intact on all four door pockets which AUDI has removed on the Q5, Q7 and even Q8!

The Q5 was of course superior in driving dynamics, suspension insulation and of course the powertrain. The powertrain bit I plan to solve with an APR remap for the engine when they unlock this batch of ECUs and a TVS remap of the TCU.

So yeah all in all it really is not too much of a stretch to compare it to a Q5. Anybody buying the Q3/GLA over the Kodiaq is purely paying more for the badge for a much lesser car in my opinion.

Having said that, yes, it's not a rebadged Q5. It shares its platform with the Q3 and Tiguan. The Q5 is built on the MLB platform which is, like I said, superior in terms of dynamics, suspension noise and road insulation. Having said that the Q5 in Europe/UAE is approx. 20-25% more expensive over the Kodiaq. In India it is approx. 62% (after discount for Q5) more expensive. The Q5 is DEFINITELY NOT 62% more car so felt like a super VFM deal to me.

Also a word on the Tiguan I had tested earlier - despite being a good car - when I stepped into the Kodiaq after driving the Q5 it did not feel like a lesser car - the same can in no way be said of the Tiguan. The Tiguan is great but unlike the Kodiaq it cannot hold a candle to the AUDI Q5.

[phi]

The 230V socket is not exposed on the Kodiaq, though I can see a 30A fuse (Fuse 46) earmarked for a 230V inverter socket in the rear (as per user manual). I wonder if there is a hidden inverter there though the socket is not exposed. Does anyone know?

Also, do any of you use external inverters in your Kodiaq? If yes, any recommendations? I need to charge the laptop, when we are travelling and one of us has to work. My MBP has a 140W charger - Fuse 40 that holds the 12V sockets seems to be rated at 20A, so I should be able to safely use the 140W charger, but as per user manual, 12V sockets are rated at 120W total consumption.

Any comments?

[Turbanator]

Originally Posted by phi

My MBP has a 140W charger - Fuse 40 that holds the 12V sockets seems to be rated at 20A, so I should be able to safely use the 140W charger, but as per user manual, 12V sockets are rated at 120W total consumption?

The charger is rated 140W at 110-230V. If you use an inverter, you should pick one that has around 200W. Not sure about inbuilt inverter.

Another option will be to check if you have any fast charging USB -C ports. In some of the cars, like newer ones from BMW, we can use the C port to charge the laptop.

[SNOWY227]

Hello Kodiaq owners. First off, I’ve always admired this car. Have defended it during discussions with my dad and uncle on multiple occasions. But they always get me at the reliability talk. I want to know the reality you have faced with the Kodiaq. As in the regular service costs, any failures, or any issues with the DSG.Currently, trying to convince my dad on the Kodiaq against the Hycross.

[SilverSmoke]

Originally Posted by SNOWY227

But they always get me at the reliability talk. I want to know the reality you have faced with the Kodiaq. As in the regular service costs, any failures, or any issues with the DSG.Currently, trying to convince my dad on the Kodiaq against the Hycross.

Done with 46K KMs. No reliability issues whatsoever. No DSG issues. If you love driving - you must not get Hycross. Plus service costs aren't sky high for the Tank you get. Also, you can get lucrative discounts on L&K variant - upcoming model is having same engine & tranmission.

Also, much said for the same on this thread.
I hope it cleared out your mind.

[Old Dude]

Originally Posted by SilverSmoke

Done with 46K KMs. No reliability issues whatsoever. No DSG issues. If you love driving - you must not get Hycross. Plus service costs aren't sky high for the Tank you get. Also, you can get lucrative discounts on L&K variant - upcoming model is having same engine & tranmission.

Also, much said for the same on this thread.
I hope it cleared out your mind.

I second Siversmoke - the Kodiaq doesn’t have any reliability issues - the DQ200 dry clutch DSG in the older Octavia and other cars were the one with known failure mode if the daily driving involves extensive bumper to bumper stop and go traffic. The DQ350 in the Kodiaq is not as aggressive shifting, but does not have the reliability issues.

Go for the Hycross if the usage involves regular use of the 3rd row seats. Otherwise, the Kodiaq feels 2 segments higher in perceived quality and refinement not only for the driver, but for the passengers as well.

[₹itzylove]

Originally Posted by SNOWY227

Hello Kodiaq owners. First off, I’ve always admired this car. Have defended it during discussions with my dad and uncle on multiple occasions. But they always get me at the reliability talk. I want to know the reality you have faced with the Kodiaq. As in the regular service costs, any failures, or any issues with the DSG.Currently, trying to convince my dad on the Kodiaq against the Hycross.

If I'm not mistaken, the last few cars that were available were sold out within hours after they offered a discount of 5.95L on December 12, 2024. So even if you manage to convince them, you probably won’t be able to get the first-gen Kodiaq. Skoda has confirmed that the second-gen will also be a CKD, so you can expect the L&K model to be priced around 46-50L ex-showroom. If you can still convince them, considering the price is 50% higher than the Hycross, good luck! But the car is much superior to the Hycross.

[phi]

Originally Posted by Turbanator

The charger is rated 140W at 110-230V. If you use an inverter, you should pick one that has around 200W. Not sure about inbuilt inverter.

Another option will be to check if you have any fast charging USB -C ports. In some of the cars, like newer ones from BMW, we can use the C port to charge the laptop.

Checked wattage on the built-in USB-C port. It tops out at 34W. Enough to charge a 14" Macbook Air and even slow-charge a Dell laptop that comes with a 65W adapter. No luck with laptops that have higher power requirements.

Picked up a Vantro 200W inverter from Amazon and it is working well. No issues running my 140W adapter at full load along with the dashcam (takes 10W). It is a modified sine wave inverter, but fine for occasional use I guess.

Originally Posted by SNOWY227

Hello Kodiaq owners. First off, I’ve always admired this car. Have defended it during discussions with my dad and uncle on multiple occasions. But they always get me at the reliability talk. I want to know the reality you have faced with the Kodiaq. As in the regular service costs, any failures, or any issues with the DSG.Currently, trying to convince my dad on the Kodiaq against the Hycross.

To add to what others said - there is a 4-year warranty, which is extensible for upto 8 years with additional payment. Standard service schedule and costs are published, and you can also look to negotiate a standard service maintenance package if you so wish. My car is at around 14K km now, and running like new still. I got a parking camera controller failure in between, which was prompty replaced within warranty without any fuss. So far, I am happy with the Skoda dealer that I am working with.

[somersault]

Originally Posted by SNOWY227

But they always get me at the reliability talk. I want to know the reality you have faced with the Kodiaq. As in the regular service costs, any failures, or any issues with the DSG.

I purchased Kodiaq L and K recently and so far have driven 3000 KMs. I have not gone for any service yet but there has been no failures at all. I came from Honda City and driving this car is a great upgrade. The cabin is so silent, the power on tap with that instant pull by the engine, the best car music system heard by me so far, I can not stop listing the positives for buying this car. Best part is, me and my family feels the same, no contradictions.

The service cost is published on the website. The current deal includes 2 years Service Maintenance Package inclusive. So no issues for service cost. The warranty is 4 years inclusive and can be extended to 6 years now and later 8 years with Anytime warranty.

I believe, I bought a 80% Q5 level vehicle at 55% of the Q5 cost. Even in the city like Mumbai, unknown people regularly come to me and admire the Skoda brand and the vehicle.

Yes, I am now biased towards Kodiaq to advice you

[adi_petrolhead]

Originally Posted by SilverSmoke

Done with 46K KMs. No reliability issues whatsoever.

Originally Posted by Old Dude

I second Siversmoke - the Kodiaq doesn’t have any reliability issues - the DQ200 dry clutch DSG in the older Octavia and other cars were the one with known failure mode if the daily driving involves extensive bumper to bumper stop and go traffic.

Go for the Hycross if the usage involves regular use of the 3rd row seats

Originally Posted by phi

My car is at around 14K km now, and running like new still. I got a parking camera controller failure in between, which was prompty replaced within warranty without any fuss.

Originally Posted by somersault

I believe, I bought a 80% Q5 level vehicle at 55% of the Q5 cost. Even in the city like Mumbai, unknown people regularly come to me and admire the Skoda brand and the vehicle.

Originally Posted by SNOWY227

I want to know the reality you have faced with the Kodiaq. As in the regular service costs, any failures, or any issues with the DSG.

It takes some mental preparation to purchase a Skoda in India. Be it the Slavia or the Kodiaq. As it is my third Skoda in last 14 years, I think I can safely say that things are looking better. When I owned a Laura TDI DSG, I was new to the community, I did not know about the possible drawbacks of the gearbox / reliability issues. Unfortunately that partnership ended prematurely when I was involved in an accident that totalled the car. So really, I did not get to the mark where reliability issues would start to creep in.

Then comes my Octavia which had been called a "lemon" many a times in the forum, especially my car because the way and frequency of issues that came up in that car. If I start elaborating, I'll need a holiday and a lot of tissue boxes. One thing is for sure, the Octy is by far my favourite car. I started appreciating it even more after getting my Kodiaq. The Octy has clocked over 195000 kms in 11 years of ownership. Yes, a lot of those miles were painful as and when the car broke down some times due to a major fault or sometimes something as minor as a failed battery. But the Octy has taught me a lot. Its made me aware of my environment and what kind of use / abuse I can give to my cars. I can sense and diagnose issues in the cars instantly. A serious skill which I am sure not all of us here want to learn but the petrolhead in me has matured with this car. So I went in whole heartedly for the Kodiaq for a number of reasons.

1) I wanted a bigger car for my growing family. Not that the Octy was small by any means, but intending to go for many road trips in the future I wanted an SUV and I wanted to replace my aging and problematic Octy.

2) The black interior of the Sportline bowled me over.

3) DSG is the supposedly more reliable DQ381. Now I have had one event on this, where the gearbox went in to emergency mode, but quickly turning the car off and on again got rid of the issue, and later a software reset and calibration meant things were back to normal. The issue hasn't cropped up in 12000 kms. My car is currently at 52K Kms. When I read on the international forums, DQ381 has an oil pressure pump, that can fail sometimes, and that is what causes the gearbox to enter emergency mode. But it is not a major issue.

4) After owning the Kodiaq, I felt more confident on the road. Having a Crysta at home, it was my go to car for long road trips. But once I got the Kodiaq, the Crysta only sees small intercity trips. I would always take the Kodiaq for any long journey thanks to its comfort, suspension, noise insulation, music system and ease of use. Power is not its strong point. It disappoints sometimes, especially when I go back to it after spending some time in the Octy.

So yes, you need to be mentally prepared and ready for anything if you buy a Skoda, no hiding the fact that problems can occur anytime. But the Hycross isn't immune to issues. Have seen various reports where there have been critical failures of the hybrid system causing people to be stranded on highways. I am sure just like any other OEM, Toyota would have already found a fix and applied the patch to all Hycrosses sold already. So I do not bother myself now with issues in cars. It's a machine, and a million parts, something will fail at some point.

You do need to be aware and patient. Aware so that you are observant and keep regular checks on your car like checking the oil and coolant levels, air pressures, oil leaks, battery health etc. If you identify an issue early on, the problem becomes much easier to solve. Till now, I have had only one major issue in the car when the steering column lock malfunctioned and that would mean I cannot turn on the ignition. But the problem was resolved under warranty in 4-5 days. The only issue was transporting a car that doesn't have ignition and hence no power steering. But we managed it with brute force to turn those 18" wheels and tyres. (thankfully steering lock was disengaged)

Summing it up with what all the others have mentioned above, I really appreciate that some of us here feel that they have purchased a car with much higher perceived value and quality. But I for one dont. I feel the interior on my 11 year old Octy is holding up 100 times better than my Kodiaq's. The quality of plastics is just cheaper and not as soft and luxurious as found in the Octy. Having said that, since you're competing with the Hycross, the story isn't any better. Plastics quality overall seems downgraded to Crysta owners. So it all comes down to use case. If your family is going to be happy with a stiff ride, non-usable 3rd row, abysmal fuel economy in city, slightly higher maintenance cost, then bring all your might together and roll on the floor to convince them for the Kodiaq.

I say higher maintenance costs because, it's not just service cost you have to look at. There is a cost to over all maintenance of the car which includes batteries (AGM battery is expensive to replace), insurance, tyres, brake pads, brake discs. Other items such as suspension top mounts, tie rods, suspension bushes, engine mounts, gearbox mounts, etc. All these will come up for replacement around 80K kms, or sooner due to wear and tear. These are not really cheap. I have been doing this on my Octy every 70K kms so I have already done it twice or thrice.

Another factor will be that the Kodiaq always has to run on RON95 fuel (XP95 from IOC) otherwise you are looking at a siezed engine and Skoda will not pass any warranty claims for wrong fuel filled in the car. This is critical and is a non-issue in the Hycross.

All the best and do let us know what is your final buy.

[phi]

Originally Posted by adi_petrolhead

If your family is going to be happy with a stiff ride, non-usable 3rd row, abysmal fuel economy in city, slightly higher maintenance cost, then bring all your might together and roll on the floor to convince them for the Kodiaq.

Just a small comment on the "stiff ride" bit. Only L&K is available right now and it comes with DCC, which allows you to adjust suspension stiffness. With DCC on, suspension on Kodiaq felt softer than Crysta, Hycross and Octavia to me. (Disclaimer: I have only test-driven Hycross, and have only driven Crysta and Octavia for short distances in other people's cars).

[SNOWY227]

Hello again. Convinced my dad on the Kodiaq as an option. Now that my dad is occupied with work, I’ve been doing a little asking around. As itzylove said, the Kodiaq’s availability has become very very limited. I found a VIN23, Year 24 model in one showroom. As I’ve been surfing through the threads, I’m worried about the parts availability in the future as this is an outgoing CKD unit. Usually, my dad sends the car to the service station with a driver, so if we are to expect any haggles with the after-sales (Bangalore/ Mysore) over parts sourcing, as it’s from Germany on order, would be very inconvenient. Please shed some light on this . (Thank you for your insights on your cars in the previous posts)

[adi_petrolhead]

Originally Posted by SNOWY227

I’m worried about the parts availability in the future as this is an outgoing CKD unit.

It wont be an issue at all. Parts availability for my 11 year old Octavia has never been an issue. At the max they need a week or fast track any parts from either the Pune warehouse or 2 weeks to call something by air from Europe.

[GoBlue]

Originally Posted by phi

Just a small comment on the "stiff ride" bit. Only L&K is available right now and it comes with DCC, which allows you to adjust suspension stiffness. With DCC on, suspension on Kodiaq felt softer than Crysta, Hycross and Octavia to me. (Disclaimer: I have only test-driven Hycross, and have only driven Crysta and Octavia for short distances in other people's cars).

Kodiaq L&K's ride quality is indeed better than that of the MK4 Octavia.

DCC's comfort mode has a tangible impact on improvement in ride quality.