Following the sales results 2019, the Toyota RAV4 becomes the most popular mid-size crossover in the European market. The Skoda Kodiaq is the second.
Last year, the Toyota RAV4 sales in Europe amounted to 91,800 units, according to CarSalesBase.com. The model became not only the bestseller among mid-size SUVs but also captured 10.5% of this market segment. Moreover, European sales of the RAV4 grew by 33% compared to 2018.
The source notes that last year was not a record for the crossover, since in 2004 and 2006 the RAV4 sales in Europe exceeded 100,000 units. However, nearly 92,000 sales in the fast-growing segment is a very good result. The reasons for success are the arrival of the new generation model and the popularity of hybrid versions. In most countries of the continent, the hybrid RAV4 is offered.
Sales of the Skoda Kodiaq, which became the second in 2019, grew by 38% compared to 2018. The crossover was bought by over 88,500 Europeans. The Kodiaq’s market share, thus, rose to 10.1%, as CarSalesBase informs. In addition, a sales record was set. It seems there is no obvious reason for the sharp increase in consumer interest in Skoda Kodiaq. Or is there any way?
Let’s compare the two leaders taking the German market.
Dimensions: The Toyota RAV4 is not a competitor
The dimensions of the new Toyota RAV4 are 4600 x 1855 x 1685 mm, the wheelbase is 2690 mm. The Skoda Kodiaq is not just larger, having 4697 x 1882 x 1681 mm and a wheelbase of 2791 mm. The Czech crossover comes in a 7-seater layout as standard. A significant advantage, indeed.
The Volkswagen Tiguan proves this. Every sixth sold car is a 3-row Allspace modification.
The rear seats in the Kodiaq or the Tiguan Allspace are really not too comfortable, but they provide enough space for children or average-height adult passengers.
In terms of cargo space, the RAV4 is also significantly inferior to the Kodiaq: 580 versus 635 liters with the backseats up, or 1,189 against 1,980 liters when folded.
Engine choice: fuel-efficient hybrid takes its points
On the one hand, the Skoda Kodiaq offers more engines than the Toyota RAV4. In Germany, the Kodiaq is available with three engines: 2.0-liter 190-hp petrol (gasoline) TSI and a 2.0-liter diesel TDI with 150 hp and 190 hp.
The Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a hybrid powertrain with a total output of 218 hp. It comprises a 2.5-liter 178-hp petrol engine and an 88-kW electric motor. It turns out the RAV4 Hybrid is more powerful than any Kodiaq except for a ‘hot’240-hp Kodiaq RS.
There is another significant factor – efficiency. The electric motor in the RAV4 allows saving fuel, especially in the city. The claimed consumption is 4.9 l/100 km (48 mpg). In the combined cycle, it is 4.6 liters per 100 km (51 mpg).
Although the Kodiaq also uses green technologies, namely the active cylinder control and Start-Stop, it consumes more fuel: 7.2-7.3 l/100 km combined (32.2-32.7 mpg) for petrol and from 5.6 l/100 km (42 mp) for diesel.
Thus, the Toyota RAV4 owners will pay less for fuel and taxes than the owners of the Skoda Kodiaq.
Off-road features
The RAV4 and Kodiaq are not full-fledged off-road SUVs. Shallow snow, a dirt road in a suburb – these are quite surmountable difficulties, but no more. The RAV4 has front-wheel-drive variants, while the Kodiaq, given its size and weight, comes only with an all-wheel drive.
Safety
In terms of safety, both models won the highest 5 Stars from Euro NCAP. However, the Japanese SUV is potentially safer.
In the “Protection of the driver and adult passengers” category, the RAV4 gets 93%, the Kodiaq – 92%. They are rated 87% and 77%, respectively for child protection.
The Japanese SUV protects pedestrians better (85% against 71%), its safety systems are also better: 77% against 54%.
Pricing
In terms id prices, the Skoda Kodiaq leads. In Germany, it costs 28,600 euros. The base Toyota RAV4 Hybrid starts at 38,690 euros. The difference, as we see, is large, although the hot Kodiaq RS will cost at least 49,990 euros. Besides, there are stylized Scout, Sportline, as well as luxury L&K, priced above 40,000 euros.
Conclusion
- The Skoda Kodiaq is a practical 7-seater crossover with a good choice of engines.
- The Toyota RAV4 is safer, more powerful and efficient.
- The entry-level and mid-level Skoda Kodiaq is much cheaper than the RAV4, but it offers pricier modifications as well.
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