Toyota Innova Hycross vs Skoda Kodiaq Comparison: Utility Over Fun?

If you’re in the market for a big, spacious vehicle for your entire family and are willing to spend over ₹30 lakh, you’ll have a few options to consider. Now, given the significant investment, your expectations, and those of your family are likely to be very high, and understandably so. This means that the vehicle must check all or most of the boxes.

This brings us to the Toyota Innova Hycross and the Skoda Kodiaq. At first glance, you might think that these two vehicles are incomparable, for they sit in very different segments. Yet, there is a genuine possibility that you will find yourself torn between them. Should you pick the trusted brand known for producing one of the most successful people movers in India, or should you allow yourself to be drawn to something more exquisite? While the answer may seem straightforward initially, it turns out to be a little more complex upon deeper consideration.

Toyota Innova Hycross vs Skoda Kodiaq: Design & dimensions compared

Unlike the Innova Crysta, the Innova Hycross doesn’t have the quintessential MPV shape. Instead, it takes a bold departure towards the SUV design with its upright hood, big grille, and large 18-inch alloy wheels. Its overall boxy design is reminiscent of proper SUVs and suggests a bold attempt at trying something different. While it may not be the most appealing vehicle out there, it does exude a sense of size and presence.

The Kodiaq, on the other hand, appears to be much smaller, especially when parked beside the Hycross. It’s not surprising, given that the Kodiaq is shorter than the Hycross in both length and height by 56mm and 125mm, respectively. Its design language is also characterised by curves. While it also features 18-inch alloy wheels, those seeking a more imposing vehicle will inevitably lean towards the bigger Innova. On the other hand, for those who prefer their vehicles to be more chic and classy, the Kodiaq is the clear choice of the two.

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Toyota Innova Hycross vs Skoda Kodiaq: Cabin features & comfort

Both vehicles offer plenty of features, many of which are common to both, for instance, a digital MID and touchscreen setup; however, the infotainment on the Innova Hycross does not support wireless Android Auto. The Kodiaq also outshines the Innova Hycross with its three-zone climate control system and heated as well as ventilated front seats. In comparison, the Innova features a dual-zone air conditioning system and only ventilated front seats.

In terms of space, both vehicles easily accommodate passengers of various sizes in the front seats. Both vehicles come with capable sound systems – the 9-speaker JBL system in the Innova Hycross offers a more bass-heavy audio experience, while the 12-speaker Canton system of the Kodiaq offers a more balanced sound. So, depending on your preferences and the kind of media you consume, you might gravitate more towards one or the other.

Personally, I find the dashboard of the Innova Hycross more appealing because of the presence of soft-touch materials on it. The Kodiaq’s dashboard, with its piano black surfaces, may look stylish, but it is a fingerprint and dust magnet. On the other hand, the Kodiaq’s instrument cluster graphics and the touchscreen interface are more sophisticated than those of the Innova Hycross. In fact, opting for the Kodiaq may feel like acquiring an Audi Q3 at a discount, given the similarities in their kits, which is an enticing proposition in itself.

Toyota Innova Hycross vs Skoda Kodiaq: Second row seating

When you get in the second row of either vehicle, you experience two very different kinds of setups. The Kodiaq offers a conventional bench for three passengers, but the high-rising transmission tunnel detracts from the experience a bit. The space here is adequate enough, even for taller passengers like myself, but I think that the Innova Hycross feels more spacious and airier, given its larger dimensions. Once again, the door panels of the Kodiaq have piano black inserts – something that I don’t particularly like.

On the other hand, the top-end Innova Hycross is only available in a 7-seater configuration, featuring a pair of captain seats in the middle row. While these seats offer exceptional comfort for the segment, they do so at the cost of seating three passengers in this spacious part of the MPV. The Innova’s seats can also be reclined electronically, while the Kodiaq’s seats require a rudimentary strap pull. To further enhance the comfort, Hycross’ Ottoman seats come with extensions to support your legs, allowing you to essentially lie down in comfort. The plastic tray in between the seats does not look very impressive or solidly built, but it gets the job done. Considering the overall space and comfort of the seats, the Innova Hycross provides a better second-row experience compared to the Kodiaq.

Toyota Innova Hycross vs Skoda Kodiaq: Third row space

Even in terms of the third row, the Innova Hycross is clearly the superior vehicle. During the test, I didn’t even have to move the second-row seats to comfortably get into the third row. Even the under-thigh support is significantly better. In the Kodiaq, the third row hardly offers any legroom, even with the middle row seats pushed all the way forward, resulting in a cramped experience with your knees pointing towards the roof.

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A major advantage of the Innova Hycross is the presence of AC vents in the third row – a feature absent in the Kodiaq, which can quickly become a bit stuffy. Surprisingly, the Innova Hycross offers a bit less headroom here than the Kodiaq; however, the overall space and comfort of the Innova Hycross’s last row make it genuinely usable for commuting. Remarkably, all of this space and comfort are available in the more affordable option of the two.

Toyota Innova Hycross vs Skoda Kodiaq: Engine & driving behaviour

Both vehicles are powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine. The Kodiaq’s turbocharged engine makes 187.7bhp and 320Nm, making it more fun to drive. Being a TSI motor, it’s tuned to deliver driving pleasure, providing a linear pull with plenty of urgency and impressive refinement. Yes, the DSG gearbox does get confused at lower speeds, and the brakes are too sharp, but you will still have a better time behind the wheel of the Kodiaq. Its lower height and better suspension setup result in superior handling around corners.

However, that’s not to say that the Innova Hycross is a bad driver. In fact, it’s surprisingly well-behaved for its size and even picks up pace in a brisk manner. Just like the Kodiaq, the Innova also has its own gearbox issues. While the shifting is intelligent, the e-CVT makes a lot of noise. Combine that with the less-than-impressive NVH levels, and what you get is a rather noisy cabin. I did, however, feel that the Innova Hycross’s steering response was much better than that of the Kodiaq. The Innova also offers a comfortable ride in all three rows, which is great for those seeking maximum comfort from their vehicle.

Toyota Innova Hycross vs Skoda Kodiaq: The differentiator

Apart from the obvious differences between the two, both vehicles also have unique features that can heavily sway the buyers. For the Kodiaq, it’s the all-wheel-drive system. While it doesn’t make the Kodiaq a true off-roader, it is still a handy feature for navigating slush, loose sand, and other tricky terrains. Planning a trip to Ladakh with your friends? The AWD capabilities will help to tackle all the challenges with ease. Additionally, it also comes with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), which electronically adjusts the suspension behaviour to either enhance the comfort or provide a sporty ride.

However, if saving money is your priority, the Innova Hycross in its hybrid avatar is undeniably a better option. The top-of-the-line model that we tested is nearly ₹9 lakh cheaper than the Kodiaq. Also, given the hybrid setup, it offers significantly better mileage. I observed that while the Kodiaq delivered 6.5 – 7km/l under normal driving conditions, the Innova consistently offers 12km/l or more. If you drive normally, you can expect a figure closer to or above 15 km/l. This can result in a lot of savings when you calculate your monthly fuel expenses.

Toyota Innova Hycross vs Skoda Kodiaq: Which one should you buy?

The straightforward verdict would be that if you prioritise space and practical features, the Innova Hycross should be your pick, but if you value luxury and a more driver-focused experience, the Kodiaq is definitely the better option. However, as mentioned earlier, there is more to consider. For instance, if you are on a tight budget, you can opt for the Innova Hycross, which won’t disappoint you with its driving performance. It surprisingly maintains its composer on twisty roads despite its dimensions. On the other hand, neither vehicle offers enough boot space for luggage on those long trips with more than five people. In that case, you can simply opt for the Kodiaq and enjoy its driving experience, using the third for seating people only on rare occasions.

Despite these considerations, I think that the Innova Hycross is the better vehicle overall, for it is more likely to satisfy your family members and offers a lot more value for the money.