The Skoda Kodiaq launched for 2016 and so far has been a runaway success. Based on the second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan platform (VW’s MQB architecture), the Kodiaq offers room for five in the two-row model and seven with the third-row seats ordered. Now for 2017, the value-themed crossover gets more variety thanks to two new trims Skoda brought to the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show – the Sportline and Scout.

Hinted by the names, the Sportline trim gives the Kodiaq a more street-wise appearance, while the Scout offers a more rugged, off-road theme. Both come with plenty of additional features, making them more than just an appearance package. In fact, the Scout comes with a raised ride height and underbody skid plates and the Sportline gets a sport-tuned suspension, a G-meter, and lap timer. Both models have adaptive dampers, too. Skoda isn’t changing the Kodiaq’s drivetrain options, however. Both the Sportline and Scout are available with choices of gasoline and diesel engine options. These include a 1.4-liter gasoline four-cylinder with 150 horsepower and range to a 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder with 295 pound-feet of torque. Both models come standard with AWD.

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The Skoda Kodiaq Sportline

The Sportline isn’t necessarily a performance model, but it does have performance-minded parts designed to deliver a more lively driving experience. Skoda is rumored to be developing that performance model, though, and reports suggest it will be called the Kodiaq vRS. But back tot eh Sportline.

The Kodiaq Sportline is visually different thanks to blacked out trim including the grille, side mirrors, roof pillars, and roof rails. The headlights are smoked, too, matching the tinted windows up top. The rear bumper also gets a racier look and the wheel choices include 19-inch “Triglav” alloys as standard and optional 20-inch “Vega” Anthracite alloys.

Inside, the Sportline gets black Alcantara covering sport-minded seats with silver contrast stitching. Stainless steel pedal covers are added, too. The driver information screen in the gauge cluster gets readouts for oil pressure, coolant temperature, and boost pressure, not to mention that lap timer and G-meter. Ambient LED lighting helps add an air of luxury during night drives.

Under the skin, the Kodiaq Sportline gets optional adaptive dampers with the Adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control and is paired with Skoda’s Driving Select Mode system. All four of the Kodiaq’s engine options are available. These include two gasoline engines, being a 1.4-liter gasoline mill with 150 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque and a 2.0-liter TSI with 180 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. A 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder is available in two outputs: the first with 150 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque and the second with 190 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

Skoda Kodiaq Scout

At the spectrum’s opposite end from the Kodiaq Sportline is the Kodiaq Scout. Skoda fitted this model to be more rugged and apt to actually travel off the beaten path. As such, its suspension is slightly raised for a higher ride height and better ground clearance. Smaller, 19-inch wheels have tires with taller sidewalls than either wheel and tire combination available on the Sportline. Underneath, the Kodiaq Scout has extra skid plates that help protect vital components from trail damage.

Visually, the Scout gets a slew of satin chrome trim, including the lip along the front and rear bumpers, the side mirror caps, and the roof rails. Those wheels also have machined faces, matching the rest of the trim work.

The interior has many of the same upgrades found in the Sportline trim, including black leather and Alcantara seats, Alcantara-wrapped door panels accents, and extra gauges beyond what the regular Kodiaq gets. Keeping in the off-road theme, the Scout’s extra gauges include a compass and altimeter, along with the oil and coolant temperature readouts. Skoda finishes out the interior with door sill plates that read “KODIAQ.”

Powertrain wise, the Kodiaq Scout comes with the same engine options as the Sportline, all backed with either a six-speed manual transmission or a DSG automatic. Naturally, the Scout comes standard with AWD. It also has a barrage of off-road electronics designed to help the driver navigate tough terrain. The adaptive dampers are controlled by the Off-Road Assist system, as is the throttle response, traction control, and ABS system when in the various modes. Downhill Descent Control and Hill Hold are also present.

Shared Features

Both the Sportline and Scout come with many of the same features and equipment. These include the 9.2-inch infotainment system with Skoda’s Columbus system and satellite navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 360-degree camera system with an overhead view. The driver information screen in the gauge cluster is controlled by the multi-function steering wheel controls, and both have LED ambient lighting.

Safety systems include Trailer Assist, Blind Spot Detect, Rear Traffic Alert, and Front Assist proximity sensors. That 360-degree camera system is also a worthy mention here, too.

Displacement

Horsepower

Torque

Drivetrain

Top Speed

0-60 mph

1.4-liter TSI

150 HP

184 lb.-ft

AWD

122 mph

9.8 seconds

2.0-liter TSI

180 HP

236 lb.-ft

AWD

128 mph

8.0 seconds

2.0-liter TDI

150 HP

251 lb.-ft

AWD

122 mph

9.5 seconds

2.0-liter TDI

190 HP

295 lb.-ft

AWD

130 mph

8.9 seconds


Reference

Skoda Kodiaq

Read our full review on the Skoda Kodiaq.