The 2026 Skoda Kodiaq Is a Different Beast Now
Hemant Singh
At ₹36.99 lakh, the 2026 Škoda Kodiaq has just become one of the most compelling luxury 4x4 propositions in India. And with ADAS now available across the range, it's no longer just about prestige — it's about seriously equipped, genuinely capable SUV ownership.
Škoda Auto India dropped a significant update for the second-generation Kodiaq on 11th May 2026, and the changes go well beyond cosmetic tweaks. Here's a full breakdown of what's new, which variant suits you, and whether this update earns the tagline "Luxury, As It Should Be."
Three Variants, Three Distinct Personalities
The 2026 Kodiaq lineup is structured around three sharply differentiated trims — Lounge, Sportline, and Selection L&K. Rather than one-size-fits-all luxury, Škoda has tailored each variant to a specific buyer profile.
That's a smart move in a segment where buyers have very different expectations — some want value-led access, others want sporty drama, and a few simply want the absolute best.
Kodiaq Lounge — Luxury Without the Wait on Your Wallet
- 🚪 Entry price: ₹36,99,000 (ex-showroom)
- 🪑 Five-seater configuration for a more spacious experience
- 🧳 786-litre boot — one of the largest in its class
- 🌬️ Three-zone Climatronic climate control as standard
- ☀️ Sliding panoramic sunroof included
- 🎨 Grey Suedia fabric upholstery
- ⚙️ Full 2.0 TSI + 7-speed DSG + 4x4 drivetrain retained
The Lounge is essentially Škoda saying: "You don't have to spend ₹45 lakh to experience real Kodiaq DNA." The 4x4 capability and proven powertrain remain intact — only the luxury trimmings are dialled back slightly.
Kodiaq Sportline — ADAS Joins the Race
The Sportline is where 2026 brings its biggest headline. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) — previously absent from this variant — now come as standard. This is a meaningful upgrade for safety-conscious buyers in the ₹44-46 lakh bracket.
- 🔦 LED Matrix Headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS)
- 🚗 Adaptive Cruise Control
- ⚠️ Front Assist with autonomous braking reaction
- 🛣️ Lane Assist + Side Assist (blind-spot monitoring)
- 🅿️ 360-degree Area View Camera & Intelligent Park Assist (now included from L&K)
- 🚦 Rear Traffic Alert and Exit Warning System
- 🖤 Glossy Black exterior styling, Black Suedia cabin, aluminium pedals
- 🏁 Sport three-spoke leather steering wheel with shift paddles
The Sportline has also inherited the front grille with horizontal light strip — previously an L&K-exclusive touch. At ₹44.99 lakh, it now punches significantly above its price on both safety tech and visual drama.
Kodiaq Selection L&K — The Pinnacle, Upgraded
The Laurin & Klement edition was already the most luxurious SUV in Škoda India's entire portfolio. For 2026, it receives the same ADAS suite, ensuring the flagship doesn't fall behind its own siblings on safety.
- 🛋️ Cognac leather upholstery throughout the cabin
- 💆 Front Ergo seats with pneumatic massage, ventilation, heating & power adjustment
- 🏅 Signature Laurin & Klement steering wheel insignia
- 🔒 Full ADAS suite (same as Sportline)
- 💰 Priced at ₹46,99,000 (ex-showroom)
The massage-seat, ventilated-Ergo setup in a sub-₹50 lakh SUV is genuinely rare territory. This remains the Kodiaq's crown jewel — and it shows.
Engine & Platform: Rock-Solid Foundation
All three variants share the same proven 2.0 TSI petrol engine, producing 150kW (approximately 204hp) and 320Nm of torque, paired exclusively with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic and all-wheel drive. There's no manual option, no compromise here.
The MQB37 platform underpins the entire range, and local assembly continues at Škoda's Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar facility. The cabin's standout interface remains the multi-function Smart Dials — tactile rotary controllers with integrated displays for HVAC, audio, and drive modes.
Price Summary
- 🟢 Kodiaq Lounge — ₹36,99,000
- 🔵 Kodiaq Sportline — ₹44,99,000
- 🟡 Kodiaq Selection L&K — ₹46,99,000
All prices are ex-showroom. Bookings are open across Škoda's 325+ touchpoints in 184 cities nationwide.
⚡ AkulRide Verdict
The 2026 Kodiaq update is surgical in the best possible way. Škoda hasn't reinvented the wheel — they've fixed the gaps that were holding this SUV back from its full potential.
Adding ADAS to the Sportline and L&K addresses the most common criticism of the previous lineup. Bringing the Lounge in at ₹36.99 lakh with full 4x4 mechanicals makes the Kodiaq accessible to a new tier of buyers. And the L&K's massage seats and Cognac leather continue to embarrass much pricier rivals.
If you're in the market for a luxury 4x4 under ₹50 lakh, the 2026 Kodiaq deserves to be at the very top of your shortlist. This is one of those rare cases where a mid-cycle update genuinely changes the conversation.
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