The Skoda Kodiaq, first released in 2017, has been named the best used SUV by the British motoring magazine Autocar, according to a report published March 16, 2026. The recognition comes as modern vehicle prices continue to rise and automakers streamline their offerings, limiting consumer choice.
Autocar’s assessment highlights the Kodiaq’s affordability and relative simplicity compared to newer models, factors often translating to lower maintenance costs and user-friendliness. The magazine’s list, compiled on March 16, 2026, identifies top used cars across various segments, considering vehicle type and intended use, from sports cars to off-road vehicles.
The Kodiaq’s arrival in 2017 marked Skoda’s first foray into the large seven-seat SUV market. Developed alongside the seven-seat Volkswagen Tiguan, the Kodiaq utilizes Volkswagen Group’s Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture. Although the Kodiaq was not initially sold in the United States, it provided a preview of the extended-wheelbase Tiguan that would arrive in North America the following year, according to a 2017 review in Car and Driver.
Skoda’s transformation within the Volkswagen Group, following its absorption after the fall of the Iron Curtain, provided the resources for the Kodiaq’s development. Prior to this, Skoda produced rear-engined sedans and coupes. The Kodiaq represented a shift towards a more upmarket position for the Czech brand, emphasizing practicality and affordability, qualities that earned it the “Best Large SUV” award from Auto Express in both 2017 and 2018.
A 2026 review by Auto Express notes that the Kodiaq remains a desirable used model despite increased competition. Current market listings in the UK, as of March 16, 2026, include 2024 models with approximately 38,876 miles, automatic transmissions, and petrol engines, priced around £25,851. Manual petrol models from 2019 and 2021 are also available, ranging in price from £16,893 to £17,758.
In February 2017, Skoda attempted a record-breaking feat with the Kodiaq, aiming to fit 275 people inside a bubble surrounding the vehicle. The attempt, documented by Škoda Storyboard, is awaiting verification by Guinness World Records.
