2022 Skoda Kodiaq vs Volkswagen Tiguan

What's the difference?

All in all the changes to the 2022 Skoda Kodiaq range hardly change the game, and indeed, some further changes wouldn’t have gone astray - the inclusion of that safety gear range-wide at no cost being the chief one.

And while the RS is a well-rounded and impressive SUV, I found myself drawn more towards the mid-spec Sportline as the pick of the range. Though again, I’d have to insist upon the option box for the safety kit to be ticked.

As an alternative to its Japanese and Korean rivals, it offers a lot to think about - especially considering the brand’s commitment to care for its owners.

With its ability to carry five people in comfort, and seven at a pinch, or serve up enough luggage room to move mountains, there's a little something for everyone in the Tiguan Allspace.

The fact that it remains nice to look at, likeable to drive, and easy to park doesn't hurt either.

The Kodiaq RS is definitely the looker of the range, with its more aggressive appearance and eye-catching wheels which I'm not a huge fan of. But they hide a secret - if you don't like that aero-look, you can remove the plastic covers for a more conventional sporty wheel design - you'll just need to get some new centre caps and wheel nut covers.

On the whole, though, if you ask me, the facelifted Kodiaq isn't quite as good looking as the last version, though. The headlights have been redesigned, as have the daytime running lights and the grille, and while they all look pretty tidy on the RS model, and the Sportline looks nice, too.

But I reckon the chrome finish on the base grade looks a bit senior. It's a bit like when I look at myself in the mirror these days - not quite as good looking as in days gone by.

Nothing's really changed in terms of the side profile apart from the wheels fitted. The base model you see in these images and in the video rides on 19-inch "Cursor" alloy wheels, but the standard rims are a multispoke rim that won't be to all tastes.

Something you might not be able to un-see are the door handles, which look like they're in the wrong spot on the doors. Right? But they are all proximity unlocking doors, which is great, and the clever door edge protector that flips out and stops you from chipping the paint or denting nearby cars have been carried over to the facelift model.

At the rear it's good to see that all models in this range now have LED lighting as well.

Inside you might not pick much in the way of differences in the lower grade versions, but there is a new steering wheel with different buttons and dials. In the RS models, the changes are a bit more noticeable, with perforated leather seat trim with cooling now featuring, while the old model had part-leather, part-Alcantara trim.

The big news with this facelift is all about the lights, with Life models swapping halogens for LEDs, and the Tiguan Allspace getting a fancy new light bar that joins the headlights, and looks pretty cool at night.

There are also new wheels, new bumpers and fancy new LED rear lights  with  a click/clack effect when braking on the top-spec R-Line.

The cabin of the Allspace is a calm-looking and all around calming space, with a central touchscreen handling tech duties and digital driver’s binnacle serving up your trip info.

The best ambience, though, is reserved for the R-Line Models which gets a tricky steering wheel with haptic feedback buttons, along with sportier pedals and some extra interior niceties, and they add up to a far more premium feeling space than in the entry-level model.

No matter your model, though, you will find some harsh plastics at work, but the Allspace’s cabin remains a quality-feeling place to spend time.

There are plenty of neat Skoda touches in the cabin, from the dual glovebox setup to the lined, oversized door pockets, to the so-called "Mega Box" storage bin between the front seats.

But I have an issue with the cup holders in the front and second row. They're too small. And too shallow. I put a takeaway coffee cup in, and because the cup holder is also awkwardly positioned, I managed to spill my coffee. Twice. My keep cup didn't fit either, and nor did my water bottle. Mobile beverage aficionados, take note.

I also struggle to come to terms with the media system, which - with a 9.2-inch screen - looks great, but lacks buttons or knobs or dials to make interacting with it easy when you're driving. There are steering wheel controls, of course, but even newer versions of Skoda models (like the long-term Octavia I had) included a home-strip that made these jobs a bit easier.

Also, is it good enough that you're getting a 9.2-inch screen whether you choose the base model or the $22k-dearer RS? Some would expect a larger media screen, and rivals have 10.3-inch units.

At least this new one supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and there's a standard wireless charging mat, too. If you're like me and prefer to plug in to the media system using a USB cable, it'll have to be a USB-C one, as that's all that's on offer.

Also worth noting is that there are only two USB ports in the entire car, which makes the likes of the Kia Sorento (with up to EIGHT!) look very generous.

As for front-seat comfort, it's good. I didn't get a chance to sample the base model's real seats, as the 132TSI Style I drove had all the options boxes ticked, but the leather (if you choose it) is nice, and the RS's quilted leather makes a good impression, too.

In the second row there was enough space for me (182cm/6'0") to sit behind my own driving position, but only just. And that was with the sliding second-row all the way back. Any further forward, and it wasn't comfortable.

If you are likely to take smaller occupants with you, you'll be happy to learn there are three top-tether and two outboard ISOFIX mounts in the second row. I didn't get a chance to fit a child seat, but see Malcolm Flynn's long-term review of the pre-facelift base model, where he managed to fit three kids across the second row.

Another issue I have with the second-row sliding seat is that the 60:40 split layout sees the larger portion on the kerb/passenger side of the car. It doesn't make sense to me, because you'd surely want anyone who's clambering into the back row to be doing so from the kerb side, and to be doing it over the skinnier section which is easier to fold and slide.

I like the integrated sunblinds (even if they're not overly shady in direct light, so your kids might still need further shade), and again, there are big door pockets and map pockets on the seat backs, as well as directional air vents - but only a 12-volt outlet and no USB charging options.

I would say the third-row accommodation is okay for short distances, but nothing better. There are no air vents, there's no charging (apart from another 12-volt), and I struggled to fit in there - it certainly isn't as good as a Kluger for back-row room.

Further, there are no third-row child seat options, unlike rivals such as the Mazda CX-8 and CX-9, and the Kia Sorento.

So while the occupant space "in the boot" could be better, the cargo capacity is good. With all seven seats up, there's 270 litres (VDA) of boot space, while if you fold the back row down (five seats up) you've got 630L (VDA) to play with when the seats are slid back, and 765L if they're slid forward.

And the boot also has the clever bits you'd expect, like tie down points, netting, cargo box velcro attachments, and under the boot floor there's a space-saver spare wheel and even a picnic mat. Nice.

So fun fact about the Tiguan Allspace. Plenty of the people actually buying this don’t actually need the third row of seats. Sure, they’re nice to have, but plenty of them are folding them flat and instead making use of the space on offer.

With the third row in place, there’s a bite-sized 230 litres of space on offer. Fold that flat, and you’ll get a sizeable 700 litres, then fold the second-row flat and you’ll get a massive 1775 litres.

That’s plenty, and because you can fold the seats individually, you can carry stuff or people in whatever priority you’d like. 

If you're using the Tiguan to carry seven people, however, you will find the backseat tight for all but small children. My 175cm frame felt folded in, and it's not somewhere I would like to spend a huge amount of time.

The second row, however, is far more comfortable, and you'll find the usual family SUV accoutrements – cupholders, bottle holders, ISOFIX attachment points.

The Tiguan Allspace arrives with three variants, Life, Elegance and R-Line. 

How much you’ll pay for each depends on what engine you want, but we’ll come back to that in a moment. For now, just know that theTiguan Allspace Life is $44,590 (110TSI) or $48,590 (132TSI), the Elegance is $56,990 (162TSI) or $58,490 (147TDI), while the R-Line is $60,190 (162TSI) or $61,690 (147TDI).

Kicking off proceedings is the Life model, which gives you LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails and auto lights and wipers outside, while in the cabin you’ll find an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital driver’s binnacle, wireless phone charging, three-zone climate control and cloth seats. You also get the IQ. DRIVE safety system, but we’ll come back to that under the Safety section.

Stepping up to the Elegance adds IQ. Light Matrix LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear windows and Adaptive Chassis Control. In the cabin, you get a bigger 9.2-inch touchscreen, ambient interior lighting, electric front seats which are also now heated and ventilated and leather trim.

Finally, the R-Line delivers 20-inch alloys and a sportier exterior treatment, an R-Line touch-sensitive steering wheel and a sportier cabin feel.

The Kodiaq carries over its 132TSI 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine from the previous model, and it is unchanged - that means it still has 132kW of power and 320Nm of torque, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive.

Rivals like the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe both lack turbo-petrol power at all, and both of those (and plenty of others) are front-wheel drive as standard.

The bigger news though is the 2.0-litre, so-called 180TSI in the top-spec RS model. It's essentially the Golf GTI engine, so it has 180kW and with 370Nm of torque. Like the base grade, it's a 7-spd DSG, and AWD.

It may have 4kW more than the diesel engine that was offered in the pre-facelift RS, but it's down on torque by a staggering 130Nm - or 26 per cent.

However, Skoda reckons this new "free-revving" turbo-petrol is quicker from 0-100 (now 6.6 seconds, was 7.0sec), is lighter (by 60kg overall) and has less vibration, too. What about character, though? More in the driving section.

It should also be called out that none of these engines use mild-hybrid tech, nor are there any hybrid, plug-in hybrid or EV versions planned for this generation Kodiaq. At risk of being left behind, there.

Four options for you here, but which you get depends on what model you go for.

The Life is offered with two petrol choices, the 110TSI, which pairs a 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 110kW and 250Nm, with a six-speed DSG, and which drives the drives the front wheels, or the 132TSI which gets a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine good for 132kW 320Nm and a seven-speed DSG with 4MOTION AWD.

Elegance or R-Line models can have a 162TSI, which pairs a 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 162kW and 350Nm with a seven-speed DSG and 4MOTION AWD. Or the 147TDI, which is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel producing 147kW and 400Nm. It also gets a seven-speed DSG and AWD.

The official combined cycle fuel consumption for the 132TSI is 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres, which seems high for a sticker number. Often these ones are pretty hard to achieve in real-world driving, but in my few hundred kays with the 132TSI Style, I saw a return of just 8.0L/100km.

The 180TSI in the RS is said to be more efficient, using a claimed 7.5L/100km. I couldn't beat that figure, but I did drive it in a more spirited manner, and got 8.8L/100km.

It needs 95RON premium unleaded petrol across the range, and fuel tank size is 60 litres.

The 110TSI engine will require a claimed 7.7L/100km, and its 58-litre tank requires 95RON fuel. The 132TSI will need 8.9L/100km, while the 162TSI requires 8.6L/100km, and both have a 60-litre tank and need 95RON fuel. 

Finally, the 147TDI sips 6.2L/100km, and it has a 60-litre tank that you’ll be filling with diesel.

Without doubt, if you want the driver's choice, it's the RS.

From the more potent petrol engine and its more enticing soundtrack (it has a sound actuator in the exhaust that makes it sound a bit more menacing than the lower grade versions), to the progressive steering and adaptive suspension, it's a fairly sweet drive.

The engine is indeed "free-revving", and in manual mode for the transmission, with Sport driving mode chosen, you can make this thing more like a high-riding hot-hatch if you want it to be.

I will say, though, that the old RS model was more entertaining in my opinion. Sure, it might not have been as smooth or as fast, but it had a really growly, staunch soundtrack, and it felt more involved for the driver. The new RS's refined nature can leave you feeling a bit detached.

However, the way it can transform into a more sedate, family-focused drive is impressive too, with the Comfort program chosen, the suspension and steering settle down, as does the powertrain, and it makes for a pretty plush drive.

I also drove the other grades, and honestly, you're not going to miss the 48kW/50Nm in most situations.

The 132TSI still offers a good amount of grunt and pulling power, and it's hardly a slouch with a claimed 0-100km/h time of 8.4 seconds (6.6sec for the RS). That's still plenty quick for a seven-seater SUV.

It isn't quite as smooth to drive as the RS, with a little bit more hesitation from the dual-clutch automatic in low-speed situations, and also the DSG in the Style model I drove made a lot of mechanical noises in the gearbox at low speed.

The Style model misses out on the good steering system - the Progressive Steering fitted to Sportline and RS models makes them more involving to drive, whereas the base car requires more armwork to turn the car, and also has a bit more play on centre, meaning it can be a bit difficult to position yourself in the lane.

The Style (19-inch) and Sportline (20-inch) models have Pirelli rubber, while the RS models have Continental tyres on their 20s, and there appeared to be a more surefooted feeling in the sporty top-spec car in the bends.

And while they all ride pretty well, I found that the Style on 19s was a bit more jolty at the rear on the roads I tested it on in Sydney. None were uncomfortable, though maybe I expected the base one on the smaller wheels to be a bit more comfortable.

Surely the most annoying thing about a seven-seat family SUV is that, when the kids aren’t with you, it still feels like you’re driving a seven-seat family SUV, right? You know, big, heavy, and serving up all the look-at-me cool-factor of a pair of crocs and socks. But therein lies the magic of a car like the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. Because, should you need them, you can erect the third row of seats and squeeze in a couple of extra (admittedly small) people.

But when you don’t? Well, the Tiguan doesn’t look, or drive, like a big, hulking family mover.

I’m a fan of the way the five-seat Tiguan goes about its business, and it would probably take a sharper eye than mine to determine any major differences in the way this car drives.

There’s a familiar heft to the steering, firmness in the ride quality and calm confidence in the way it grips and goes around corners. It honestly feels like you’re driving something smaller, or like the Tiguan has shrunk around you as soon as you fired it up, which is good news should you wish to escape the kids on a twisty-road adventure somewhere.

Downsides? Well, no matter the engine there is a rushing quality to the acceleration — nothing much happens when you first plant your foot, then all the power arrives in a sudden lump. And the ride can can have a sharp edge to it on dodgier city streets, but that’s a common trade-off for a sense of sportiness behind the wheel.

Overall, the Tiguan Allspace remains a happy way to while away the on-road hours.

The big safety news here is the introduction of IQ Drive Travel Assist, a steering-wheel shortcut that engages the Allspace’s active safety equipment. So that means Front Assist, Adaptive Cruise, Travel Assist, Lane Assist, and Emergency Assist, essentially allowing for hands-off driving on freeways.

You also get a reversing camera, parking sensors and manoeuvre braking and fatigue detection. 

Also of note is the fact the curtain airbags stretch to row three, and that the Tiguan (the five-seat version) was awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2016.

It's rare to see a European brand with such a clear interest in taking care of its customers in the way Skoda Australia is.

The company has the industry standard five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty plan, which is a good start.

And it also has the choice of pay as you go servicing, or a prepaid pack that makes it cheaper for you to maintain your Kodiaq ($1800 for five years/75,000km for the non-RS models, $2000 for the RS). You can roll the cost into your purchase or finance payments, which makes it one less thing to think about, and your first two services are free, compared to pay as you go capped price servicing.

But then Skoda has also added a seven-year/105,000km servicing plan, which is $2700 for Style and Sportline, $2900 for RS. That means you're getting the first three services free, and also, you get a seven-year/unlimited km warranty, too. This promotional plan is in place until 30 June 2022, and may be extended beyond that.

If you service with Skoda you'll also get the same cover for roadside assistance at no extra cost, and the plans are transferable.

If that's not right for you, there's also a subscription-based servicing plan, which includes all consumables including brakes, fluids, batteries and wipers. These are priced depending on your expected annual mileage, but an example is $44.50 per month for a driver who does 15,000km a year.

And if you're considering a used Kodiaq (or any other used Skoda), there's also the option of a four-year service pack, too.

This is a brand that really is aiming to take care of its customers.

The Tiguan Allspace is covered by VW’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, and servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000kms. 

VW does sell Care Plans which allows you to bundle maintenance costs at the time of purchase. Three years will cost you either $1400 or $1650, while five years is between $2600 and $2950.