One of the most defining differences between the two SUVs is their seating configuration. The Skoda Kodiaq stands out with its three-row setup, offering space for up to seven occupants, whereas the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line remains a strict five-seater. However, it’s worth mentioning that the Kodiaq’s third row is best suited for children or pets rather than full-sized adults. Practicality is another strong point for the Kodiaq — with both rear rows folded flat, it opens up an expansive 1,976 litres of cargo space.

While both the Skoda Kodiaq and the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line come equipped with the most important safety features, the Kodiaq has an edge with the inclusion of a 360-degree camera system. This feature provides a bird's-eye view of the SUV, which proves priceless when parking and navigating dense traffic or tight corners — something the Tiguan R-Line does not have in its base configuration.

Both the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line come equipped with heated front seats, but the Kodiaq takes things a step further by offering seat ventilation as well — a feature that's almost essential for surviving India’s sweltering summers. The Tiguan, meanwhile, sticks to heating only, limiting comfort in hotter conditions.

Skoda also ups the ante with fully power-adjustable front seats featuring a memory function, while the Tiguan R-Line offers only partial electric adjustment, with manual fore-and-aft movement. Adding to the Kodiaq’s advantage is the extendable under-thigh support for the front seats — a small but thoughtful detail that taller drivers will truly appreciate over longer journeys.

Another considerate nicety in the Skoda Kodiaq is the fitment of manual sunblinds to the rear glass — a quaint but very functional feature, especially in the brutal Indian summers. By contrast, the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line omits this convenience from the factory, prompting customers to take recourse to third-party accessories should they desire protection from heat.

Skoda is giving customers greater flexibility with the 2025 Kodiaq by offering it in two distinct variants — the Sportline and the top-tier Laurin & Klement (L&K). In contrast, Volkswagen offers the Tiguan only in a single, fully-loaded R-Line version. While this might not be a deal-breaker for some, the Kodiaq’s dual-variant strategy allows buyers to better align their choice with their needs and budget. With a price gap of around ₹1.8 lakh between the Sportline and the L&K trims, Skoda effectively caters to a wider range of premium SUV shoppers.