The 7-seater SUV war just got hotter in India with the arrival of the New Skoda Kodiaq 2025, stepping up to take on the long-reigning king, the Toyota Fortuner. With a more refined cabin, turbocharged performance, and European flair, the Kodiaq aims to dethrone the Fortuner, known for its rugged reliability and off-road dominance.

Design and Road Presence: Bold vs Elegant
The Toyota Fortuner continues to command attention with its bulky, muscular design, aggressive grille, and high ground clearance. It’s built to look tough and feels at home on any terrain. The Skoda Kodiaq, on the other hand, brings in sharp European styling with sleek LED matrix headlights, a sculpted bonnet, and a more sophisticated silhouette. While the Fortuner looks like a brute, the Kodiaq leans toward premium elegance.
Interior Comfort and Features
Step inside and the Kodiaq immediately feels more luxurious. It offers a well-appointed cabin with soft-touch materials, a large touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, digital cockpit, panoramic sunroof, and ventilated seats. The Fortuner, though sturdy and functional, still uses a more utilitarian layout with fewer creature comforts, especially in the second and third rows.
Performance and Ride Quality
Under the hood, the new Skoda Kodiaq features a 2.0L TSI turbo petrol engine paired with a 7-speed DSG gearbox, delivering smooth and powerful performance with excellent highway manners. The Fortuner offers a choice of petrol and diesel, with the 2.8L diesel engine being the most popular for its raw torque and 4×4 capability. However, the Kodiaq provides a more car-like drive and better suspension tuning for city and highway comfort.
Off-Roading and Utility
When it comes to hardcore off-roading, the Fortuner still holds the crown with its proper 4×4 drivetrain, high approach angles, and tough ladder-frame chassis. The Kodiaq, while offering AWD and decent ground clearance, is more suited for soft-roading and occasional adventure rather than serious trails.
Price in India and Value for Money
The expected price of the New Skoda Kodiaq 2025 is around ₹40–42 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Toyota Fortuner currently ranges between ₹33–51 lakh depending on the variant. While the Fortuner offers reliability and ruggedness, the Kodiaq justifies its price with superior interior quality, better tech, and a refined driving experience.
Conclusion: The Toyota Fortuner remains unbeatable for off-road enthusiasts and those looking for a tough, no-nonsense SUV. But for buyers prioritizing premium comfort, better tech, and city-friendly performance, the new Skoda Kodiaq makes a very strong case. It’s a clash between brute force and refined luxury.
Disclaimer: Specifications, prices, and features mentioned are based on available information as of now. Final launch specs and variant details may differ at the time of official release.
Read More:
- Tata Harrier EV Roars In with Futuristic Looks, Massive Range & Blazing Fast Charging – A Gamechanger for Indian Roads
- Mahindra BE.06 & XUV.e9 Electric SUVs Aim to Dominate Roads with Futuristic Design, Big Range & Tech-Loaded Cabins
- Hero Xtreme 250R Roars In as India’s Fastest 250cc Streetfighter with Aggressive Styling and Liquid-Cooled Power
- Mahindra’s Electric Revolution: BE 6 and XUV.e9 Set to Redefine Indian EV Market in 2025
- BMW F 450 GS Breaks Cover: India Launch Timeline, Specs & What You Need to Know