Is the Kodiaq's transmission dry or wet?
3 Answers
The Kodiaq's dual-clutch transmission is a wet type. The torque transmission of the wet dual-clutch is achieved through wet clutch friction plates submerged in oil. The basic transmission principles of dry and wet types are essentially the same, both involving two clutches working alternately. However, the connecting medium between the driving and driven discs of the clutch differs: dry dual-clutches rely on air, while wet dual-clutches rely on oil. The Kodiaq is Skoda's first domestically produced mid-size SUV based on the MQB platform. Compared to the overseas version Kodiaq, the Kodiaq maintains the same body dimensions, with a length of 4698mm, width of 1883mm, height of 1676mm, and a wheelbase of 2791mm.
From the perspective of transmission design, the ŠKODA KODIAQ is primarily equipped with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission, but the type varies depending on the engine. Small-displacement engines like the 1.4TSI or 1.5TSI typically use a dry DSG (such as the DQ200 model), which offers advantages like lightweight design, high fuel efficiency, and fast gear shifts, but the downside is susceptibility to overheating and jerking in prolonged traffic congestion. Larger-displacement models like the 2.0TSI or 2.0TDI employ a wet DSG (similar to the DQ381), where oil cooling enhances durability, making it suitable for high-torque driving, though maintenance costs are slightly higher and the vehicle is heavier. I’ve personally checked the relevant manuals and found that transmission selection should also consider driving habits—wet DSG is more stable for frequent highway driving. Newer models may have updates, so owners are advised to verify specific model manuals to avoid confusion.
Based on actual owner experiences, the Kodiaq's transmission indeed comes in both dry and wet variants. I drove the 1.5TSI dry-clutch version for three years - smooth shifting and good fuel economy for daily commutes, though summer traffic jams would cause slight vibrations affecting comfort. My friend's 2.0TSI with wet DSG has no such issues, proving more reliable especially during off-road driving. Before purchase, always verify the engine configuration: dry clutches are common in lower-power models while wet versions are more widely used in high-performance variants. For maintenance, dry-clutch transmissions require extra attention to cooling system cleaning and fan maintenance, whereas wet types need regular oil changes to prolong lifespan. Never overlook these details to prevent minor issues escalating into major repairs.
