The SUV market in the UAE has become extremely competitive over the past few years. Buyers are no longer searching only for space and practicality. Today’s customers want advanced technology, premium comfort, refined driving dynamics and modern design, all wrapped into one package that can handle daily city driving as easily as long highway trips across the GCC.
That is exactly where the new Škoda Kodiaq enters the conversation.
During our latest GearsMe test drive across Dubai, the second-generation Kodiaq immediately showed just how much Škoda has evolved its flagship SUV. This is not simply a mild update over the previous model. The new Kodiaq feels more mature, significantly more refined and noticeably more premium in almost every area.
From the outside, the SUV carries much stronger road presence than before. The proportions are cleaner, the body lines are sharper and the lighting signature gives the front end a far more upscale appearance, especially at night. The redesigned grille works perfectly with the slimmer LED headlights, while the overall silhouette remains elegant without becoming overly aggressive.
Driving through Dubai Marina and Sheikh Zayed Road, the new Kodiaq looked far more premium than many buyers would probably expect from the badge. Škoda has managed to modernize the SUV without losing the understated European character that made the original Kodiaq successful.
Dimensionally, the new Kodiaq has also grown slightly, giving it even better practicality for families. The SUV measures around 4,758 mm in length with a wheelbase of 2,791 mm, helping maximize cabin space for passengers across all three rows.
Inside the cabin is where the biggest transformation becomes obvious.
The dashboard design is completely new and finally gives the Kodiaq the premium atmosphere buyers expect in 2026. Soft-touch materials cover most surfaces, ambient lighting adds sophistication at night and the overall layout feels much cleaner than before. Unlike some modern SUVs that overload drivers with complicated digital systems, the Kodiaq manages to remain simple and user-friendly.
The large infotainment display is positioned perfectly within the driver’s line of sight and responds quickly with sharp graphics and intuitive menus. One of the smartest additions is the new multifunction rotary controls below the screen. These allow drivers to adjust climate settings, audio and seat functions quickly without constantly navigating through menus while driving.
It sounds like a small feature, but during real driving in Dubai traffic it genuinely improves usability.
The cabin space remains one of the Kodiaq’s strongest advantages. Rear passengers have excellent legroom and headroom, while the optional seven-seat layout continues to make the SUV highly practical for larger families in the GCC. The trunk space is also impressive, offering up to 2,035 litres with the rear seats folded down.
Comfort levels are another major highlight of the new model. Even over rough city roads and speed bumps, the suspension absorbs imperfections smoothly without making the SUV feel disconnected from the road. On highways, the Kodiaq feels stable, planted and extremely quiet.
Road and wind noise insulation have improved noticeably compared to the previous generation. Even at higher speeds, the cabin remains calm and refined, giving the SUV a much more premium driving experience.
Under the hood, the 2026 Kodiaq offers several engine options depending on the market. GCC specifications are expected to focus mainly on the turbocharged petrol engines, including the 1.4-litre TSI and 2.0-litre TSI variants.
The 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces around 150 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. This setup focuses primarily on efficiency and smooth daily usability, making it ideal for urban driving and family use.
Meanwhile, the more powerful 2.0-litre TSI engine produces up to 190 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque in certain GCC specifications, while some international versions reach over 200 horsepower. The higher-output version significantly improves highway acceleration and overall responsiveness, especially during overtaking.
During our Dubai drive, the power delivery felt smooth and effortless rather than aggressively sporty, which honestly suits the Kodiaq perfectly. The DSG transmission deserves special praise for how refined and responsive it feels in real-world conditions. Gear changes happen quickly and smoothly, helping the SUV maintain a relaxed driving character.
For buyers looking for stronger performance, Škoda also offers the sporty Kodiaq RS in international markets. The performance-oriented version uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing up to 265 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, allowing 0-100 km/h acceleration in around 6.4 seconds.
The new Kodiaq also benefits from updated chassis tuning and improved driving technology. Adaptive suspension is available on higher trims, helping balance comfort and stability depending on driving conditions. Even during quicker lane changes and high-speed highway driving, the SUV feels stable and predictable.
Technology has improved significantly throughout the vehicle. The digital instrument cluster is now sharper and easier to customize, while the latest driver assistance systems work smoothly in the background without becoming intrusive. Features such as adaptive cruise control, lane assist and improved parking cameras make daily driving far easier, especially in crowded urban areas.
What stood out most during our GearsMe test drive was how balanced the entire package feels.
Some SUVs focus too heavily on sporty handling and sacrifice comfort. Others prioritize luxury but lose practicality. The Kodiaq manages to combine comfort, practicality, technology and refinement into one extremely well-rounded package without obvious compromises.
For UAE and GCC buyers searching for a practical family SUV with genuine European character, the 2026 Škoda Kodiaq deserves serious attention. It delivers strong refinement, impressive cabin quality, advanced technology and enough performance for everyday driving, all while maintaining the practicality that originally made the Kodiaq successful worldwide.
After spending time with it on Dubai roads, it became clear that Škoda has successfully elevated the Kodiaq into something far more premium and desirable than before. It no longer feels like an alternative choice in the segment.
The 2026 Kodiaq now feels like one of the smartest all-around family SUVs available today.
