Auto Market News

Toyota RAV4 Loses to Skoda Kodiaq in Europe

The Skoda Kodiaq with over 68,000 sales triumphed in 2023, surpassing the Toyota RAV4 as Europe’s favorite midsize SUV.

Four years ago, the Toyota RAV4 sales in Europe reached 91,800 units, making the model the best-seller among midsize crossovers (by European standards) and capturing 10.5% of this market segment. At that time, European sales of the RAV4 grew by a third compared to 2018.

Sales of the Skoda Kodiaq, which became the second best-seller in 2019, increased by 38% compared to 2018. More than 88,500 Europeans bought the crossover, raising Kodiaq’s market share to 10.1%. Additionally, a sales record was set.

At that time, there seemed to be no obvious reasons for the sharp increase in consumer interest in the Skoda Kodiaq. Over time, it became clear that this was not an accidental success.

Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

In 2023, although the Toyota RAV4 remains one of the most popular midsize SUVs in Europe, it yielded the top spot to the Skoda Kodiaq. According to JATO Dynamics data, from January to October inclusive, Europeans purchased less than 59,000 RAV4s.

During the same period, the Kodiaq sales exceeded 68,000 units. Interestingly, demand for the RAV4 in Europe is decreasing, while, conversely, it is increasing for the Kodiaq.

2024 Skoda Kodiaq

Let’s compare the two leaders using the example of the German market.

Dimensions: Toyota RAV4 loses

The dimensions of the new Toyota RAV4 are 4,600×1,855×1,685 mm, and its wheelbase is 2,690 mm. The Skoda Kodiaq is larger (4,697×1,882×1,681 mm, a wheelbase of 2,791 mm), and comes in a 7-seater layout as standard. A significant advantage, indeed.

in particular, such a model as the Volkswagen Tiguan proves this. Every sixth sold Tiguan is a 3-row Allspace version.

The rear seats in the Kodiaq or the Tiguan Allspace are not too comfortable, but spacious enough for children or average-height adult passengers.

The RAV4’s cargo area is smaller than that of the Kodiaq: 580 vs 635 liters with the backseats up, or 1,189 vs 1,980 liters when folded.

Engine choice: fuel-efficient hybrid takes its points

In Germany, the Skoda Kodiaq currently offers two 2.0-liter diesel TDI SCR engines with 150 hp and 190 hp mated to a 7-speed DSG, which consume 7.3-5.6 l/100 km and 6.4-4.9 l/100 km combined, respectively.

The RAV4 is available only with hybrid engines in the country, both conventional hybrid and plug-in hybrid.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s powertrain generates a total of 218 hp from a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder 178-hp petrol engine and an 88-kW electric motor. In a 302-hp PHEV variant, the engine is combined with two electric motors, an 18.1-kWh battery, and an AWD-i system.

The RAV4 is more powerful than the Kodiaq, except for a ‘hot’ 240-hp Kodiaq RS.

There is another significant factor – fuel efficiency. Electric power in the hybrid RAV4 allows to cut fuel costs. The claimed fuel economy is 6.0-5.6 l/100 km combined. The plug-in hybrid RAV4 is the most fuel-efficient: 16,6 kW/100 km or just 1 liter per 100 km (WLTP test).

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-roaders, they feel on-road better. Shallow snow and a dirt road in a suburb are quite surmountable difficulties for these SUVs but no more. Both have FWD and AWD variants.

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 RAV4 protects pedestrians better (85% against 71%), and its safety systems are also better: 77% against 54%.

Pricing

In terms of prices, there is a relative parity. In Germany, the base price of the Skoda Kodiaq is 45,500 euros; the all-wheel-drive model with the more powerful engine is priced at 49,700 euros.

On select markets, Skoda offers pricier versions like the Scout, Sportline, RS, and GT.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid with front-wheel drive costs between 40,990 and 46,590 euros (AWD models are more expensive), and a plug-in hybrid version starts at 59,790 euros.

Conclusion

  1. The Skoda Kodiaq is a practical 7-seater crossover with a good choice of petrol and diesel engines and a roomy cabin.
  2. The Toyota RAV4 is safer, more powerful, and more fuel-efficient.
  3. Both are well-roaded, comfortable, and reliable vehicles offering an array of standard features at comparably affordable prices.

We also recommend reading:

Share
Published by
Roman Stselnyk

Recent Posts

5 Reasons to Consider the Honda Civic Type R One of the Best Cars to Buy

The current-generation Honda Civic Type R has been available to buyers since October 2022. We…

March 24, 2024

Classic MINI Cars Which Made the Brand Influential: TOP 10

Here we propose to remember the classic Mini cars which created the brand's history and…

March 24, 2024

Best Cars Made In the Soviet Union

The USSR's automobile industry produced perhaps the worst vehicles in the world, but even among…

March 24, 2024

This website uses cookies.