There aren’t many cars that are better for families than the Skoda Kodiaq.
You can choose from a selection of trim levels for the Kodiaq, allowing you to balance the amount of standard equipment you get with the right price for your budget.
SE is the cheapest Kodiaq and SE L is a mid-range model. Should you stretch to SE L or is the entry-level SE trim enough to satisfy you? Let’s find out together.
Skoda Kodiaq SE vs SE L compared
| Skoda Kodiaq SE | Skoda Kodiaq SE L |
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Specification and standard equipment
It might be the entry-level and cheapest Kodiaq model, but the SE trim still has plenty of appealing features such as:
- LED lights all round
- Power-folding and auto-dimming wing mirrors
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated front seats
- Push-button start
- Dual wireless phone charging
- Digital driver’s display and 13-inch touchscreen (with sat nav)
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Cruise control
- Reversing camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Three-zone climate control
- Various driver assistance features including lane-keep assistance and traffic sign recognition
- 18-inch alloy wheels
SE L is a step up from SE, and additionally features:
- Upgraded Matrix LED headlights
- Keyless entry
- Artificial leather upholstery
- Powered driver’s seat with memory setting
- Powered tailgate
- Tinted rear windows
- Variable boot floor
- 19-inch alloy wheels
Cost and value
If you’re buying a new Kodiaq, SE L trim is about £3,500 more than SE, which might not immediately seem great value. But it’s worth noting that you have to pay extra for seven seats on the SE trim (this costs around £900) whereas the third row is standard on SE L trim. Compared this way, SE L trim looks like a good upgrade if you’re going to appreciate the extra features on board.
On the used market, it’s a little surprising that the SE L trim is still that much more expensive than an SE model with similar age and mileage. If you’re buying on PCP finance, the SE L is likely to work out about £40-50 per month more than an equivalent SE model.
Take your additional running costs into account and the SE trim comes out on top. SE cars with the petrol engine cost under £40,000 new, so these cars escape the luxury car tax that’s levied on higher-spec cars costing more than that threshold. This is still relevant if you’re buying used because the additional road tax is paid until the car is six years old.
On top of that, tyres are cheaper for the SE model’s 18-inch wheels than the SE L’s slightly larger alloys.
However, you’ll need at least the SE L trim if you want a four-wheel-drive Kodiaq. Here, you can choose from a 204hp petrol engine or a 193hp diesel engine, both with 4x4. SE L gives you the option of four-wheel-drive versions; SE doesn’t come with 4x4 at all.
Which is best?
If you really want the extra features that the SE L trim brings, or if you know you want a four-wheel-drive Kodiaq, then the SE will be a compromise too far. A 4x4 Kodiaq will get you further on unpaved surfaces, and offers a greater towing capacity.
But not everyone needs to tow a heavy trailer or scamper up muddy tracks. If you don’t need this capability, the SE trim is considerably cheaper and comes with the must-have equipment to make family journeys easier. Our money would go on the SE trim.
Shop used Skoda Kodiaq cars for sale, or read our Skoda Kodiaq review
