Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line vs New Skoda Kodiaq: Specifications Compared

Volkswagen and Skoda, sister brands under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, have introduced their latest SUVs to the Indian market — the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line and the new Skoda Kodiaq. While they cater to distinct customer bases, their shared lineage, powertrain, and pricing bring them into a natural comparison. Despite segment differences — one being a two-row SUV and the other a three-row full-size SUV — the two models compete closely in terms of equipment, performance, and road presence.

The new Skoda Kodiaq is offered in two variants — Sportline and Laurin & Klement — while the Tiguan R-Line is available in a single, fully loaded variant. Price-wise, both top variants are nearly identical, with the Tiguan R-Line costing only ₹31,000 more than the Skoda Kodiaq L&K. That small gap puts a sharper focus on what each SUV offers in return.

Size is one of the most apparent differences. The Kodiaq is a proper 7-seater, offering more cabin versatility and larger dimensions overall. The Tiguan R-Line, on the other hand, seats five and is more compact, lending it a sportier footprint. In terms of boot space, the Kodiaq offers 281 litres with all three rows up — a figure that shoots up to 786 litres when the third row is folded. The Tiguan R-Line, with its fixed two-row layout, can’t match this level of flexibility, making the Kodiaq a more practical choice for larger families.

Under the hood, both SUVs are powered by the same 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine, now tuned to deliver 201 bhp— 14 bhp more than the previous version — and 320 Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch) automatic gearbox. This common drivetrain underlines their shared DNA, though the differentiation lies in how each model delivers that power. The Tiguan R-Line, with its sportier suspension setup, is tuned for more dynamic handling, while the Kodiaq leans into comfort and refinement. 

Fuel efficiency marks a key point of contrast. The Kodiaq claims a mileage of 14.86 kmpl, noticeably higher than the Tiguan R-Line’s 12.58 kmpl. For buyers concerned with everyday fuel costs, this could tilt the scale toward the Skoda.

On the outside, both SUVs present premium styling, but with different intent. The Kodiaq showcases a clean, elegant look with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with a cornering function, and auto-folding ORVMs with memory. The Tiguan R-Line ups the ante with 19-inch dual-tone alloys, a horizontal light bar across the front grille, and a sharper overall stance that accentuates its sporty character.

Inside, both SUVs pack a punch in terms of equipment. The Kodiaq comes with leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, multi-colour ambient lighting, dual glove boxes, and a more versatile rear seating arrangement with sunshades and sliding functionality. The Tiguan matches much of this, offering leather interiors, 30-colour ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a clean all-black interior. However, front seat adjustability is manual in the Tiguan (albeit with massage and heating), while the Kodiaq offers power-adjustable front seats with ventilation, heating, memory, and massage features — a clear step up in comfort.

Both SUVs are similarly matched in terms of digital displays, each sporting a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. However, infotainment systems differ slightly: the Kodiaq features a 12.9-inch display paired with a 13-speaker Canton sound system, while the Tiguan gets a larger 15-inch display but with a more modest 8-speaker setup. Both support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

When it comes to safety, both SUVs are well-equipped. Each gets nine airbags, hill start assist, hill descent control, ESC, and ISOFIX mounts. The Kodiaq further adds driver attention monitoring, electronic differential lock, and a 360-degree camera with auto-park assist. The Tiguan R-Line, meanwhile, pulls ahead with Level-2 ADAS capabilities, electronic parking brake, and tyre pressure monitoring, which could appeal more to tech-focused buyers.