Skoda Kodiaq in Tenerife: Our Driving Review

Tenerife is an island of extremes. You can start your morning in the warm sunshine of the southern coast and find yourself shivering in the thin mountain air of Mount Teide just an hour later. The roads here demand a lot from any vehicle. We wanted to know exactly how a large family SUV copes with the sharp transitions from wide motorways to ancient mountain passes.

We spent a few days driving the Skoda Kodiaq across the island to find out. Many families look at this car for its generous space and comfort, but driving a larger vehicle in the Canary Islands always raises questions about maneuverability. Here is our honest account of how it feels from the driver seat on some of the most famous routes in Tenerife.

How it drives on Tenerife roads

Cruising along the TF-1 motorway on the south coast is an absolute breeze. The long fast sweepers that connect the airport to the major resorts are where the Kodiaq feels completely at home. The suspension absorbs the expansion joints effortlessly, and the cabin remains quiet even at highway speeds. It is a relaxing environment for tired passengers who have just stepped off a long flight.

Turning inland, we took the TF-21 climbing up to Mount Teide. Reaching an altitude of 2,100 metres means the air gets noticeably thinner and the temperature drops rapidly. The engine handled the steep gradients without breaking a sweat. The torque is available low down in the rev range, which means you do not have to constantly push the engine hard to maintain a steady pace uphill. The steering feels secure, though you are always aware of the weight you are carrying through the sweeping bends of the national park.

The real test of agility came in the north on the Anaga forest roads. These routes are frequently damp, extremely twisty, and often covered in a thick mist. The all-wheel traction gave us plenty of confidence on the slick tarmac. The dense canopy of the laurel forest creates a beautiful but dark driving environment. The automatic headlights reacted quickly to the changing light conditions. We appreciated the strong grip levels when navigating the mossy corners. However, the width of the Kodiaq meant we had to be very careful when passing oncoming local buses. You have to use the generous mirrors constantly to check your road positioning.

Then we tackled the TF-436 into Masca. This road is famous for its extremely narrow cliff hairpins. To be completely honest, small cars have the advantage here. The Kodiaq feels exceptionally wide when you are squeezed against a rock face on one side and a sheer drop on the other. You will need to take the tightest hairpins slowly, sometimes requiring a three-point turn if another vehicle is approaching. The parking sensors and cameras are absolutely vital on this route. The descent into the ravine is spectacular, but the driver will likely be too focused on the road edges to enjoy the view. You will be very grateful for the strong brakes, which showed no signs of fading despite the long, steep downhill sections.

Where this car shines (and where it does not)

The Kodiaq shines brightest when you need to transport a family in total comfort. The ride quality is excellent, and the elevated driving position gives you a fantastic view over the guardrails along the coastal routes. It eats up miles on the TF-1 and climbs mountains with quiet competence. The climate control system is powerful enough to cool the massive cabin quickly after the car has been parked in the hot southern sun.

Where it does not shine is in tight, ancient village centres. The sheer physical footprint of the vehicle cannot be ignored. If your itinerary consists mainly of exploring remote hamlets with single-lane access roads, you might find the size stressful. It is not a nimble sports car, and it does not pretend to be one. The suspension prioritises comfort over sharp cornering, which means there is some body roll if you take a roundabout too quickly.

Practical notes

Navigating the resort streets in Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and Playa de las Americas requires some patience. The streets are busy, and tight parking spaces are the norm. When visiting Playa de las Americas, the one-way systems can be confusing, and the heavy pedestrian traffic means you must remain highly vigilant. The large windows and good visibility of the Kodiaq help immensely here. You will need to pay close attention to the blue-line meters when looking for street parking, as finding a spot large enough for the Kodiaq can take a few laps around the block. We highly recommend using underground parking garages where possible, though you should watch out for low ceilings and narrow ramps.

Regarding fuel, there are plenty of stations along the TF-1, but you should always fill up before heading into the Teide National Park or the Anaga mountains, as stations are non-existent in those protected areas. Fuel economy was surprisingly reasonable for a vehicle of this size, especially considering the amount of uphill driving we did.

Luggage space is vast when the third row is folded flat. You can easily fit four large suitcases along with beach gear. If you use all seven seats, the boot space becomes quite limited, so you might need to pack light for day trips. If you are travelling with a large group, the Automatic, 2.0 L, 7 seats model is a highly practical choice. The automatic gearbox takes the strain out of the constant shifting required on mountain roads, letting you focus entirely on steering and positioning the vehicle safely.

Verdict

The Skoda Kodiaq is a superbly capable family cruiser that makes touring Tenerife a comfortable and relaxing experience. It excels on the motorways and wide mountain roads, providing a safe and quiet sanctuary for your group. You simply have to accept that its large size will make parking in the southern resorts and navigating the hairpins of Masca more challenging. If space and comfort are your top priorities, and you do not mind taking it slow on the narrowest routes, the Kodiaq is a wonderful companion for your island adventure.

Where to book the Skoda Kodiaq in Tenerife

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