There are plenty of seven-seat SUVs to choose from if you've got a large budget, but what if you're looking for something that's got all the space but is more reasonably priced? Well, then the Skoda Kodiaq should be on your shortlist, because its attractive entry-level price certainly makes it appealing to big families looking for value for money. It's actually Skoda's first ever seven-seater car, and its first large SUV. It shares some of its underpinnings with other VW Group SUVs including the Audi Q2, Seat Ateca and Volkswagen Tiguan, but the larger Kodiaq is more of a rival for the Nissan X-Trail, while the higher-end and pricier versions compete with the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe and even Land Rover's Discovery Sport. The entry-level versions of the Kodiaq come with five seats as standard, but it’s the seven-seat versions that have by far the most appeal. Engine options range from a 121bhp 1.4 petrol all the way up to a punchy 188bhp 2.0-litre diesel, and there’s also a choice between front and four-wheel drive and manual and automatic (DSG) gearboxes.
The Kodiaq is the first seven-seater for the Czech manufacturer, and the start of a rollout of SUV models due to hit showrooms over the next four years. Kodiaq is named after the Kodiak bear which inhabit the Kodiak islands in Alaska. For some handy dinner table trivia, the car is spelt with a ‘q’ not a ‘k’ as a tribute to Alaska’s native Alutiiq people who identify an animal by ending its name with a ‘q’. That and there’s already a Chevrolet Kodiak and, you know, lawyers.
Pros Practical, spacious and clever - like a Skoda should be Comfortable seats, and comfortable ride Upmarket interior, especially the touchscreen
Cons Front design perhaps a little awkward Lacklustre midrange response from both engines Third row quite tight
The Skoda Kodiaq is the Czech company’s first seven-seater SUV and a real reason to worry for rival models such as the Nissan X-Trail, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. The Kodiaq strikes a good balance when it comes to offering comfort and agility. Well, ‘aglie’ might be too strong a word, but for a car of this size, the big Skoda suffers from little body roll even if you power through corners quickly. More important is the cosseting ride, which you get in all but 19-inch wheeled models. It shields passengers from big bumps and broken road surfaces, with only smaller high-frequency jolts catching the chassis out. We drove a model with 19-inch wheels and although the ride wasn’t uncomfortable, you did feel most bumps in the cabin.
Pros Superb build quality Hugely practical interior Seven-seat option
Cons Stiff ride with big wheels Some wind noise at motorway speed Top-spec diesel noisy
The 2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport ranks 13 out of 14 Luxury Compact SUVs. The 2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport is the most capable off-road vehicle in its class. It also has plenty of cargo space, and it's the only luxury compact SUV to offer a third row of seats. However, the engine feels a little weak, and it gets worse fuel economy than many competitors.
Pros Excellent off-road ability Ample cargo room Only SUV in the class available with a third row
Cons Underpowered engine Low fuel economy Low predicted reliability rating
Although it's not a working implement like the classic Land Rover Discovery, the quirky Discovery Sport has plenty of merits up against rivals in the entry-level luxury class. Anchoring the Land Rover lineup should be a cakewalk of a job, especially given that there is routinely a waiting list to order the brand's Range Rover models. But it hasn't always been that easy, which is why Land Rover started from scratch with its Discovery Sport.
Pros Comfortable, quiet ride Roomy interior for five Decently off-road capable Land Rover style inside and out
Cons Too softly styled for a Land Rover? Third-row seat is a tease Active safety features are optional Gets expensive fast
There are some new, noteworthy options for the 2017 Discovery Sport. A new interface known as InControl Touch Pro boasts a larger screen, better graphics and faster responses. The new Intelligent Dynamics pack includes an adaptive suspension and an active all-wheel-drive system that can power only two wheels for improved fuel economy. The new Dynamic Design package includes a variety of special interior and exterior design elements. A new low-speed, off-road cruise control system is also now standard.
Pros More passenger and cargo space than most competitors offer Above-average capabilities off-road and in bad weather conditions Available third-row seating is unique to the segment.
Cons Mediocre acceleration and fuel economy for the segment Only one engine choice Transmission is slow to downshift Cabin is well-made but less luxurious in appearance than rival
