Volvo XC40 vs Skoda Kodiaq
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Volvo XC40 starts from $54,990 before on-road costs, while the Skoda Kodiaq opens at $54,990. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $60,489 and $60,489 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Skoda Kodiaq by roughly $1,285 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Volvo XC40 features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Skoda Kodiaq gets a 13-inch display and 10-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volvo XC40 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Skoda Kodiaq. The Skoda Kodiaq counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated front seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Volvo XC40 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Skoda Kodiaq offers leather.
Drivetrain
The Volvo XC40 uses a Petrol producing 145kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
The Skoda Kodiaq responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds.
The Volvo XC40 has the clear power advantage at 145kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volvo XC40 measures 4,440mm long on a 2,702mm wheelbase, 318mm shorter than the Skoda Kodiaq at 4,758mm (2,791mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Skoda Kodiaq generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 452L in the Volvo XC40 and 270L in the Skoda Kodiaq, giving the Volvo XC40 a 182L advantage. The Skoda Kodiaq seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Skoda Kodiaq leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m diameter
Average
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,081/year for the Volvo XC40 and $1,824/year for the Skoda Kodiaq. That is a $257 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Kodiaq.
Estimated annual total: $2,081 (Volvo XC40) vs $1,824 (Skoda Kodiaq). The Skoda Kodiaq saves you roughly $257 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo XC40) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Kodiaq). The Skoda Kodiaq has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volvo XC40 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Skoda Kodiaq if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Skoda Kodiaq takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Skoda Kodiaq will save you roughly $257 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volvo XC40 has a clear edge. The Skoda Kodiaq adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volvo XC40 and Skoda Kodiaq?
The Volvo XC40 is the cheapest at $54,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Skoda Kodiaq uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Skoda Kodiaq all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volvo XC40 has the largest boot at 452L.
Which can tow the most?
The Skoda Kodiaq has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Skoda Kodiaq has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volvo XC40 makes the most power at 145kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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