Skoda Kodiaq is undoubtedly is an impressive car, and it is also the most well-equipped of the lot. It may not manage to climb rocks or do some serious off-roading as some of the others rivals can do. So is it still worth the extra price? Or should you instead buy an Endeavour or an equally capable Toyota Fortuner. We find out.
The Ford Endeavour is massive and has tremendous road-presence, followed closely by Toyota Fortuner and Skoda Kodiaq in the second and third place. The Tiguan, for the simple reason that it does not offer a third row of seats, doesn't look as imposing as the rest, it does look every bit SUV though. The Endeavour also offers best ground clearance among all at 225mm and has the longest wheelbase at 2850mm.
Skoda Kodiaq as well as Tiguan are based on the same platform and come equipped with same (and only) engine and transmission option i.e. 2.0-litre diesel with 7-speed DSG automatic. The Endeavour offers a smaller 2.2-litre diesel in addition to the larger 3.2-litre diesel motor, both motors offer a 6-speed DCT transmission and there's no option for manual. While you don't get petrol with any other SUV, Fortuner offers it in the form of 2.7-litre capacity, which also comes equipped with a 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic options, however, there no option of 4WD with the petrol. The 2.8-litre diesel motor in case of the Toyota Fortuner comes equipped with 6-speed automatic as well as 6-speed manual.
When it comes to safety and equipment, the Kodiaq offers a clear advantage. In the second place, it has to be a tie between Endeavour and Volkswagen Tiguan which offer reasonable equipment level. The Toyota Fortuner is also quite well equipped, however, it gives some features like a sunroof, automatic wipers, headlamps a miss and is in fourth place for that reason.