Skoda Kodiaq vs. Kia Sorento: which is better?
Between two chunky SUVS, which seven-seater ticks all the right boxes?
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There are times when only a sizeable seven-seater will do, and a used Kia Sorento or used Skoda Kodiaq are two box-ticking options.
SUVs are definitely on-trend, whether you need one for all the space or just fancy the style.
MPV models are no longer the go-to for larger families, with many preferring options like the Sorento or Kodiaq for a practical but still stylish option.
Both offer a comfortable drive, great tech and bucketloads of space – but which one is better for you?
Does the Skoda Kodiaq or Kia Sorento offer more style?
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There’s no question that both the Sorento and Kodiaq are attractive SUVs. Despite their large stature, both cars feel elegant and classy with a timeless appeal.
The Kodiaq flashes a large grille at the front that makes it seem more aggressive than the Sorento.
The latter model gets a uniquely textured grille that’s reminiscent of some electric SUVs on the market. This makes the Sorento feel slightly more modern.
If you think the Kodiaq looks familiar, it’s because a lot of styling inspiration came from the Superb, whereas the Sorento looks similar to the Range Rover Evoque in places.
Both are gorgeous cars – so you’ll be happy with whichever model you pick.
Is the Kia Sorento or Skoda Kodiaq better to drive?
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The Kia shows off with a hybrid powertrain that can help boost efficiency as you drive, achieving up to 170mpg according to the manufacturer’s stats.
You’ll also have 35 miles of fully electric driving to make use of, keeping fuel costs as low as possible in a burly seven-seater.
There’s a range of Kodiaq engines on offer, including a 2.0-litre TDI 150 option that can achieve up to 52.3mpg.
That’s an impressive stat for a large SUV running on diesel, but there are currently no options for hybrid power.
The Skoda is very smooth to drive and might just have an edge over the Sorento, feeling soft where the Kia holds firm.
This does mean that the Kia handles bumps a lot better, but both are comfortable and enjoyable to drive.
Skoda Kodiaq vs. Kia Sorento: interior
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Both SUVs boast interiors that are superbly modern, elegantly designed, and comfortably laid out. You’ll struggle to find an issue with either of them.
The Skoda was built to offer simplicity, so all functions are carried out across the massive infotainment and virtual cockpit screens.
You can also upgrade to a sporty three-spoke steering wheel in the Sportline and vRS trims, and there’s built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto too.
The Sorento also gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a large touchscreen infotainment unit and virtual cockpit.
Kia Sorento vs. Skoda Kodiaq: which has more space?
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A lot of seven-seaters can still feel cramped, but the Sorento and Kodiaq both do a great job of keeping things roomy.
In the Sorento, the floor is flat so the middle-seat passenger still gets legroom. With all the seats in place, you’ll have 187 litres of room which can increase to 616 litres if you fold down the back row.
The seven-seater Kodiaq model has a 270-litre boot with all of the seats in place, meaning you’ll have more space as standard than the Sorento.
You’ll find that the row at the rear is best suited to shorter passengers, but you should have no issues with comfort when the cabin is filled.
Comparing the Kia Sorento and Skoda Kodiaq: which is more reliable?
You’ll be pleased to know that both the Kia and Skoda get a full five-star Euro NCAP rating, meaning they're highly regarded for safety on the roads.
The Sorento offers safety tech like blind spot assist and speed limit assist, with the Kodiaq bringing autonomous braking with pedestrian monitoring, blind spot detection and automatic emergency braking to the table.
Both models are considered reliable options, with the Sorento topping the Kodiaq’s three-year warranty with a lengthy seven-year standard cover.
Skoda Kodiaq vs. Kia Sorento dimensions
The Kia Sorento sits at 4,810mm long, 1,900mm wide and up to 1,700mm tall. The Kodiaq is relatively similar, measuring up to 4,699mm long, 1,882mm wide and up to 1,686mm tall.
The Skoda Kodiaq is also available as a five-seater option that’s smaller all around, due to the lack of those extra rear seats.
Used Kia Sorento vs. used Skoda Kodiaq: which should you buy?
The Kia Sorento and Skoda Kodiaq are both similar seven-seater SUVs that can be picked up at a great price on the used market.
Both models are packed with tech and are spacious inside, with the Kodiaq offering a class-leading boot that’ll be hard to beat for size.
The boot is a real selling point for most motorists, but it might be the design differences that push you in either direction.
For something modern, the suave Sorento will be your vibe, with the Kodiaq feeling classic but aggressive.
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