Skoda Kodiaq 2021: Facelift, Photos & Details

The new design and features of the Skoda Kodiaq 2021 have been officially introduced. Four years after the introduction of the first model, Skoda is presenting an updated version of the Kodiaq family SUV as part of a large SUV campaign. It’s hard to believe, but when it premiered in 2016, the Skoda Kodiaq was the Czech manufacturer’s first SUV. A complete success: by the end of March 2021, more than 600,000 units had been built in the Czech Republic, China, Russia, and India.

And now – just four years later – in addition to the optional seven-seater vehicle, the small Kamiq, the compact Karoq, and, recently, the fully electric Enyaq iV are also part of the SUV range. We recently took a close look at the latter as part of a test drive.

So now Skoda is providing the Kodiaq with an update. According to their statement, “special attention was paid to the emotional design and aerodynamic properties of the Kodiaq”. What does that mean and what new features does the Tiguan relative have to offer? We have the information.

Skoda doesn’t seem to have changed anything in terms of size. This is because basic updates are not included in this facelift. Customers of the 4.7 meters long SUV can still look forward to the optionally available third row of seats and a maximum trunk volume of up to 2,065 liters.

Skoda Kodiaq 2021

But visually something is happening. For the configurations of the “Active”, “Ambition” and “Style” equipment lines, there are now decorative metal covers on the front and rear aprons, which are intended to give the vehicle an even more off-road style. According to Skoda, the new design of the front section with a raised bonnet, a more vertical radiator grille, and a new front apron emphasize the expressive silhouette of the SUV.

The optics are only changed carefully

LED headlights are now available as standard, and full LED matrix headlights are also optionally available for the first time. LED taillights are used at the rear.

Rims with a diameter of up to 20 inches pull into the wheel arches and a new spoiler is now on the trunk lid. Is it as big as the one on Enyiaq? Probably not quite. The Kodiaq RS also gets a sportier front bumper with the dynamic look that is characteristic of the model.

Skoda Kodiaq 2021

In the interior, Skoda wants to have raised the design and quality of the Kodiaq to a new level. The interior benefits from new inlays and contrasting stitching on the front panel and in the doors, and the ambient lighting has also been given more functions. For the first time for a model, the options list also includes ergonomic seats in perforated leather with ventilation and massage functions. The optional eco seats, available for the “Ambition” and “Style” lines, are made from a material made from recycled plant-based materials.

As you may have noticed, there is now a display behind the steering wheel. This virtual cockpit instrument cluster measures 10.25 inches and is optional in the range for most models – it is the only standard in the RS. The also optionally available 575 watt Canton sound system now has ten instead of eight speakers, in addition to the center speaker in the dashboard and the subwoofer in the trunk.

Skoda Kodiaq 2021

No extensive assistance updates

Interestingly, Skoda does not upgrade the Kodiaq when it comes to assistance systems. Okay, the current model is already quite well equipped, but the innovations mainly concern improved integrations of smartphones via numerous apps. Also new: the proactive system called “Crew Protect Assist”. It has additional radar sensors that not only monitor objects in front of but also behind the vehicle and warn of the risk of a collision.

Little is happening under the hood either. For the time being, there is a choice of two petrol engines (a 1.5 TSI with 150 PS and a 2.0 TSI with 190 PS) and a 2.0-liter diesel. The four-cylinder compression-ignition engine can be configured in charging stages of 150 or 190 hp.

RS from now on with gasoline engine

Only the RS benefits from a new unit: a 2.0 TSI petrol engine from the EVO family and with 245 hp. The previous RS was only available with diesel. So Skoda was able to save 60 kilograms in the new edition. And with the new and lighter 7-speed DSG, another 5.2 kilos. 

Skoda Kodiaq 2021

The Kodiaq will probably never be completely electric since the introduction of the Enyaq iV. However, we would have been happy about a PHEV or at least an MHEV for the facelift.

The new product will be available for the European market from July 2021. Namely in the equipment lines “Active”, “Ambition” and “Style” as well as Kodiaq “L&K”, “Sportline” and “RS”. Skoda has not yet commented on the prices at the premiere. The entry into the Kodiaq world is currently successful at 29,990 euros.

Equipment features in detail

It stays that way: The Kodiaq Active makes the entry into the series from 29,990 euros. It now has LED headlights including daytime running lights as well as LED rear lights, a leather steering wheel with multifunctional buttons, air conditioning, and an instrument cluster with a color display. Entertainment is provided by the Swing music system with a 6.5-inch screen, DAB + digital radio reception, and a Bluetooth hands-free system.

The Kodiaq Ambition starts at 32,610 euros and includes, for example, 17-inch alloy wheels, a driving light assistant, and a rain sensor. The prices for the Kodiaq Style start at 35,780 euros.

Skoda Kodiaq 2021

The Kodiaq L&K, which can be ordered from 42,450 euros – ex-works with 1.5 TSI ACT including DSG – is equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, ventilated front seats, and the CANTON sound system including eleven speakers and subwoofer in the trunk. In addition, assistance systems such as the adaptive distance assistant, lane keeping, lane change, and parking assistant.

Sportline with a few advantages

For fans of dynamically designed vehicles, Skoda has the Kodiaq Sportline on offer. Black body details – roof rails, grille frame, and exterior mirror caps – give it an independent, sporty look. Its many advantages include matrix LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive chassis, and pedals in a stainless steel design. The Kodiaq Sportline starts at 38,610 euros.

Skoda Kodiaq 2021

The upgraded Kodiaq model family also includes the particularly well-equipped Kodiaq Clever special model. It combines comfort features such as matrix LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors plus parking steering assistant, ambient lighting, 19-inch alloy wheels, and electric tailgate operation including convenience opening. The Kodiaq Clever is available for 36,860 euros. According to Skoda, customers save up to 5,040 euros when buying the Kodiaq Clever compared to a similarly equipped production model.

Skoda Kodiaq 2021

The new 2.0 TSI petrol engine from the EVO generation is the highlight of the new Kodiaq RS. It has an output of 180 kW (245 hp) and weighs 60 kilograms less than the previous unit. The 7-speed DSG, which is 5.2 kilograms lighter, also has a positive effect on performance, according to Skoda.

Skoda Kodiaq 2021

In addition, the Kodiaq RS has a dynamically designed front bumper, matrix LED headlights, and 20-inch alloy wheels. The radiator grille frame, exterior mirror caps, and roof rails set striking accents in black. As standard, Skoda equips the sportiest model in the series with an adaptive chassis. The Kodiaq RS starts at 48,990 euros.

Elenor Kling

A tech lover and generally a car enthusiast who likes to do a lot of research and share knowledge.

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