The 4×4 that finally makes luxury practical in India

The Essentials

• Škoda has updated its flagship Kodiaq 4×4 with three distinct trims tailored for the Indian market.
• Prices start at ₹36,99,000 for the new Lounge variant and top out at ₹46,99,000 for the Selection L&K trim.
• You get a more accessible entry point to the range without losing the 2.0 TSI engine or 4×4 capability.

The Pulse

The 2026 Kodiaq refresh introduces a Lounge variant that essentially makes the 4×4 flagship more accessible to those who do not need seven seats. While the Sportline and L&K remain for those who want every available luxury, the Lounge trim is the smart pick for families who prioritise luggage space over a third row. It swaps the seven-seat layout for five, resulting in a cavernous 786-litre boot that handles airport runs or golf kits with ease.

Does the 2026 Škoda Kodiaq have ADAS in India? Yes, both the Sportline and Selection L&K trims now feature a full Advanced Driver Assistance Systems suite, including adaptive cruise control and lane assist. These safety updates are a significant step up from the previous model year.

At this price point, it undercuts the entry-level BMW X1 while offering genuine off-road hardware and a more polished petrol engine than most SUVs in its class. The interior retains the clever multi-function Smart Dials, which use tactile rotary controllers to manage climate and audio without forcing you to menu-dive through a screen while driving. It remains a sophisticated alternative for those who find the Toyota Fortuner a bit too unrefined for city life.

The Snapshot

The Big Picture

The luxury SUV segment in India is currently caught between ladder-frame models like the Toyota Fortuner and entry-level German crossovers that often feel underspecified for the price. The Kodiaq occupies a unique middle ground. By adding ADAS and a dedicated five-seater value trim, Škoda is directly challenging the Jeep Meridian and Volkswagen Tiguan. It uses the MQB37 platform to offer a car-like driving experience that its taller, heavier competitors cannot match in urban traffic or on long highway stretches across the country.

The India Prospective

For the professional navigating Mumbai’s potholes or Bengaluru’s highway stretches, the Kodiaq’s 4×4 capability is more about monsoon confidence than rock crawling. The starting price of roughly ₹37 lakh makes it a compelling upgrade for someone currently driving a top-end Creta or Harrier who wants European build quality without the ₹60 lakh sticker price of a Mercedes. With service points in 184 cities, maintenance is now a straightforward reality for premium buyers outside the major metros.

The Inside Intel

The Kodiaq’s naming convention isn’t just marketing; it is actually tied to the Kodiak archipelago in Alaska. The “Q” at the end was specifically chosen to evoke the strength of the Kodiak bear. This small linguistic quirk started a trend that defined every Škoda SUV thereafter, including India’s own Kushaq and Kylaq. It is a rare example of a global branding strategy that actually began with the development of this specific 4×4 flagship.

The UDHQ. Take

Unbox Daily HQ. is certain that this is the sweet spot if you find the Toyota Fortuner too agricultural and the BMW X1 a bit cramped. The new Lounge variant is the thinking person’s choice, offering the same 2.0 TSI punch and 4×4 grip for significantly less money. You are paying for engineering excellence rather than just a badge, and the addition of ADAS finally brings the Kodiaq up to speed with modern safety expectations. It is a solid, long-term purchase for a growing family that values substance.

Best for: A Mumbai-based manager with two kids who needs a refined weekend tourer that can also handle a flooded office commute.

Who Is This For: Perfect for 30 to 55-year-old professionals in metro cities who value understated luxury and mechanical substance over flashy branding.

The Checkout

Škoda Kodiaq – India Page

The Source

Škoda India