Skoda Kodiaq vs smart #1
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 Skoda Kodiaq starts from $54,990 before on-road costs, while the smart #1 opens at $54,900. That makes the smart #1 the more affordable entry point by $90.
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 $60,390 respectively.
The smart #1 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Skoda Kodiaq, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Skoda Kodiaq and smart #1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the Skoda Kodiaq and 96% for the smart #1.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #1 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Skoda Kodiaq.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Skoda Kodiaq and 7 in the smart #1. The smart #1 adds a 360-degree camera that the Skoda Kodiaq misses.
Feature Showdown
The Skoda Kodiaq features a 13-inch touchscreen, while the smart #1 gets a 12.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The smart #1 counters with wireless charging and ambient lighting that the Skoda Kodiaq does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Skoda Kodiaq uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 seconds.
The smart #1 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The smart #1 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #1 is 2.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Skoda Kodiaq measures 4,758mm long on a 2,791mm wheelbase, 488mm longer than the smart #1 at 4,270mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Skoda Kodiaq generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 270L in the Skoda Kodiaq and 203L in the smart #1, giving the Skoda Kodiaq a 67L advantage. The Skoda Kodiaq seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Skoda Kodiaq leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 400kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.4m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Kodiaq) vs 5 years / 150,000km (smart #1). The Skoda Kodiaq has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Skoda Kodiaq if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #1 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Skoda Kodiaq and smart #1 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Skoda Kodiaq 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, Skoda Kodiaq and smart #1?
The smart #1 is the cheapest at $54,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Skoda Kodiaq by $90.
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 and smart #1 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Skoda Kodiaq has the largest boot at 270L.
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 smart #1 makes the most power at 200kW. The smart #1 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
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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