2021 Skoda Kodiaq — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2021 Skoda Kodiaq

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $30,940–$39,932
Fuel Economy 23 MPG
Seating 7 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,283/yr

Key Specifications — 2021 Skoda Kodiaq

Seating Capacity7 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$30,940–$39,932

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2021 Skoda Kodiaq

The 2021 Skoda Kodiaq is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.6/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.2/10. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.2/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 8.2/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

With 7.3/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. At 7.9/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.

Priced from $30,940–$39,932, 23 MPG, seating 7, the Skoda Kodiaq sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. At 7.8/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Verdict: Nothing about the 2021 Skoda Kodiaq will scare a sensible buyer off. It scores consistently across the board, and it does what a good suv should — quietly and competently.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2021 Skoda Kodiaq ranks #737 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 70% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $30,940 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 14%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which Kodiaq Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2018 Skoda Kodiaq scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.6 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 8.0/10$35,020 Read review →
2024 7.9/10$34,000 Read review →
2023 7.8/10$32,980 Read review →
2022 7.8/10$31,960 Read review →
2021 (this review) 7.6/10$30,940
2020 7.6/10$29,920 Read review →
2019 7.7/10$28,900 Read review →
2018 7.6/10$27,880 Read review →
2017 7.5/10$26,860 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2021 Skoda Kodiaq

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers

Similar SUV to Consider

Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.

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8.4/10
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2026 Toyota RAV4
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8.4/10
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2025 Toyota RAV4 SL
2025 Toyota RAV4 SL
8.4/10
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More Skoda Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Skoda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.