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 2020 Buick Envision comes with all wheel drive, and front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 9-speed shiftable automatic, 6-speed shiftable automatic.The Envision carries over essentially unchanged.
Pros The interior is quiet at highway speeds Both the ride and the seats are comfortable Four USB ports and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are standard
Cons Turbo engine's disappointing real-world fuel economy Lackluster interior design and quality Visibility is compromised by thick pillars Not much fun to drive
The 2020 Buick Envision ranked #12 in Luxury Compact SUVs. Currently the Buick Envision has a score of 7.2 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 27 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Good fuel economy estimates Potent turbocharged engine option Lots of standard features Intuitive infotainment system
Cons Dull base engine Less sporty than competitors Some rivals have more upscale cabins
The 2020 Buick Envision has a pleasantly innocuous personality, but it’s outclassed in terms of value and performance.
Pros Pleasant styling Composed ride Decent turbo punch Good infotainment system
Cons Safety tech should be standard Thirsty turbo-4 Gets expensive fast Rivals generally more compelling
