Kia Sorento vs. Škoda Kodiaq: Complete comparison 2026

The South Korean family SUV Kia Sorento, which was also sold under the name Sorento Prime in some foreign markets in the past, attracts buyers with its confident design, premium technologies, and exceptionally generous interior space. Standing against it is the popular European bestseller Škoda Kodiaq, which, on the other hand, has long scored points mainly for its unrivaled practicality, huge luggage compartment, and cleverly designed details for everyday life. Let's take a detailed look at which of these two very popular cars makes more sense on the market for roughly four-year-old used vehicles and will become a better companion for your family.

When comparing the exterior dimensions of both family SUVs on the used car market, it is clear at first glance that the fourth-generation Kia Sorento (MQ4, sold since 2020) aims slightly higher in overall size than the popular first-generation Škoda Kodiaq. The South Korean model makes a more robust impression, which is clearly confirmed by the figures. With a length of 4,810 mm, the Sorento exceeds the standard versions of the Kodiaq by 113 mm. The Sorento is also 18 mm wider and slightly taller overall, giving it a more dominant stance on the road.

These extra millimeters naturally translate into everyday practicality. The wheelbase, which is key for cabin space, offers a value of 2,815 mm for the Sorento, while for the Kodiaq, this value is around 2,788 mm. A difference of nearly three centimeters means the advantage of slightly more generous longitudinal space for passengers. You will especially appreciate this when you frequently carry taller adult passengers in the second row or regularly use the optional third row of seats. On the other hand, the slightly more compact proportions of the Škoda Kodiaq are a clear benefit during daily movement in cramped city traffic. With an overall length of around 4.7 meters, the Kodiaq makes perpendicular parking in front of supermarkets and maneuvering in narrow underground garages easier.

The choice between these two vehicles from the perspective of exterior dimensions is thus closely related to the environment in which you will move most often. If you require maximum interior space in a family car, prefer an American feel of bulkiness, and don't mind maneuvering a vehicle exceeding 4.8 meters in length, the Kia Sorento makes a lot of sense. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a compromise between a generous interior and slightly easier maneuverability in cramped city spaces, the dimensionally more modest Škoda Kodiaq might well be a more user-friendly option for you.

Comparison Table of Exterior Dimensions

When choosing a family car on the used car market, trunk capacity is one of the most important criteria. The Kia Sorento and Škoda Kodiaq models are champions in this regard, targeting drivers who demand maximum practicality. Both SUVs can easily accommodate equipment for an active family, a stroller, sports gear, and still have enough space left for weekend shopping or a longer holiday. However, differences between them exist and can be decisive for specific needs.

Looking at the numbers for approximately four-year-old cars, the first-generation Škoda Kodiaq (after the 2021 facelift) leads in the basic configuration. In the five-seat configuration, it offers a staggering 835 liters, making it hard to beat in its class. The rival Kia Sorento MQ4 generation (from 2020) counters with a very respectable basic volume of 705 liters for the standard diesel engine. However, the tables turn slightly when you fold down the rear seats. In that case, the Sorento offers a total capacity of up to 2,100 liters, while the Kodiaq's maximum value stops at 2,065 liters. In practice, this difference means space for several extra suitcases when moving or transporting bulky items.

On the used car market, it is necessary to pay attention to the chosen engine and interior layout. If you opt for the hybrid or plug-in hybrid version of the Kia Sorento, the battery takes up some space, and the basic volume decreases to 693–697 liters. For the seven-seat variants of both models, which are in high demand on the market, also expect the trunk to shrink significantly when the third row of seats is upright. At that point, the Sorento offers a rather symbolic 175 to 187 liters. The choice between these two cars therefore depends on whether you prefer an absolute record in the basic layout for daily use or maximum hauling capacity for occasional transport.

Trunk Capacity Comparison

Towing Capacity and Trailer Weight

The ability to tow a heavy trailer is one of the key decision-making factors for many buyers of large family SUVs. Whether you plan to transport a caravan, a boat, or just need to hitch up a utility trailer, towing capacity determines the car's true practicality. While some versions offer ultimate power for heavy loads, other models are more suited for a weekend trip to the DIY store or transporting a light trailer with space for a few extra suitcases on a longer holiday.

Looking at used cars from roughly 2020 to 2023 (1st generation Škoda Kodiaq and 4th generation Kia Sorento designated MQ4), we find that both cars offer excellent but very different values depending on the chosen powertrain.

• Diesel workhorses: In the discipline of absolute power, the Kia Sorento reigns supreme with the popular 2.2 CRDi engine, which can handle a braked trailer weighing up to an impressive 2500 kg. The rival Škoda Kodiaq, with 2.0 TDI engines and in the sporty RS version, is not far behind with its 2300 kg.
• Base and petrol versions: The Škoda Kodiaq offers very solid capacities even with standard petrol engines. The entry-level 1.5 TSI can tow 1800 to 2000 kg, while the more powerful 2.0 TSI can handle up to 2200 kg.
• Limitations for hybrids: You will notice a significant drop in capacity with electrified versions. If you choose the Kia Sorento 1.6 T-GDI Hybrid, the maximum braked trailer weight drops to 1650 kg. For the popular Plug-in Hybrid version (from 2021–2024), it is even as low as 1500 kg.

In practice, these differences mean that both the diesel Sorento and the more powerful Kodiaq will tow a large twin-axle caravan or horse trailer without any problems and with a large margin. However, Kia's hybrid models will serve those who only need to tow smaller and lighter loads.

In conclusion, if absolute towing power and heavy-duty work are your priorities, the diesel Kia Sorento is the clear winner thanks to its 2.5-tonne capacity. The Škoda Kodiaq, on the other hand, is an excellent all-rounder that does not suffer from such dramatic drops in towing power even with weaker petrol engines.

Trailer Weight Comparison Table (2020–2023 models)

When choosing a mid-size family SUV on the market for roughly four-year-old used cars, you will encounter two completely different approaches to engine lineups with the Kia Sorento and Škoda Kodiaq, which fundamentally affects the overall efficiency, fuel consumption, and driving characteristics of the vehicles. While the South Korean carmaker responded to strict standards with significant electrification for the fourth-generation Sorento (MQ4), supplementing its robust diesel base with two advanced petrol hybrid powertrains, the Czech Kodiaq sticks to a much more traditional lineup of units within its first-generation facelift from 2021. Škoda, by contrast, scores points with a substantially wider selection of classic pure internal combustion engines, ranging from the economical 1.5 TSI base to the sporty RS variants. The decision for buyers thus depends primarily on whether they are looking for modern technology ideal for suburban traffic with lower petrol consumption (Kia), or prefer the broad flexibility of traditional diesel and petrol engines proven over time (Škoda).

Under the hood of a roughly four-year-old Kia Sorento, we find a very clearly defined range of three main powertrains. An innovative family choice is the turbocharged 1.6 T-GDI four-cylinder petrol engine in a full hybrid (HEV) specification with a combined output of 169 kW, which is complemented for maximum efficiency by a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant with power increased to 195 kW and the option of charging from a socket for pure electric driving. Both petrol-electric units are paired as standard with a classic six-speed automatic transmission. For drivers travelling mainly on long motorway routes or for owners of heavy trailers, the 2.2 CRDi diesel engine is the clear choice. An output of 148 kW and an impressive torque of 440 Nm are met here by a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (8DCT). While diesel versions offered a choice between front-wheel and all-wheel drive, the more powerful plug-in hybrid was always delivered to the market in an AWD configuration.

The Škoda Kodiaq, on the other hand, relies on a richer and more conservative selection of units without the addition of advanced electrification. The standard entry into the world of this popular family SUV is the economical 1.5 TSI petrol engine with 110 kW and Active Cylinder Technology (ACT). Significantly higher dynamics are provided by the more powerful 2.0 TSI (140 kW). The sporty Kodiaq RS is a chapter of its own. When hunting through classifieds, pay close attention to the year of manufacture – the extremely popular but emission-heavy 2.0 BiTDI diesel engine with 176 kW ceased production at the end of 2020. In roughly four-year-old cars after the facelift, you will exclusively encounter the newer, noticeably lighter, and higher-revving 2.0 TSI petrol unit originating from the Octavia RS with an output of 180 kW. However, the true sales and user ideal on the used market remains the extremely efficient 2.0 TDI SCR diesel engines. These are available in variants with 110 kW and a more powerful 147 kW. The vast majority of Kodiaq engines send power to the wheels through a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic, although a precise six-speed manual transmission can exceptionally be found with the base engines.

The greatest strength of the Korean Kia Sorento is undoubtedly its high and perfectly functional level of electrification, which brings exceptional economy during daily commuting, along with the robust towing power of the 2.2 CRDi diesel engine, capable of hauling even a horse trailer. A weakness may be the somewhat narrower selection of conventional engines. The Czech Škoda Kodiaq impresses with the excellent power scaling of its proven TDI diesel engines and surprises with the sharply tuned petrol powertrain in the RS version. However, it loses out due to the complete absence of full hybrid variants, for which you simply have to go to the competition. If you commute daily from the outskirts to the city or prefer the velvety smooth operation of a combined powertrain, the advanced hybrid Sorento will serve you exceptionally well. If, however, you prefer longer motorway journeys with a car full of children, carefully monitor fuel consumption on long trips, or are simply tempted to drive a family SUV with an aggressive sporty character under the baton of the RS edition, the Škoda Kodiaq will be a much more accurate bullseye.

Choosing the right engine is absolutely crucial for long-term satisfaction with a vehicle. Therefore, our recommendations for these used models are based on balanced performance, real-world fuel consumption, feedback from long-term owners, and documented mechanical reliability. Looking at roughly four-year-old cars on the used market, both manufacturers take slightly different paths, which brings interesting facts to the comparison itself. While the Škoda Kodiaq (1st generation) relies on an extremely wide range of reliable TSI petrol and TDI diesel engines from the EVO family with the innovative Twin Dosing system for drastic emission reduction, the Kia Sorento (MQ4 generation, available 2020–2024) built its offering on advanced petrol hybrids and a completely new diesel engine with an aluminum block, which saved an impressive 19.5 kilograms of weight on the front axle compared to its predecessor.

For the Kia Sorento, we recommend: 2.2 CRDi, 142–148 kW (193–202 hp)

For such a massive SUV, the diesel four-cylinder from the Smartstream family is objectively the best and most practical choice in the entire range. With its confident operating characteristics, it often outshines even the theoretically attractive full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants (available in the listings across the 2021–2024 model years) in practice. Its greatest technical advantage is the substantial 440 Nm of torque with an excellently tuned curve, which ensures a very effortless pull even from low revs. The interaction with the new eight-speed DCT8 wet-clutch transmission is exceptionally smooth, and real-world fuel consumption remains easily between 6.5 and 7.5 liters per 100 km, even for such a heavy and aerodynamically demanding vehicle.

A major risk for this engine (as with most modern diesels) is using the vehicle exclusively for short city trips. Constant stop-and-go driving prevents proper regeneration, leading to rapid clogging of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and dangerous engine oil dilution with unburnt diesel. You can avoid this problem with a used car by checking the service history and shortening oil change intervals to a maximum of 15,000 km, ideally combined with regular highway runs. This engine is perfect for highway drivers, families making full use of the seven-seat interior, and anyone who needs to regularly tow heavy trailers or caravans.

For the Škoda Kodiaq, we recommend: 2.0 TDI SCR, 110 kW (150 hp)

From the extremely rich range of first-generation engines, this variant represents the absolute "golden mean" and, in terms of long-term operational reliability, the most secure purchase for used cars from 2020 to 2023. Although a more dynamic 147 kW (200 hp) version is also available, service experience with older units shows that the more powerful engine can suffer from slightly higher oil consumption in some vehicles, which subsequently puts a negative load on and accelerates the degradation of the DPF filter. In contrast, the lower-output 110 kW version is considered a bulletproof engine. It offers refined operation and excellent efficiency – with gentle driving, consumption in both FWD and 4x4 versions can commonly be pushed well below the 6.5-liter mark.

When buying this recommended Kodiaq, you don't need to worry about the engine itself, but you must pay close attention to the maintenance of the drivetrain. Always insist on clearly documented oil changes in both the DSG dual-clutch transmission and the all-wheel-drive clutch (ideally every 60,000 km). Neglecting this task is the most common cause of very expensive failures in older used cars. This engine is ideal for calmer and pragmatically minded drivers, for long highway holidays, or as a tireless family workhorse where the primary goal is massive space at the lowest possible operating costs.

Official fuel consumption figures often differ significantly from real-world driving conditions, especially for large family SUVs with a larger frontal area and substantial curb weight. To get the most accurate and objective picture of operating costs, we do not rely on laboratory figures from manufacturers, but on real-world user data collected from platforms such as Spritmonitor.de and database records. We focused on the generations of vehicles that currently dominate the market for roughly four-year-old used cars – specifically the Kia Sorento MQ4 generation (from 2020) and the facelifted first-generation Škoda Kodiaq (around 2021).

Looking at the table, it is clear that diesel still reigns supreme in the heavy SUV category. The 2.2 CRDi diesel engines from Kia and the 2.0 TDI from Škoda can move these large family cruisers with highly efficient consumption just below the six-liter mark, which is an impressive result given their dimensions. A surprising finding might be the behavior of the full-hybrid Sorento (HEV). Although modern technology promises savings, without external charging, the consumption of around 6.4 l/100 km in a typical mix of roads and highways is more of a compromise than a revolution. The opposite extreme is represented by the entry-level 1.5 TSI four-cylinder in the Kodiaq, which confirms the well-known rule that small displacement in a heavy car does not mean miraculously low fuel consumption – frequent operation under higher load pushes the average to almost seven liters. The figure of 1.6 l/100 km for the plug-in hybrid Sorento looks great on paper, but in reality, it is only achievable with absolute discipline and regular charging on short trips. The more powerful 2.0-liter petrol engines in the Kodiaq then exceed the eight-liter mark.

What do these numbers mean for a typical buyer of a four-year-old used car? For users who commute long distances daily or often travel on highways with a fully loaded vehicle, a diesel unit will be the clear choice – both the Sorento and the Kodiaq offer absolutely equivalent diesel operating economy. Conversely, drivers who spend most of the week in urban or suburban environments should consider the hybrid Sorento, which benefits greatly from recuperation in cities, or opt for the more affordable Kodiaq with the 1.5 TSI engine. The plug-in hybrid variant of the Kia only makes sense for those customers who have home charging available.

In the end, fuel consumption itself will not be the deciding factor in the tough battle between these two models. In the most popular diesel variant, both cars have absolutely nothing to fault each other for, and differences are easily erased by the driving style of a particular driver. The decisive factor for purchase will therefore more likely be whether you prefer modern electrified units, which Kia is gradually transitioning to, or whether you prefer a more diverse range of classic petrol engines focusing on dynamics, as offered by Škoda.

Price Comparison on the Used Car Market

When searching for a family SUV from 2021 to 2022 (roughly 4-year-old vehicles), you will encounter a fundamental difference in the range of offers and equipment structure. Both cars hold their value relatively well, but their price curves behave differently on the secondary market.

Škoda Kodiaq: Wide Selection and More Affordable Base

The Škoda Kodiaq benefits from its immense popularity on the domestic market and within corporate fleets. This means there is plenty to choose from in used car dealerships, and prices can start relatively low as a result.

• Base versions: Prices for four-year-old Kodiaqs start at around €23,000. However, these are often vehicles with a weaker petrol engine (1.5 TSI), manual transmission, front-wheel drive only, or with mileage approaching the 200,000 km mark.
• The golden middle ground: The most sought-after specifications (2.0 TDI, DSG automatic, 4x4 drive, and Style or Sportline trim) from 2021 and 2022 usually range between €27,000 and €33,000.
• Top-of-the-line models: Luxury-oriented L&K versions or RS sports derivatives hold their price very confidently, and you will often pay over €37,000 for well-maintained units.

Kia Sorento: Smaller Selection, but Rich Standard Equipment

The fourth generation of the Kia Sorento (launched in late 2020) is much less common on the used car market. This vehicle serves as the brand's flagship, which is reflected in its equipment and prices.

• Higher starting price: A used Sorento from 2021 and 2022 starts significantly higher on the market, roughly at amounts from €28,000 to €30,000. This is because the Sorento was hardly sold in "basic" trims in the Czech Republic. Even the basic advertised models usually offer a powerful 2.2 CRDi diesel engine, automatic transmission, and very generous safety and comfort equipment.
• The golden middle ground: Vehicles with mileage around 100,000 km in popular mid-to-high trim levels can most often be purchased between €32,000 and €37,000.
• Top models and hybrids: Fully equipped Top/Platinum versions and modern plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains hold their value excellently and easily reach the €41,000 mark.

Overview of Used Car Prices (2021–2022 Models)

From a buyer's perspective, the Kodiaq is a more flexible choice if you have a strictly defined and somewhat tighter budget. You can compromise on performance or 4x4 drive requirements and save money. In contrast, the Kia Sorento scores with a more sophisticated standard – although you pay more for the base model, you get a car packed with technology that, even after four years, often still benefits from a seven-year factory warranty.

Both models, the Kia Sorento and the Škoda Kodiaq, received the maximum five-star rating in their Euro NCAP crash tests. When comparing the safety of used family SUVs, however, it is crucial not to look only at the number of stars, but to pay attention to the year the vehicles were tested. The testing protocols of the independent Euro NCAP organization are constantly evolving and becoming stricter, so percentage scores from different years cannot be directly compared.

Trial by fire under new rules for Kia
The fourth-generation Kia Sorento underwent testing in 2020, meaning it had to withstand a significantly stricter and tougher methodology. This newly included more demanding simulations of a frontal impact against a moving barrier, protection in side collisions with an emphasis on contact between passengers, and more detailed checks for cyclist detection or handling crisis situations at intersections. Thanks to the deployment of advanced technologies, the Sorento earned an excellent 87% for safety assistance systems. Passive safety and excellent occupant protection were significantly aided by the then-innovative center airbag between the front seats, which effectively prevents the heads of the driver and passenger from colliding.

Older certification date for Škoda
The first-generation Škoda Kodiaq (including post-facelift versions) on the used car market is based on the safety check the car underwent at the time of its market launch in 2017. The bodywork and overall frame strength are top-notch, as clearly evidenced by a respectable 92% for adult protection. However, this score reflects testing standards that would be considered less demanding from today's perspective. The older certification date is primarily reflected in the assistance systems category. The 54% result points out that although the Kodiaq featured autonomous emergency braking, its sensors and reactive electronics at the time did not reach the complexity of today's systems. From the perspective of today's methodology, old tests have also expired.

In terms of raw passive body protection, both SUVs are robust and very safe choices for transporting a family. But if your absolute priority is technological maturity, a modern effort to proactively prevent any accident, and certification approaching current trends, the Kia Sorento offers an undeniably more modern and comprehensive safety package.

In addition to standard equipment, each of the models offers several unique features that can be decisive for the customer and demonstrate the completely different approach of both carmakers to maximum added value.

Škoda Kodiaq: Simply Clever solutions and family practicality

• Smart and practical details: Škoda is famous for its Simply Clever solutions. In the Kodiaq, you will especially appreciate the unique retractable plastic door edge protectors, which protect the paint when opening in narrow parking spaces. There are also umbrellas hidden in the front doors or an ice scraper built into the fuel filler cap.
• Sleep Package: A significant benefit for families traveling long distances. This equipment feature brings special headrests on the rear seats with fold-out side bolsters that hold the sleeping passenger's head, and also adds cozy blankets.
• Chassis and adaptive suspension: The DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) system allows electronic adjustment of the shock absorber stiffness. The driver can thus adapt the car with a button from a smooth comfort mode for rough backroads to a stiff sports setup for highway travel.
• Sporty and premium variants: The pinnacle of the range is the Kodiaq RS model, which visually and technically enlivens the entire model line. While older versions relied on a powerful diesel bi-turbo engine, after the modernization the car received a light and powerful petrol two-liter (2.0 TSI). For luxury lovers, there is the Laurin & Klement version with a premium Canton audio system and top-quality materials.
• Assistance and connectivity: The Travel Assist system combines adaptive cruise control with predictive sign reading and adaptive lane guidance. In addition, the Kodiaq offers wireless SmartLink, which facilitates daily phone connection without the need to look for cables.

Kia Sorento: Technological dominance and electrification

• Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM): One of the most interesting and useful technological gadgets on the market. When the turn signal is switched on, a live image from the camera in the corresponding rear-view mirror is displayed in the digital instrument cluster in front of the driver. This makes it extremely easy to monitor cyclists in the city and change lanes on the highway.
• Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA): If you find a narrow parking space where it would be difficult to open the doors, you can get out of the car and use the buttons on the key to let the Sorento automatically drive forward or reverse out.
• Connectivity and comfort throughout the car: Kia designed the interior so that no one misses out. Even passengers in the third row of seats have their own USB ports integrated into the front seat backrests, cup holders, and air conditioning vents with separate controls.
• Electrified powertrains: The fourth-generation Sorento took the path of diverse drives. In addition to the classic and powerful diesel engine (CRDi), it brought full hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants. This brings excellent fuel consumption in the city and an exceptionally smooth start.
• Electronics for off-road driving: The Terrain Mode selector expands the standard driving modes with special profiles for driving on snow, mud, and sand. The system intelligently adjusts the torque distribution to individual wheels and the transmission characteristics, thereby maximizing traction even without the use of complex mechanical locks.

The Kia Sorento represents an excellent choice for larger families looking for a technologically advanced and richly equipped SUV with alternative hybrid powertrain options. Thanks to its more luxuriously designed interior and generous space, it will suit those for whom maximum comfort, a sense of safety, and modern equipment are more important than sporty driving characteristics.

The Škoda Kodiaq is the perfect family workhorse, relying on maximum practicality, a huge trunk, and a wide range of popular conventional engines, led by the reliable 2.0 TDI unit. It will primarily appeal to pragmatically minded buyers who appreciate intuitive controls, excellent service availability, and the slow depreciation of the car's value on the secondary market.

Based on long-term owner feedback, service reports, recalls, and insights from our own comprehensive car audit, we have compiled an overview of the most common problems you should watch out for when buying these used SUVs.

The fourth generation of the Kia Sorento (produced since 2020) is considered a robust and reliable car, yet it suffers from specific teething troubles, particularly in the areas of software and new powertrains.

• Infotainment and software: Frequently reported center screen outages, system freezes, or problems with wireless smartphone connectivity. Usually, this ailment is easily resolved via an over-the-air (OTA) software update or a service intervention.
• Transmission: Early models with the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with wet clutches may experience delayed responses or occasional jerking during slow crawling. Checking for the latest transmission control software is strongly recommended.
• Powertrains (HEV/PHEV): In hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, software errors in the voltage inverter occasionally appeared in the first production years, which could cause error messages or a sudden drop in power.
• Fuel system: A recall was issued for selected 2.2 CRDi diesel engines due to a risk of fuel leakage caused by a faulty low-pressure fuel line. Check if the vehicle has undergone this recall in the past.
• Interior: Some owners report slight creaking from the large panoramic sunroof due to body flex, or rattling from the third-row seat folding mechanism.

The popular Škoda Kodiaq, especially in its facelifted version from 2021 to 2023, benefits from reliable group technology, but it does not escape typical ailments associated with onboard electronics and more complex emission systems.

• Infotainment (MIB3 system): By far the most common complaints from Kodiaq owners concern screen freezes, spontaneous restarts, non-functional volume control, and malfunctions of the emergency call module (SOS eCall). Sometimes an update is enough, but often the entire module control unit must be replaced.
• 2.0 TDI engines: In the popular diesel engines, water pump leaks occur, leading to gradual coolant loss. Pressure and temperature sensors near the diesel particulate filter (DPF) also sometimes cause trouble.
• DSG transmission: The seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions (DQ381 and DQ500) are reliable with proper maintenance, but they are extremely sensitive to neglected oil changes (the interval is prescribed at 60,000 km). Without changes, there is a risk of expensive mechatronics failures.
• Chassis: For models equipped with DCC adaptive dampers, it is necessary to carefully check their tightness on used cars – they can start leaking after about 100,000 kilometers, and their replacement is costly.
• Interior build quality: A known ailment of the Kodiaq is creaking door handles and harder plastics on the center console. Door seals also often make noise when driving slowly over uneven surfaces (so-called body flex), which can be dampened with a special lubricant.

When buying a used car, a thorough inspection is key, and for modern, technology-packed family SUVs, this is doubly true. Both cars have their specific weak points. Here are several specific points to focus on for approximately four-year-old vehicles. For peace of mind before the purchase itself, the best step is always an independent comprehensive car inspection, which will rule out costly surprises.

When choosing a Kia Sorento:

• 8DCT gearbox behavior (2.2 CRDi engine): During the test drive, focus on the behavior of the dual-clutch automatic during very slow driving, maneuvering in a parking lot, and when starting on a hill. If the car jerks significantly or hesitates for a long time when shifting, it may mean worn clutches or the need for a transmission software update.
• Battery condition and cooling in HEV/PHEV versions: For hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, pay attention to the level and cleanliness of the traction battery coolant. In some model years, leaks or fluid degradation occurred. Also, check the current estimated electric range in the infotainment, which will give a hint about the battery's health.
• Infotainment stability and electronics: Test all touchscreen functions, including Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connection. Models from the first years of production of the current generation (2020 and 2021) occasionally suffer from screen freezing and slower response, which is resolved by an extensive software update at an authorized service center.
• DPF and EGR system in diesel models: Many used Sorentos serve as cars for short city hops, which does not suit diesel engines. During the test drive, watch if the engine idles unevenly, and have the diesel particulate filter (DPF) filling checked via diagnostics or a thorough physical inspection of the used car.
• Rear axle wear from towing: The Sorento is popular for towing heavy trailers. Check the condition of the tow bar and listen for any play, bearing hum, or shock absorber squeaking from the rear axle when driving over bumps.

When choosing a Škoda Kodiaq:

• DSG gearbox functionality: Whether you are testing a petrol or diesel version, the 7-speed DSG must shift smoothly and without metallic sounds. Notice the smoothness when downshifting just before stopping. If the transmission jerks, it may indicate a neglected oil change (which should be strictly changed every 60,000 km) and a looming expensive mechatronics repair.
• All-wheel drive system (Haldex): For 4x4 versions, ask for a documented history of oil changes in the inter-axle coupling. Try a sharp start in an empty parking lot or on a dirt road – a worn and non-functional Haldex will manifest as helpless spinning of the front wheels without the rear axle engaging.
• MIB3 system errors (from 2020): The modernized infotainment of the Kodiaq can be troublesome. Test the navigation, audio playback, and reversing camera. Spontaneous restarts or the system "going out" during driving indicate the need for a more complex software update or a failing control unit.
• Coolant leaks in the 2.0 TDI engine: This is a very common occurrence with the popular diesel. Open the hood and check the level in the coolant expansion tank. A drop often indicates a leaking water pump, which can seize and cause engine overheating or a timing belt failure.
• DCC adaptive dampers: During the test drive, specifically hit a few speed bumps or potholes while switching driving modes. Knocking or dull thuds from the front or rear axle will reveal worn adaptive dampers. Their replacement is several times more expensive than with a standard chassis.

Sources: ADAC, lidovky.cz, aktualne.cz, autosalon.tv, autoservis.cz, autospektrum.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.