The used Škoda Kodiaq is one of the most compelling family SUV purchases you can make right now. It offers genuine seven-seat practicality, a polished cabin, and running costs that won't make you wince — all for significantly less than its original showroom price.

With over 1,500 used Kodiaq listings currently available in the UK, ranging from around £16,000 for an early diesel to over £30,000 for a nearly new plug-in hybrid, there's a Kodiaq to suit most budgets. But not every example is created equal. Some years are stronger than others, some trims offer better value, and there are a handful of things worth checking carefully before you hand over your money.

This guide covers everything you need to know to buy with confidence.

Which generation used Škoda Kodiaq should you buy?

The Kodiaq has been through two distinct generations. Knowing which one you're looking at — and what changed between them — will help you make a smarter decision.

Mk1 Kodiaq (2017–2021)

The original Kodiaq launched in early 2017 and immediately set the standard for family SUVs at its price point. Built on Volkswagen Group's MQB platform, it shared underpinnings with the Volkswagen Tiguan but offered considerably more interior space and a longer wheelbase.

Engines at launch included a 1.4 TSI petrol (125bhp), a 2.0 TSI petrol (180bhp or 190bhp), and a 2.0 TDI diesel in 125bhp, 150bhp, and 190bhp outputs. The diesel was the most popular choice among UK buyers — and with good reason. The 150bhp 2.0 TDI returns around 47–50mpg in real-world driving and pairs well with the smooth seven-speed DSG gearbox.

Early cars are the most affordable on the used market, with tidy 2018 examples available from around £16,000–18,000. They're older and higher-mileage, but the Kodiaq has aged well and interior quality remains impressive for a seven-year-old car.

Mk1 facelift (2021–2023)

Škoda gave the Kodiaq a thorough refresh for 2021. The exterior updates were subtle — a revised grille, new LED light signatures — but inside was where the real improvements landed. The infotainment system moved to a larger touchscreen, digital instruments became standard across more trims, and the overall quality feel took a noticeable step up.

Engine choices were refined too. The older 1.4 TSI was replaced by a more efficient 1.5 TSI with cylinder deactivation, and a plug-in hybrid (iV) version joined the range. The diesel lineup was carried over largely unchanged.

This is the sweet spot of the used Kodiaq market. A 2021–2023 SE L diesel with around 40–60,000 miles typically asks £19,000–26,000 — good value for what you get.

Mk2 Kodiaq (2024–present)

The all-new Mk2 arrived in late 2023 and went on sale in the UK from early 2024. It's longer, wider, and more tech-loaded than its predecessor, with a new interior that gives premium rivals a genuine run for their money. Used examples are starting to appear — mainly from short-term leases or early change-overs — priced from around £27,000–34,000.

Used Škoda Kodiaq: which trim level is worth buying?

The Kodiaq came in a clear trim hierarchy throughout both generations. Here's what each level gives you in practice.

SE is the entry-level trim. It includes 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, a DAB radio, and cruise control — solid basics, but you miss out on some of the equipment that makes the Kodiaq genuinely special. Expect to pay less upfront, but think carefully about what you're leaving behind.

SE L is the trim Bobi recommends most buyers target. It adds keyless entry and start, a larger touchscreen, heated front seats, electric tailgate, and a panoramic sunroof on many specifications. The jump in asking price over base SE is usually modest on the used market — often just £1,000–2,000 — but the difference in usability and comfort is substantial.

Sportline introduces a sportier exterior look, lowered suspension, and 19-inch alloys. It looks great, but the firmer ride can feel punishing on poor road surfaces. Worth considering if you prioritise kerb appeal over long-distance comfort.

Edition and vRS sit at the top of the range. The Kodiaq vRS is the performance flagship — more on that in a moment — while Edition models typically bundle popular options at a slight discount.

Laurin & Klement (L&K) is the luxury trim, adding a Canton sound system, leather upholstery, and additional driver assistance features. Supply is lower on the used market but worth hunting if interior quality is a priority.

What to check when buying a used Škoda Kodiaq

The Kodiaq has a good reliability reputation overall, but like any used car, some checks are non-negotiable.

Service history

Look for a full service history — ideally stamped at a Škoda dealer or specialist. The Kodiaq's service intervals are up to 18 months or 18,000 miles, so a car with four services doesn't necessarily mean it's been neglected. Count the intervals relative to its age and mileage rather than number of stamps.

Minor services are straightforward, but the DSG gearbox fluid should be changed every 40,000 miles or so on high-use examples. Ask for evidence of this if the car has covered meaningful miles.

DSG gearbox behaviour

The seven-speed DSG is one of the Kodiaq's strong points in normal use — smooth, fast, and efficient. But it can develop a characteristic judder at low speeds (particularly reversing or manoeuvring at low speed) if the mechatronic unit or fluid is due attention. Test the car thoroughly in slow traffic and car park conditions. Any hesitation, clunking, or shudder is a flag.

Engine-specific checks

The 2.0 TDI is the most common used Kodiaq engine and generally robust. However, early examples can develop EGR valve issues and the diesel particulate filter (DPF) can become blocked on cars used mainly for short journeys. If the car's service history shows mostly urban use and the mileage is low for the age, a DPF inspection is worthwhile.

The 1.5 TSI petrol on facelift cars has a good reputation, though early units had some reports of timing chain rattle on cold starts. Check for any noise during cold start on viewing.

Electrical and infotainment

Early Kodiaq Mk1 infotainment systems can be laggy by modern standards. Test the touchscreen, navigation, and DAB response during your test drive. On facelift cars, also test the parking sensors and reversing camera — sensor failures are not uncommon on higher-mileage examples.

Checking the adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and any radar-based safety systems is worth doing too. Calibration issues can be expensive to correct.

Seven-seat folding mechanism

If you're buying for seven-seat capacity, test the third row thoroughly. The Kodiaq's rearmost seats fold flat into the boot floor. Make sure the mechanism operates smoothly, the seats lock firmly in both positions, and the seatbelts are undamaged.

Bodywork and tyres

Check all four wheel arches for stone chips and minor corrosion, which can appear on older examples. The Kodiaq's large 18 or 19-inch alloys make tyre replacement more expensive than average — check tread depth and condition on all four corners, and factor replacement costs into your budget if they're marginal.

Used Škoda Kodiaq: what to pay in 2026

Based on live UK listings, here's a realistic guide to current asking prices:

Year	Mileage	Trim	Asking Price
2017–2018	70,000–90,000 miles	SE / SE L diesel	£14,000–18,000
2019–2020	50,000–70,000 miles	SE L diesel	£17,000–21,000
2021–2022	40,000–60,000 miles	SE L diesel (facelift)	£19,000–25,000
2022–2023	30,000–50,000 miles	SE L diesel (facelift)	£22,000–27,000
2024–2025	Under 20,000 miles	SE / SE L Mk2	£27,000–35,000

Prices reflect dealer asking prices with some room for negotiation, particularly on cars that have been listed for more than four weeks. Private sales can come in 5–10% cheaper but carry greater risk — warranty, comeback, and history verification are all your responsibility.

For the vRS specifically, budget £20,000–25,000 for a 2019–2021 example with sensible mileage. The bi-turbo diesel version is rarer and more expensive to service, so factor that in.

Used Škoda Kodiaq: running costs

One of the Kodiaq's strongest suits is its day-to-day affordability relative to premium rivals.

Fuel economy: The 2.0 TDI diesel (150bhp) returns 47–52mpg in real-world motorway and mixed driving — genuinely frugal for a seven-seat SUV. The 1.5 TSI petrol is less efficient at around 35–40mpg in the real world. The PHEV iV can return exceptional figures on short trips if you charge regularly, but reverts to conventional hybrid efficiency on longer runs without charging access.

Road tax: Pre-April 2025 diesel Kodiaqs typically fall into the standard £190/year band. Earlier high-emission examples (particularly 4x4 models with higher CO2) may attract slightly more. The PHEV iV is exempt from the standard rate for cars registered from April 2017 — check the specific registration against current DVLA road tax bands.

Insurance: The Kodiaq typically sits in insurance groups 20–28 depending on engine and trim level. A 2.0 TDI SE L in group 24 is broadly comparable to a Volkswagen Tiguan. The vRS sits higher, in group 30 or above.

Servicing: Škoda's servicing costs are notably lower than equivalent Audi or Volkswagen models — a benefit of the brand's position in the VW Group. An independent specialist servicing to manufacturer standards will cost less still. Budget around £200–350 for a minor service and £400–600 for a major service at an independent.

Tyres: Expect to pay £100–140 per tyre for quality rubber on 18-inch rims, more for 19-inch. The 4x4 variants go through rears faster than the front-wheel-drive models.

Used Škoda Kodiaq vs the alternatives

If you're shopping for a used Kodiaq, you're probably also considering a handful of rivals. Here's how it stacks up.

Volkswagen Tiguan is the closest comparison — literally, given the shared MQB platform. The Tiguan is a touch more refined and holds its value better, but it's smaller inside and typically asks £2,000–3,000 more for equivalent spec and mileage. If the third row matters to you, the Kodiaq wins outright. See how the two compare side by side in our Škoda Kodiaq vs Volkswagen Tiguan guide.

SEAT Tarraco is another MQB platform cousin, undercutting the Kodiaq on price with similar space. It's worth considering if budget is tight, though the cabin quality and refinement don't quite match the Kodiaq's.

Kia Sorento offers a more distinctive look and Kia's industry-leading seven-year warranty (on cars bought new — check how much remains on any used example). It's a strong all-rounder but used supply is more limited.

Ford Kuga (five seats) is cheaper to run but doesn't offer the third row. It's a better choice for buyers who don't actually need seven seats but want a practical family SUV at a lower price point. Read our guide to choosing the right family SUV for your budget for a broader comparison.

For most buyers who genuinely need seven seats and want a premium-feeling cabin at a fair price, the used Kodiaq remains difficult to beat.

Is the used Škoda Kodiaq the right choice for you?

If you need a seven-seat family SUV that feels and drives well, costs a reasonable amount to run, and won't leave you wincing at the service bill, the used Kodiaq is one of the strongest choices in the market.

The 2021–2023 facelift SE L diesel hits the sweet spot: updated interior, reliable 2.0 TDI engine, seven seats as standard, and asking prices that represent genuine value versus similarly aged Tiguan or Sorento equivalents. If budget is tighter, a 2018–2020 SE L diesel with full service history is still a highly capable family car.

Avoid early cars with incomplete service history, and be cautious around examples with very low mileage for their age — a diesel Kodiaq used mainly for short journeys may be harbouring DPF trouble. Insist on a pre-purchase inspection from an independent specialist if you have any doubts. Our used car buying checklist covers what to cover on any viewing.

Get that right, and you'll have a family car that earns its keep for years to come.