Skoda Kodiaq Vs Toyota Fortuner: Subtle Elegance Vs Mass Appeal!

Skoda’s new-generation Kodiaq enters the popular full-size SUV segment, bringing a premium and sophisticated package to take on its rivals. Its biggest competitor is the Toyota Fortuner, which has a fanbase of its own, giving many well-packaged SUVs a run for their money. The Kodiaq is fresh in the market and offers a lot inside the cabin, while the Fortuner has started to show its age. So, can the Kodiaq prove to be the better choice? Let’s find that out!

Price

The Fortuner has the lower starting price, but has the more expensive top-spec variant. Let’s see which car offers more for similar top-spec pricing: 

Skoda Kodiaq vs Toyota Fortuner: Dimensions

Dimensions	Skoda Kodiaq	Toyota Fortuner
Length	4758 mm	4795 mm (+37 mm)
Width	1864 mm	1855 mm (-9 mm)
Height	1679 mm	1835 mm (+156 mm)
Wheelbase	2791 mm	2745 mm (-46 mm)

As seen in the table above, the Fortuner is longer and significantly taller, while the Kodiaq is marginally wider and offers more wheelbase. The Fortuner’s greater height gives it a more commanding presence, while the Kodiaq has a sleeker appearance. More wheelbase in the Kodiaq should also lead to more space inside the cabin. 

Skoda Kodiaq vs Toyota Fortuner: Features

Equipment	Skoda Kodiaq	Toyota Fortuner
Headlights	LED Projectors with LED DRLs	LED projectors with LED DRLs
ORVMs	Electrically adjustable and foldable	Electrically adjustable and foldable
Wheels	18-inch alloys	17 and 18-inch alloys (RWD and 4WD)
Infotainment system	12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment	8-inch touchscreen infotainment
Instrument Cluster	10.25-inch fully digital	Analogue dials with multi-information display
Apple Carplay/Android Auto	Yes, Wireless	Yes, Wireless
Powered Driver and Passenger Seats	Yes	Yes
Electronic Parking Brake	Yes	No
Wireless phone charger	Yes (2)	Yes (1)
Climate control	Yes (Three Zone)	Yes (Dual Zone)
Audio System	13-speaker Canton sound system	11-speaker JBL sound system
Ambient lighting	Yes	Yes
Keyless entry	Yes	Yes
Push button start-stop	Yes	Yes
Cruise control	Yes	Yes
Airbags	9	7
Parking sensors	Front and rear	Front and rear
Parking Camera	360-degree camera	Rear-only
Sunroof	Yes, Panoramic	No
Ventilated Front Seats	Yes	Yes
Memory seats with massage function	Yes	No
Parking Assist	Yes	No

The Kodiaq wins by a mile here, offering a more comprehensive safety package and feel-good features. Some of the extras that the Skoda SUV comes with include larger displays, an extra wireless phone charger, more speakers, a panoramic sunroof, more airbags, auto-park assist, a 360-degree camera and a massage function for the front seats. The Fortuner, on the other hand, feels lacklustre and slightly plain jane in this department.  

Both SUVs miss out on ADAS features, which honestly feels like a big miss if you are splurging Rs 50 lakh!

Skoda Kodiaq vs Toyota Fortuner: Powertrain

The Fortuner’s grunty diesel engine is very reputed and reliable, and also has the highest overall output. However, the Kodiaq’s engine is also commendable, offering smooth performance and hassle-free driving. In fact, the Kodiaq’s engine also powers the Octavia RS, albeit in a higher tune. 

The Fortuner also comes with a petrol unit, but the numbers there aren’t as promising as the Fortuner’s diesel unit or the Kodiaq’s petrol engine. 

If you are a petrol-head, you know which one will suit your needs. However, if you love the diesel grunt and don’t live in the Delhi NCR region, then the Fortuner diesel could be the one to consider. 

Verdict 

Both Fortuner and Kodiaq stay true to their roots. The former offers unmatched reliability and resale value, while the latter brings European sophistication and the driving attributes that you would expect from a Skoda. 

The Kodiaq is the SUV to pick if you want something chauffeur driven and comfort-oriented catering to the needs of large families who want to travel in comfort. The Fortuner is for someone who wants a more commanding SUV, while making a statement when they arrive.  

Both SUVs are exciting, but the Kodiaq takes the win in this comparison. It offers a better overall package, more premium features, a modern design, and a cabin that feels much more high-end than that of the Fortuner. Overall, the Kodiaq feels like value for money, and the Fortuner looks a bit overpriced for what it offers. 

However, if you want more road presence, more ruggedness, higher resale value and a strong old-school diesel engine, then the Fortuner could be the one for you! 

Which one would you pick? Let us know in the comments section.