When considering a new SUV, the choice between the Skoda Kodiaq and Kia Seltos presents an intriguing dilemma. Both cars are strong contenders in the Indian SUV market, offering great value, cutting-edge features, and robust performance. However, they cater to slightly different buyer needs, and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each can help you make an informed decision.
In this article, we’ll compare the Skoda Kodiaq, a premium 7-seater SUV, with the Kia Seltos, a compact 5-seater SUV, to help you decide which one is the better fit for your requirements.
1. Skoda Kodiaq: A Premium 7-Seater SUV
The Skoda Kodiaq is a premium 7-seater mid-size SUV that offers a refined, luxurious driving experience, backed by strong performance and a spacious interior. This vehicle is suited for buyers who need more space, a higher level of comfort, and a touch of luxury in their everyday drives.
Key Features of the Skoda Kodiaq:
- Engine & Performance:
The Skoda Kodiaq comes with a 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine that produces around 190 PS and 320 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. This provides excellent performance, both in city conditions and on the highway. - Seating & Space:
With 7 seats arranged in a 2+3+2 configuration, the Kodiaq is perfect for large families or those who frequently need extra seating capacity. The cabin is spacious, offering plenty of legroom, headroom, and a high level of comfort in all three rows. - Interior & Features:
The interior of the Kodiaq exudes luxury with leather upholstery, a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an electric sunroof. Premium features such as ambient lighting, a power-adjustable driver seat, and an advanced sound system make it feel upscale. - Safety:
Skoda has equipped the Kodiaq with a range of safety features, including 8 airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Park Assist, and a 360-degree camera. The SUV has also scored high ratings in crash tests, making it one of the safest vehicles in its class. - Price:
The Skoda Kodiaq is priced between ₹37 lakh and ₹41 lakh (Ex-Showroom), making it a premium offering in the segment.
Why Choose the Skoda Kodiaq?
- Spacious & Comfortable: Perfect for families who need 7 seats and ample cargo space.
- Premium Features: Offers a luxury feel with top-notch tech, upholstery, and convenience features.
- Powerful Engine: The 2.0L engine offers great performance, especially for highway drives and long journeys.
- Safety: A comprehensive suite of safety features ensures peace of mind.
2. Kia Seltos: Compact, Stylish, and Feature-Rich
The Kia Seltos, on the other hand, is a compact 5-seater SUV that caters to buyers who are looking for a more urban-friendly vehicle that’s stylish, well-equipped, and versatile for daily use. The Seltos is a great choice for those who don’t need the massive size and seating capacity of a 7-seater SUV but still want the premium feel of a high-end compact SUV.
Key Features of the Kia Seltos:
- Engine & Performance:
The Kia Seltos offers a variety of engine options, including a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 115 PS and a more powerful 1.4L turbocharged petrol engine producing 140 PS. These engines are paired with either a 6-speed manual, CVT, or 7-speed DCT automatic transmission, depending on the variant. The turbo variant provides more spirited driving performance, while the naturally aspirated version is well-suited for city drives. - Seating & Space:
The Seltos seats five passengers comfortably, with good legroom, especially for the front passengers. The rear seats are spacious, and the boot space is quite generous, offering plenty of room for luggage. However, it’s not as large or as family-oriented as the Kodiaq when it comes to seating capacity. - Interior & Features:
The Kia Seltos offers a modern and well-appointed interior, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bose sound system, head-up display, wireless charging, and LED lighting. The higher variants offer a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and dual-zone climate control, giving the Seltos a premium feel at a more affordable price point. - Safety:
The Seltos is equipped with a host of safety features, including 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, Hill Assist Control, and a 360-degree camera (in higher variants). It also has ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), which includes features like lane-keeping assist and forward collision warning, making it one of the safest compact SUVs on the market. - Price:
The Kia Seltos is priced between ₹10.90 lakh and ₹19.90 lakh (Ex-Showroom), making it a more affordable option compared to the Skoda Kodiaq.
Why Choose the Kia Seltos?
- Compact and Stylish: Ideal for urban environments, offering a stylish design and manageable size.
- Affordability: A great option if you want a feature-packed SUV without the premium price tag.
- Impressive Tech: Offers a host of advanced features like a large touchscreen, ADAS, and wireless charging.
- Good Performance: The 1.4L turbocharged engine provides sporty performance, while the 1.5L petrol is efficient and ideal for city commuting.
3. Which One Should You Choose? Skoda Kodiaq or Kia Seltos?
Consider the Skoda Kodiaq If:
- You need a 7-seater: The Kodiaq is your go-to option if you need more seating space for large families or long trips.
- Luxury and premium features matter: If you’re looking for a more upscale interior with a host of luxury features, the Kodiaq delivers a premium experience that feels a cut above.
- You do long drives: The Kodiaq’s powerful engine, spacious cabin, and refined driving dynamics make it ideal for highway cruising and long-distance travel.
- Budget isn’t a constraint: The Kodiaq is a more expensive vehicle, so it’s better suited if you’re willing to spend more on a premium offering.
Consider the Kia Seltos If:
- You want a compact SUV: The Seltos is ideal for urban use, offering great maneuverability and a stylish design that fits well in tight spaces.
- You prefer a more affordable option: The Seltos is a more budget-friendly option, offering a great mix of features at a lower price point.
- You don’t need 7 seats: If you don’t need the extra space of a 7-seater SUV and are satisfied with a 5-seater, the Seltos is the right choice.
- You want a sporty yet practical SUV: With its turbocharged engine options and great driving dynamics, the Seltos is a fun-to-drive SUV that also offers practicality for daily use.
Final Verdict:
- Go for the Skoda Kodiaq if you’re looking for a premium, spacious SUV with 7 seats, excellent performance, and high-end features, especially if your budget allows for the premium price tag.
- Go for the Kia Seltos if you’re seeking a stylish, feature-packed, and budget-friendly compact SUV that offers good performance and practicality for everyday use.
Both cars are fantastic choices in their respective segments, and the decision boils down to your specific needs—whether you prioritize space, luxury, and performance (Kodiaq) or affordability, style, and urban usability (Seltos).