There are plenty of seven-seat SUVs to choose from if you've got a large budget, but what if you're looking for something that's got all the space but is more reasonably priced? Well, then the Skoda Kodiaq should be on your shortlist, because its attractive entry-level price certainly makes it appealing to big families looking for value for money. It's actually Skoda's first ever seven-seater car, and its first large SUV. It shares some of its underpinnings with other VW Group SUVs including the Audi Q2, Seat Ateca and Volkswagen Tiguan, but the larger Kodiaq is more of a rival for the Nissan X-Trail, while the higher-end and pricier versions compete with the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe and even Land Rover's Discovery Sport. The entry-level versions of the Kodiaq come with five seats as standard, but it’s the seven-seat versions that have by far the most appeal. Engine options range from a 121bhp 1.4 petrol all the way up to a punchy 188bhp 2.0-litre diesel, and there’s also a choice between front and four-wheel drive and manual and automatic (DSG) gearboxes.
The Kodiaq is the first seven-seater for the Czech manufacturer, and the start of a rollout of SUV models due to hit showrooms over the next four years. Kodiaq is named after the Kodiak bear which inhabit the Kodiak islands in Alaska. For some handy dinner table trivia, the car is spelt with a ‘q’ not a ‘k’ as a tribute to Alaska’s native Alutiiq people who identify an animal by ending its name with a ‘q’. That and there’s already a Chevrolet Kodiak and, you know, lawyers.
Pros Practical, spacious and clever - like a Skoda should be Comfortable seats, and comfortable ride Upmarket interior, especially the touchscreen
Cons Front design perhaps a little awkward Lacklustre midrange response from both engines Third row quite tight
The Skoda Kodiaq is the Czech company’s first seven-seater SUV and a real reason to worry for rival models such as the Nissan X-Trail, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. The Kodiaq strikes a good balance when it comes to offering comfort and agility. Well, ‘aglie’ might be too strong a word, but for a car of this size, the big Skoda suffers from little body roll even if you power through corners quickly. More important is the cosseting ride, which you get in all but 19-inch wheeled models. It shields passengers from big bumps and broken road surfaces, with only smaller high-frequency jolts catching the chassis out. We drove a model with 19-inch wheels and although the ride wasn’t uncomfortable, you did feel most bumps in the cabin.
Pros Superb build quality Hugely practical interior Seven-seat option
Cons Stiff ride with big wheels Some wind noise at motorway speed Top-spec diesel noisy
A plug-in hybrid powertrain joins the Santa Fe lineup for 2022. This 260-hp option also delivers up to 31 miles of electric-only driving per charge, but is unfortunately limited in its availability. Unless you live in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, or Vermont, you may have to wait for the Santa Fe PHEV to make its nationwide debut. In the meantime, you could select the new XRT trim level, which is based on the nonhybrid Santa Fe. The XRT adds a more rugged exterior appearance by adding side steps, skid plates, and a unique wheel design.
Pros Value-oriented price, comfortable ride, well-outfitted interior.
Cons Not as fuel efficient has some rivals, tall riders may feel pinched in the rear seat, strictly a two-row SUV.
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe's #5 ranking is based on its score within the Midsize SUVs category. It is the winner of our 2022 Best 2-Row SUV for the Money award and a finalist for our 2022 Best 2-Row SUV for Families award. Currently the Hyundai Santa Fe has a score of 8.3 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 37 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Spacious, premium interior Loads of standard tech and safety features Great gas mileage Low starting price for class
Cons Underwhelming base engine Firm ride
