The Volkswagen Tayron, in its sporty R-Line avatar, is the German carmaker’s new flagship offering in India. It is built on the MQB Evo platform that also underpins the Skoda Kodiaq. Moreover, both are assembled locally using CKD (completely knocked-down) kits and are priced similarly. So, let’s compare the Tayron R-Line and the top-spec Kodiaq Selection L&K to see which appears more compelling on paper.
Volkswagen Tayron vs Skoda Kodiaq: Dimensions
The Tayron is longer and has a bigger boot but is also heavier
While both SUVs have a more or less similar width and wheelbase, the Volkswagen Tayron is 34mm longer than the Kodiaq and offers 64 litres of additional boot space. However, the Skoda is 24mm taller and 39kg lighter than the Volkswagen.
Volkswagen Tayron vs Skoda Kodiaq: Engine specifications
Both are powered by the same EA888 engine
Both the Tayron and Kodiaq are built on the MQB Evo platform and pack the same EA888 2.0-litre TSI engine with identical outputs, mated to the same 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that sends power to all wheels (AWD).
Volkswagen claims that the Tayron R-Line does a 0-100kph run in 7.3 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 224kph. While Skoda has not given the Kodiaq’s performance figures, it is likely that its lower kerb weight makes it marginally quicker than the Volkswagen. While Skoda claims a 14.86kpl mileage for the Kodiaq, the Tayron’s fuel-efficiency numbers have not yet been revealed.
Volkswagen Tayron vs Skoda Kodiaq: Exterior
Features are similar, but the Tayron has larger alloys
While both SUVs come with all-LED lighting, the Tayron gets illuminated logos at both ends, and the Kodiaq sports illuminated lighting elements on the grille. The Tayron also has fog lamps at the rear and 19-inch wheels, a size bigger than the Kodiaq’s.
Volkswagen Tayron vs Skoda Kodiaq: Interior and features
The Tayron gets a bigger screen and a head-up display too
Volkswagen and Skoda have packed their flagship ICE SUVs in India with a lot of features, including digital displays, 3-zone climate control, a powered tailgate and a panoramic sunroof. However, the Tayron R-Line takes things up a notch by offering a larger 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a heated steering wheel and a head-up display (HUD), which are missing on the Skoda Kodiaq Selection L&K trim. However, the Kodiaq’s sound system has more speakers than the Tayron’s.
Volkswagen Tayron vs Skoda Kodiaq: Driving tech
Drive modes are identical on both 3-row SUVs
Both SUVs have an AWD setup and identical drive modes. As both are automatic-only offerings, they get paddleshifters for a more hands-on experience.
Volkswagen Tayron vs Skoda Kodiaq: Safety features
Kodiaq misses out on ADAS, but both have a 5-star Euro NCAP rating
Like the driving tech, their safety suite is also similar, with features such as 9 airbags, a 360-degree camera, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold and disc brakes on all wheels. Both the Tayron and Kodiaq offerings received a 5-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating when they were tested in 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Volkswagen Tayron vs Skoda Kodiaq: Price
The Tayron costs more than the Kodiaq’s top-spec trim
The Volkswagen Tayron R-Line costs Rs 1.04 lakh more than the top-spec Skoda Kodiaq Selection L&K. But it justifies the price tag with a Level 2 ADAS, a larger touchscreen and an HUD, which the Skoda lacks. However, if you want to consider the Kodiaq, the lower-spec Kodiaq Sportline, priced at Rs 43.76 lakh, offers a lot of value, although it misses out on features such as seat massage and ventilation, a 360-degree camera, and hill-start and hill-descent assist functions.
Prices are ex-showroom, India.