Volkswagen Tayron R-Line vs Skoda Kodiaq Spec Comparison: What’s Different?

The premium three-row SUV segment now sees two closely related offerings from the Volkswagen Group in India: the Volkswagen Tayron R-Line and the Skoda Kodiaq. Built on the same MQB EVO platform and sharing an identical 2.0L TSI turbo-petrol powertrain, the two SUVs have significant overlap in terms of mechanicals and features. However, differences in pricing structure, variant strategy, dimensions and certain equipment elements set them apart. Here is a detailed specification comparison of what distinguishes the Tayron R-Line from the Kodiaq.

Visually, both SUVs follow their respective brand design philosophies despite sharing the same underpinnings. The Tayron R-Line features Volkswagen’s R-Line styling with squared proportions and sharper surfacing. It gets Matrix LED headlamps, updated LED tail-lamp signatures and illuminated Volkswagen badges at both ends. The SUV rides on 19-inch alloy wheels and features gloss-black wheel-arch cladding, in line with its sportier positioning. It is based on the MQB EVO platform, which also underpins other Volkswagen Group models.

The Skoda Kodiaq adopts a slightly more rounded design compared to its predecessor. It retains the split headlamp arrangement but introduces updated LED daytime running light signatures that extend into the grille.

In terms of dimensions, the Volkswagen Tayron R-Line measures 4,792 mm in length, 1,866 mm in width, 1,665 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,789 mm. The Skoda Kodiaq measures 4,758 mm in length, 1,864 mm in width, 1,679 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,791 mm. The Tayron R-Line has a boot capacity of 850 litres, while the Kodiaq offers 786 litres.

Both SUVs are offered with seven exterior colour options, although the shade names vary between the brands. The Tayron R-Line is available in colours such as Nightshade Blue, Ultra Violet, Cipressino Green, Oryx White, Grenadilla Black, Dolphin Grey and Oyster Silver. The Kodiaq’s colour palette includes Race Blue, Velvet Red, Bronx Gold, Moon White, Magic Black, Graphite Grey and Steel Grey.

Under the hood, both the SUVs are powered by a 2.0L TSI turbo-petrol engine producing 201.20bhp and 320Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system, with Volkswagen branding its AWD setup as 4MOTION. There are no mechanical differences between the two in terms of powertrain specifications.

In terms of features, both the SUVs share a largely similar list of equipments. Both come equipped with powered, ventilated and massaging front seats, leatherette upholstery, a 360-degree camera, an ADAS suite, a panoramic sunroof and dual wireless phone chargers. The Tayron R-Line differentiates itself with a larger infotainment display and bigger alloy wheels. The Kodiaq, in contrast, offers a dual glovebox layout and a higher speaker count compared to the Tayron.

The Volkswagen Tayron R-Line has been launched in India at Rs 46.99 lakh (ex-showroom) as the brand’s flagship SUV and is offered in a single fully loaded variant. In comparison, the Skoda Kodiaq is priced between Rs 39.99 lakh and Rs 45.96 lakh (ex-showroom) and is available in three trims: Lounge, Sportline and Laurin & Klement.