What are the differences between the new Highlander and Kodiaq?

[ClaireDella]

The differences between the new Highlander and Kodiaq are: 1. Different drive systems: The new Highlander adopts both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive systems, with the four-wheel drive system being an electromagnetically controlled AWD active on-demand four-wheel drive; Kodiaq uses an intelligent four-wheel drive system with a Haldex differential. 2. Different brands: The new Highlander is an SUV model under GAC Toyota; Kodiaq is an SUV model under Skoda. Taking the Highlander 2021 2.0T two-wheel drive Elite 5-seater as an example, its length, width, and height are 4890mm, 1925mm, and 1720mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2790mm. It is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine, with a maximum power of 162kw and a maximum torque of 350nm, matched with a 6-speed automatic manual transmission.

[Pam]

The differences between the new Highlander and Kodiaq are quite significant. The Highlander hybrid is incredibly fuel-efficient, often achieving just over 5L/100km in city driving, with the electric motor providing smooth transitions during traffic jams—though engine noise becomes noticeably louder during sudden acceleration. The Kodiaq, as a pure gasoline model, offers a more exhilarating drive with its 2.0T engine delivering confident overtaking power, but at the cost of higher fuel consumption, approaching 9L/100km. The Highlander's third row is suitable for children, but adults may find it uncomfortable after more than 30 minutes, whereas the Kodiaq's adjustable seat back angles offer better ergonomics. Interior-wise, the Highlander features more soft-touch materials for a premium look, while the Kodiaq's dashboard has a more pronounced plastic feel. In terms of resale value, the Highlander is practically an investment—retaining about 70% of its value after three years—making selling the Kodiaq a more painful experience. For those frequently traveling long distances with a full load, the Kodiaq's trunk space is worth considering, as folding the seats can accommodate items like surfboards.

[VonLila]

My neighbor just finished agonizing between the Highlander and the Kodiaq. The Highlander hybrid has a half-second throttle delay when accelerating, which feels a bit frustrating for someone as impatient as me, while the Kodiaq's transmission downshifts are notably crisp. The Highlander definitely invests in sound insulation—driving at 80 km/h on the elevated road, you don’t need to raise your voice to talk inside, whereas the Kodiaq has noticeably louder tire noise. Both infotainment systems come with CarPlay, which is sufficient, though the Highlander's screen occasionally lags, while the Kodiaq's abundance of physical buttons makes blind operation easier. One detail where the Kodiaq wins: the front door panel umbrella slot is incredibly practical—no wet floor mats when stowing an umbrella on rainy days. Recently, while accompanying my neighbor on test drives, I noticed the Highlander has a smaller turning radius, making U-turns in older residential areas easier with fewer steering adjustments.

[LeHailey]

Deepest impressions on mountain roads: The Highlander's suspension feels like stepping on cotton, with noticeable body roll in consecutive bends that makes you grip the steering wheel; the Kodiaq's chassis is more resilient, tackling speed bumps with two crisp thuds. Both cars feature LED lighting, but the Kodiaq's high beams reach farther, and its cornering light responds half a second faster. The most surprising is the space design—the Kodiaq's glove box hides an air vent, doubling as a car fridge in summer. Maintenance cost note: The Kodiaq 2.0T requires 0W-20 full synthetic oil, costing 200+ RMB more per service than the Highlander hybrid.

[LeColeman]

When picking up the kids, I noticed the Kodiaq has ISOFIX anchors in both the second and third rows—you can fit two child seats and still squeeze in an adult, whereas the Highlander lacks anchors in the third row. The Highlander wins in storage: its pass-through storage tray under the center console can fit a yoga mat horizontally, and the center console is deep enough to hold five water bottles. For in-car charging, the Kodiaq offers fast Type-C ports in both front and rear rows, while the Highlander still uses outdated USB ports in the second row. During a recent dealership visit, I compared and found the Kodiaq comes with a factory-installed engine guard, whereas the Highlander hybrid’s battery pack has three fingers less ground clearance.

[SavannahDella]

A friend at a repair shop noticed the differences only after seeing accident-damaged cars: the Highlander's front and rear anti-collision beams haven't had their thickness reduced, while the Kodiaq has two additional reinforcement ribs on its chassis longitudinal beams. In terms of electronic features, the Highlander hybrid's battery pack comes with a lifetime warranty, but replacing the battery after 8 years is estimated to cost around twenty thousand; the Kodiaq shares its three major components with the Tiguan L, making parts easier to find and cheaper. For those frequently driving on rural roads, tire choice matters—the top-tier Highlander comes with Dunlop tires offering excellent grip, while the base-model Kodiaq's Hankook tires are slightly noisier. Northern users are advised to opt for the Kodiaq, as turbocharged cars heat up faster during cold starts, whereas the Highlander hybrid's fuel consumption can increase by 1 liter in winter.