The Skoda Kodiaq is just so fantastically sensible.
It's immensely practical, easy to use, and solidly built, making it an easy sell to your head. That said, it doesn't exactly get the pulse racing.
We've picked out 10 excellent Skoda Kodiaq alternatives for you to consider. Most of these models are available to buy as great-value nearly new and used cars from Motorpoint.
SEAT Tarraco
Behind the SEAT Tarraco's sharp headlights lies the same platform as the previous-generation Skoda Kodiaq. As a result, the Tarraco delivers more-or-less the same practical, easygoing experience as its Czech cousin. The SEAT really pulls ahead in this comparison for its price – usually undercutting an equivalent Kodiaq by a thousand pounds or more. That means you can buy a newer or lower-mileage Tarraco for the same budget, with no real penalty in quality or features. Unlike the Skoda, the SEAT hasn't been renewed for a new generation, so you'll be shopping for a nearly new example.
Shop used SEAT Tarraco cars for sale
Volkswagen Tayron
The Volkswagen Tayron's name might be new, but the position it occupies in the brand's lineup isn't, occupying the place of the old Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. It's had the same glow-up as the new Tiguan with the added benefit of some extra space between the bumpers for a third row of seats. Like the Kodiaq – and pretty much all models in this class – the rear seats are tight, so adults won't be comfortable back there for long, but they're handy if your kids want to invite their friends over. There's a selection of petrol and diesel engines, all paired with a DSG automatic gearbox, or a plug-in-hybrid version that can return more than 600mpg in ideal circumstances.
See used Volkswagen seven-seater cars for sale or read more about the VW Tayron
Nissan X-Trail
Nissan's worked hard to make the latest X-Trail look and feel like a more premium car than the model it replaced. For the most part, it's succeeded, with the car sporting a chunkier look that better differentiates it from the smaller Nissan Qashqai, and an overhauled interior with plush materials and an easy-to-use dashboard. The X-Trail's footprint is slightly smaller than the Kodiaq too, so it's a little easier to weave through tight city streets – although you do feel that in the third row, with barely any passenger space to play with. There's a choice of mild-hybrid power or the likeable E-Power version, which drives like an EV but recharges from a petrol engine.
Browse used Nissan X-Trail cars or read our Nissan X-Trail review
Hyundai Santa Fe
The latest Hyundai Santa Fe takes a sizeable step away from its predecessor with a blocky new look and substantially enhanced interior. It's a big car, taking up more room on the road than the Kodiaq, but it earns its size thanks to the massive interior. There's excellent passenger space across all three rows – not something all seven-seat SUVs can claim – which makes it a good choice if you're going to be using all seven seats regularly. It's more aerodynamic than it looks and, with either full-hybrid or plug-in-hybrid power under the bonnet, returns better economy figures than you might expect.
Search used Hyundai Santa Fe cars or read our Hyundai Santa Fe review
Peugeot 5008
The Peugeot 5008 fits a similar mould as the Kodiaq – a spacious seven-seat SUV – but approaches the task from a very different angle. Where the Skoda is understated, the Peugeot is outlandish, with dramatic styling both outside and in. It looks ultra-modern from the driver's seat, with tasteful fabric covering key surfaces and plush upholstery options. The rising centre console joins up to the dashboard, where you'll find a Starship-Enterprise-style panel of digital shortcut buttons, which you can set to your most-used functions. There's also a sweeping dual-screen panel with glossy graphics forming the driver's dials and infotainment screen.
View used Peugeot 5008 cars or read our Peugeot 5008 review
Land Rover Discovery Sport
There's something about the stately presence of Land Rover cars that mass-market rivals on this list struggle to capture. With the Discovery Sport, you get access to that image without the kind of hefty costs associated with a full-fat Land Rover Discovery. Despite its 'baby Land Rover' status, the Discovery Sport is still a very capable vehicle, with the brand's clever Terrain Response off-road driving modes and lots of ground clearance. Facelifted models have much improved interior quality too, making them worthy of competing with plush options on this list. It's also one of the smaller seven-seaters here, so it's suitable if you'll only use the third row occasionally.
Browse used Land Rover Discovery Sport cars for sale
Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento shares many of its oily parts with the previous-generation Hyundai Santa Fe. While it's still missing out on the new model's square-jawed redesign, it has a few key details that stand in its favour. For one, it's much more affordable than the Santa Fe, both as a new buy and as a used car. Plus, it's still available with a diesel engine, while the new Santa Fe has retired it from the range. That makes it a better choice if your budget is a little too tight for the Santa Fe, or if you want to tow a trailer, with diesel Sorentos able to haul a braked trailer weighing up to 3,500kg.
Check out used Kia Sorento cars or read our Kia Sorento review
Mercedes GLB
The Mercedes GLB aims to capture some of the bluff charm of the ultra-successful G-Class in a much more affordable package. That's why the GLB has a squarer, more upright look compared to both the smaller GLA and the larger GLC SUVs. Its tall stature also means there's more cabin space for passengers, with lots of room to stretch out across the first two rows. There is also a third row, but it's really best saved for very occasional trips as there's very little space back there and access is tricky as the second row doesn't fold away sufficiently. The tech and trimmings all feel very 'Mercedes' with neat materials and a slick infotainment system.
Search used Mercedes GLB car or read our Mercedes GLB review
Volkswagen Touran
In a time before SUVs, big families drove around in people carriers like the Volkswagen Touran. It's not the freshest face in the Volkswagen lineup, having been on sale for more than 10 years, but its many qualities mean it's still a great choice for buyers with lots of kids. All seven seats are spacious and easy to access, and its lower centre of gravity and ride height compared with an SUV means it handles more like a car on regular roads. Its age also means you won't find the latest cinema-sized touchscreen in the dashboard, unlike newer Volkswagens – although we reckon that's a good thing as the older software felt easier to get your head around.
View used Volkswagen Touran cars or read our Range Rover Velar review
Mazda CX-80
The Mazda CX-80 is a relative newcomer to the UK, with the brand having laid the foundations with the slightly smaller five-seat Mazda CX-60. As the name implies, the CX-80 is even bigger, with seven seats and a longer body. Interior quality is excellent, with Mazda making a serious challenge against the traditional German premium rivals thanks to plush materials and a classy but understated design. There's a plug-in hybrid version for buyers who'll be doing lots of urban driving, but our favourite engine is the 3.3-litre straight-six diesel engine, which feels muscular and unstressed in almost all situations.
Find the perfect practical family car
Browse a wide choice of nearly new and used cars for sale at Motorpoint. For more tempting options, check out the best used 4x4s on sale.
