Renault Koleos KOL vs Skoda Kodiaq MK1

Renault Koleos
KOL · 2016 – 2026
The Koleos (KOL), a mid-size SUV on the CMF-CD platform.

Skoda Kodiaq
MK1 · 2017 – 2026
The Kodiaq (MK1), on the MQB-A2 platform.
Renault Koleos
Pick the Koleos for a roomy, comfortable diesel SUV with optional all-wheel drive.
Skoda Kodiaq
Pick the MK1 for a roomy, practical seven-seat SUV with a strong 2.0 TDI.
Performance
1.7 Blue dCi 150 · Diesel vs 2.0 TDI 150 · Diesel
| Renault Koleos | Skoda Kodiaq | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
150 hp
|
150 hp
|
| Torque |
340 Nm
|
340 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
11,8 s
|
9,8 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
194 km/h
|
197 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
92,6 hp/t
Winner
|
89,3 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
128 g/km
Winner
|
139 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,0 L/100km
Winner
|
5,3 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| Renault Koleos | Skoda Kodiaq | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
458 L
|
835 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.690 L
|
2.065 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,71 m
|
2,79 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,67 m
|
4,70 m
|
| Ground clearance |
—
|
18,7 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,4 m
Winner
|
11,9 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
2.000 kg
|
2.500 kg
Winner
|
Powertrain & tech
| Renault Koleos | Skoda Kodiaq | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CMF-CD | MQB-A2 (shared with the VW Tiguan Allspace) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | 1.6 dCi · 1.7 Blue dCi · 2.0 dCi | 1.5 TSI · 2.0 TSI petrol · 2.0 TDI diesel |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 7-speed DSG automatic |
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | ⚠️ Banned from Antwerp & Ghent from January 1, 2029 | ⚠️ Banned from Antwerp & Ghent from January 1, 2029 |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- EDC automatic: juddery at low speed
- AdBlue/DPF on short-trip use
- Electronics and infotainment: glitches
- 2.0 TDI: DPF/AdBlue and timing belt
- DSG: jerkiness at low speed
- 1.5 TSI: kangarooing on early cars
Pros
- Roomy boot and rear seat
- Comfortable, composed ride
- 2.0 dCi with all-wheel drive available
- Genuine seven-seat practicality
- Roomy boot and interior
- Strong 2.0 TDI
Cons
- Diesel-only
- Heavier than compact SUVs
- Sparse base equipment
- Interior with hard plastics
- Third row tight for adults
Driving experience
Renault Koleos
A relaxed family cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car, with good visibility. Comfortable and composed for a mid-size SUV, with a soft ride that prioritises long-distance refinement. Steering is light and accurate enough for the size but lacks strong feedback. Body control is adequate, though some examples feel soft over larger bumps. Diesels provide strong low-end torque for motorway use and overtaking. X-Tronic CVT automatics are smooth once under way but can feel sluggish or noisy under hard acceleration. AWD versions add traction in poor conditions but increase weight.
Skoda Kodiaq
Composed and secure for a large SUV of its era, with light steering that suits motorway and urban driving. The ride is comfortable on standard wheels, and body roll is present yet managed. Diesels deliver strong low-end torque for motorway use. It prioritises comfort and practicality over sharp dynamics, with good visibility.
Belgian taxes & LEZ