Toyota Highlander Vs. Skoda Kodiaq: The Battle Of The Two-row Suvs

The Toyota Highlander and Skoda Kodiaq are two popular midsize SUVs that offer a lot of value for the money. Both vehicles have a spacious interior, plenty of cargo space, and a variety of features that make them ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. However, there are also some key differences between the two SUVs that you should consider before making a purchase. In this blog post, we’ll compare the Toyota Highlander and Skoda Kodiaq in terms of price, performance, fuel efficiency, safety, and features to help you decide which one is the better choice for you.

Price

The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $34,810, while the Skoda Kodiaq starts at $26,390. This means that the Kodiaq is significantly cheaper than the Highlander, which could be a major factor for budget-minded shoppers. However, it’s important to note that the Kodiaq is also a smaller SUV than the Highlander, so you may not get as much value for your money.

Performance

The Toyota Highlander is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. The Skoda Kodiaq is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In terms of performance, the Highlander has a slight edge over the Kodiaq, but the Kodiaq is more fuel-efficient.

Fuel Efficiency

The Toyota Highlander gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The Skoda Kodiaq gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. This means that the Kodiaq is more fuel-efficient than the Highlander, which could save you money in the long run.

Safety

The Toyota Highlander and Skoda Kodiaq have both received excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both SUVs come standard with a variety of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. However, the Highlander has a few more standard safety features than the Kodiaq, such as blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Features

The Toyota Highlander and Skoda Kodiaq both come standard with a variety of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. However, the Highlander has a few more standard features than the Kodiaq, such as a sunroof and heated front seats. The Kodiaq, on the other hand, has a few more available features than the Highlander, such as a panoramic sunroof and a third row of seats.

Which One is Right for You?

The Toyota Highlander and Skoda Kodiaq are both excellent SUVs that offer a lot of value for the money. The Highlander is a larger SUV with more standard features and a more powerful engine, while the Kodiaq is a smaller SUV that is more fuel-efficient and has a lower price tag. Ultimately, the best SUV for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you need a spacious SUV with plenty of features, the Highlander is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more affordable SUV that is still fuel-efficient and fun to drive, the Kodiaq is a great option.

Beyond the Basics: Comparing the Toyota Highlander and Skoda Kodiaq in More Detail

In addition to the key differences we’ve discussed so far, there are a few other things you may want to consider when choosing between the Toyota Highlander and Skoda Kodiaq. These include:

• Cargo space: The Toyota Highlander has more cargo space than the Skoda Kodiaq, with 16.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row of seats and 84.3 cubic feet of space with the second and third rows folded down. The Kodiaq has 10.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row of seats and 63 cubic feet of space with the second and third rows folded down.
• Towing capacity: The Toyota Highlander has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the Skoda Kodiaq has a towing capacity of 4,400 pounds.
• Warranty: The Toyota Highlander comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Skoda Kodiaq comes with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 6-year/72,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The Verdict: Toyota Highlander vs Skoda Kodiaq

Ultimately, the best SUV for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you need a spacious SUV with plenty of features and a powerful engine, the Toyota Highlander is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more affordable SUV that is still fuel-efficient and fun to drive, the Skoda Kodiaq is a great option.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which SUV is more reliable, the Toyota Highlander or the Skoda Kodiaq?

According to J.D. Power, the Toyota Highlander is more reliable than the Skoda Kodiaq. The Highlander received a score of 83 out of 100 in J.D. Power’s 2022 Vehicle Dependability Study, while the Kodiaq received a score of 79 out of 100.

• Which SUV has a better infotainment system, the Toyota Highlander or the Skoda Kodiaq?

The Toyota Highlander has a better infotainment system than the Skoda Kodiaq. The Highlander’s infotainment system is more user-friendly and has a larger touchscreen. It also comes with more standard features, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

• Which SUV is better for off-roading, the Toyota Highlander or the Skoda Kodiaq?

The Toyota Highlander is better for off-roading than the Skoda Kodiaq. The Highlander has a higher ground clearance and a more robust four-wheel drive system. It also comes with a variety of off-road features, such as hill descent control and crawl control.