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 2019 Porsche Macan comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 7-speed automated manual.More powerful turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine for S models.New interior design incorporating a 10.9-inch touchscreen.Redesigned front and rear fascias, including headlights and taillights.More natural voice recognition software.
Pros Quick acceleration regardless of engine choice Most athletic and engaging SUV in the class Surprisingly comfortable and composed ride Easy to customize thanks to a long list of individual options
Cons Less rear-seat legroom and cargo capacity than many competitors Options and packages can add up quickly
The Macan is updated for 2019 and features refreshed exterior styling that includes updated front and rear bumpers, new taillamps that span the width of the liftgate, and new wheel designs. The base 2019 Porsche Macan receives a 248-hp turbocharged four-cylinder and the high-performance S model comes with a 348-hp turbo V-6; the GTS and Turbo models have yet to be revealed for 2019, but will almost certainly pack more punch than the S when they eventually return. The suspension is retuned this year as well, although the Macan already was the one of the best handling crossovers of 2018. The Macan also sees a few interior changes, the most notable one being the new, larger 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system and standard 4G LTE onboard Wi-Fi feature.
Pros As quick as some Boxsters, curvy exterior, exceptional poise on the road.
Cons Low-rent interior, cramped rear seat, small cargo hold.
The 2019 Porsche Macan ranked #1 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the Porsche Macan has a score of 9.2 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 36 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Dynamic handling Premium cabin Intuitive infotainment system Class-leading predicted reliability rating
Cons Small cargo hold Tight rear seats
The first big revamp of Porsche's Macan range has arrived. Is it 'almost new-generation' as its maker claims or closer to the facelift it appears to be? Let's find out in the newish V6-powered S version.
Pros Smarter Cayenne-like look Excellent high-def’ infotainment Superb all-round drivability Excellent driver-centric dynamics
Cons The new single-turbo V6 is uninspiring in character Old Porsche cabin design Average three-year warranty: AEB costs extra
