When looking at big SUVs in India, two names keep coming up: the all‑new Skoda Kodiaq and the legendary Toyota Fortuner. Each has its own strengths, and which one is better really depends on what you value most. Let’s dive into a comparative look at both — performance, comfort, features, ownership costs, and where each SUV shines (or lags).
1. Overview & Positioning
- Skoda Kodiaq (2025): Positioned more toward the premium side of the full‑size SUV segment. Prioritizes comfort, technology, refinement, and family usage. It offers a luxury feel, strong build quality, and is well suited for those who want both form and function.
- Toyota Fortuner (2025): A rugged, go‑everywhere SUV with a cult following. Known for durability, strong off‑road capability, high resale value, and that commanding road presence. Less flashy than some rivals in terms of advanced tech, but very dependable and reliable.
2. Performance, Engine & Driving Experience
| Specification | Skoda Kodiaq | Toyota Fortuner |
|---|---|---|
| Engine / Power | 2.0‑litre TSI turbo‑petrol, ~201 bhp / 320 Nm torque. | Diesel: 2.8L diesel (and other variants), ~500 Nm torque in diesel variant. Petrol options are less potent. |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 7‑speed dual‑clutch (DSG), all‑wheel drive/4WD. | 6‑speed auto / manual, robust 4WD in applicable variants. Also includes options for low‑range 4WD, differential lock etc., depending on model. |
| Ride & Handling | More car‑like, refined suspension, better suited for highways and smooth roads. Better steering feedback and comfort. | Built more rugged: ladder frame or body‑on‑frame layout, stiffer ride at low speeds, good in off‑road, rough terrain. Less composed at high speed corners than monocoque or more luxury‑biased SUVs. |
3. Size, Cabin & Practicality
- Seating & Space: Both are 7‑seat SUVs. Kodiaq’s 3rd row is usable, though more suited for children or shorter trips. Fortuner similarly has third row, but not the most spacious back there.
- Boot Capacity: Kodiaq provides ~340 litres with all three rows up; much more when folding rows. Fortuner’s boot with all seats up is smaller; folding down gives improved space but the overall versatility is less than Kodiaq’s in terms of boot + fold combinations.
- Ground Clearance and Off‑Road Capability: Fortuner has better ground clearance and more rugged underpinnings which are an advantage off‑road. Kodiaq’s ground clearance is moderate (≈ 155 mm laden) which is fine for urban and light off‑road use but not as aggressive as Fortuner’s.
4. Features, Comfort & Technology
- Interior Quality: Kodiaq scores higher in terms of premium materials, luxury features (Cognac leather, massaging front seats in top trims, ambient lighting, etc.). Fortuner tends to have a tougher, simpler cabin focused on durability rather than plushness.
- Infotainment & Conveniences: Kodiaq comes with large touchscreen infotainment (≈ 13‑inch), wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto, 3‑zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, etc. Fortuner in 2025 gets some upgrades (360‑degree camera, wireless charging) but many features are still less premium.
- Safety & Driver Aids: Kodiaq includes many modern safety features (multiple airbags, stability control, ISOFIX, perhaps more driver assistance elements) depending on variant. Fortuner is strong on structural safety and basic safety kit, but often lacks certain advanced driver aids in many trims.
5. Ownership, Reliability & Resale
- Reliability: Toyota has an edge here. Fortuner’s reputation in India (and globally) for durability, ease of maintenance, and longevity is very strong. Many buyers feel safer with Toyota’s service network, parts availability, etc.
- Resale Value: Fortuner generally retains its value extremely well. Skoda has improved, especially in premium SUVs, but overall resale for Toyota is still better.
- Running Costs & Fuel Economy: The diesel Fortuner offers decent fuel economy for its class on highways, though urban consumption is poorer. Kodiaq’s petrol turbo may cost more in fuel in city usage; however, being a modern petrol engine with refined build, maintenance will matter. Insurance, parts, and service costs may be higher for the Kodiaq depending on location and variant.
6. Price & Value
- Skoda Kodiaq: The 2025 model is priced between ₹ 46.89 lakh to ₹ 48.69 lakh (ex‑showroom) for the two trims (Sportline and Laurin & Klement).
- Toyota Fortuner: The 2025 mild‑hybrid version (Neo Drive 48V) starts at ₹ 44.72 lakh for the standard variant, rising to about ₹ 50.09 lakh for the Legender Neo Drive 48V (ex‑showroom).
So price‑wise, depending on variant, there’s overlap. But when comparing like‑for‑like trims (feature rich, top spec), the Kodiaq may demand a premium depending on features.
7. Pros & Cons (What You Get & Tradeoffs)
Skoda Kodiaq: Pros
- Premium cabin; better comfort & refinement.
- More up‑to‑date technology & convenience features.
- Great for families, highway travel, city cruising in style.
- More versatile in boot + fold configurations.
- AWD standard (in certain trims) and better at “car‑like” handling.
Skoda Kodiaq: Cons
- Petrol engine: fuel costs will be higher than diesel over time, especially for frequent long journeys or heavy loads.
- Ground clearance & off‑road capability are moderate; may struggle in tough rural / off‑road terrain compared to Fortuner.
- Higher maintenance & parts cost; fewer service centers might specialize in high‑end Skoda components in remote areas.
Toyota Fortuner: Pros
- Legendary reliability; time‑tested mechanicals.
- Strong off‑road competence, good ground clearance, rugged build.
- Excellent resale value.
- Broad service network & ease of maintenance.
Toyota Fortuner: Cons
- Less feature‑rich in many variants; cabin feels less premium.
- Fuel economy especially in city traffic and in diesel might lag behind more modern powertrains.
- Interior tech & driver aids may lag rivals.
- Price is high; steep depreciation on variants with fewer features may seem less value for money.
8. Which One Should You Choose?
Here are some use‑case‑based guidelines:
- If you mostly drive in cities, do highway trips, value comfort, want best‑in‑class features, and are okay with spending a bit more for refinement → Skoda Kodiaq is likely the better fit.
- If you plan to go off‑road, drive in rural / rugged terrain sometimes, want a vehicle that can take harsh conditions, care more about reliability and lower maintenance headaches over long term → Toyota Fortuner is a safer bet.
- For family usage where third row is used occasionally, for vacations & long trips, Kodiaq gives more luxury. But if third row is frequently used by adults, both will feel tight; Fortuner might have more robust structure but still not ideal for long haul in third row.
- Budget will matter: if you want all bells & whistles, check the exact variant details, cost of ownership, and whether features matter more than longevity and ease of service.
9. Verdict
There is no one‑size‑fits‑all answer. The Skoda Kodiaq is pushing the boundaries of luxury and tech in the full‑size SUV segment, giving buyers who want style, comfort and modern features an appealing package. The Toyota Fortuner continues to serve those who want ruggedness, reputation, long‑term durability and strong resale.
If it were me, I’d choose the Kodiaq for its comfort and tech, especially for highway and family usage. But if I knew I’d be covering lots of rough roads, needing frequent travel in adverse conditions, or want a car that’s going to be easy to service everywhere, I’d go with the Fortuner.