SUV purchase: Do I buy a used Skoda Kodiaq or the new Jeep Meridian

AWD or 4WD is needed as I plan to undertake some trips over the next few years where it would help to have mild off-roading capabilities.

BHPian VinsWagen recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I am confused between Skoda Kodiaq 2018 TDI Style with 28k run or the new Jeep Meridian 4x4 AT. Kodiaq's quote is for 32.5 Lakhs (not much negotiable) and Meridian's on-the-road price is 44.5 Lakhs (with around 2 L discounts). I think my requirements are clear from the above choices but then it always helps to clarify: I am looking for an Urban SUV which will also be used for highway runs. AWD or 4WD is needed as I plan to undertake some trips over the next few years where it would help to have mild off-roading capabilities and to be insured against any tricky road conditions, if at all. The Jeep Meridian price is at the far end of what I could stretch to and for anything above 30 Lakhs, I would like to have the additional flexibility of the additional third-row emergency seats

What I find superior in Kodiaq is the additional creature comforts it offers and also the BSIV Diesel engine without the DEF / Exhaust hassles but what goes against is my worry about the longevity and legality of the vehicle for the 4-year Kodiaq Diesel (I am fine with Skoda service though - I am an extremely satisfied customer of Rapid TDI AT for the last 6 years). I would ideally like to keep the vehicle for 10 more years. I found very little to choose between these vehicles in terms of performance, handling, and ride comfort. Although there is a clear winner in each of these, overall they are very competitive and similar when pitted against each other.

Looking for valuable inputs and advice from the community.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

Although I love the Kodiaq, buying a 4-year-old Skoda is not my cup of tea. And especially not when it's so stiffly priced.

I'm going with the "none" option and would instead recommend you get the Hyundai Tucson. The latest gen is a fabulous crossover. Your Rapid is anyway just 6 years old, so use it a little more to tide over Tucson's waiting period. While you wait for your Tucson, invest the 40 lakhs & make it 45 lakhs in a year.

Here's what BHPian Axe77 had to say on the matter:

Personally, I think that version of the Kodiaq with its non-DEF dependent Diesel engine is an excellent buy and pound-for-pound, likely a better product than the Meridian.

Having said that, for a car of that vintage, I find the Škoda’s asking price a tad too rich. I’d actively consider the higher-budget Meridian or even the Tucson if I had to shell out that kind of money for a 4-year-old Kodiaq. Particularly since the Meridian is anyway running some decent discounts on its OTR price.

Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say on the matter:

That’s a hefty asking price for a 4-year-old Kodiaq. Do consider that this engine has been discontinued for some time now, and support will start becoming an issue with time. Also, the car will have the older DSG, not the new DQ381.

Personally, I’d rather that you go for a brand new Kodiaq Sportline petrol instead. A new car + the latest engine + the latest transmission is worth the difference. I am not really impressed by the Meridian. The automatic gearbox really kills the experience, with middle-of-the-road performance and poor FE. Not what you want when you are spending 30-40L.

Here's what BHPian StopUnderrides had to say on the matter:

Yes. 32 lakh for a 4-year-old Kodiaq looks to be on the higher side. Jeep Meridian also is now a good choice at that price point. If I'm right it has the same engine and transmission as the Compass and hence would feel underpowered.

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