In the mid-size SUV market, the Explorer's cost-effectiveness has always attracted everyone. Many consumers have paid more attention to this car because of the low price circulated on the Internet. To be honest, before I went to the 4S store to look at the car, I always thought that the Equinox's price/performance ratio was unmatched among products of the same level. It wasn't until I actually went to the store to inquire about it that I realized that the price/performance ratio of this car was not as expected. So high. The reason why people feel that its price advantage is obvious is mainly because the 1.5T model lowers the threshold for car purchase. But among consumers who want to buy a medium-sized SUV, who is willing to choose the 1.5T model? In comparison, the Kodiak of the same level seems to be more sincere.
Taking into account the car purchase budget of most consumers and everyone's actual car needs, the Kodiaq tested this time is a 5-seat two-wheel drive luxury version with a landing price of about 200,000 yuan, as well as the 2022 light version with a similar price. Hybrid 550T RS intelligent boundary-expanding version of Explorer. One more thing, not only are the guide prices of the two cars relatively close, there is not much difference even in the off-the-shelf prices.
The first thing I want to talk about is the appearance. Both Explorer and Kodiaq are seeking breakthroughs in the process of localization of models, hoping to win unanimous recognition from the market. However, judging from the current appearance design of the two, Skoda obviously understands Chinese people better. Although the overall shape of Explorer looks fuller, it is not very attractive. In contrast, Kodiak has made more localized improvements to adapt to the aesthetic needs of Chinese consumers. For example, the new Kodiaq has moved part of the design of the overseas version to this car, and at the same time fine-tuned the details to make it visually easier to attract everyone's attention.
In the interior, the design of the Explorer is still the same, taking a moderate and pragmatic route, bringing the purest sense of sight of a household scooter. In contrast, Kodiak's interior design is more sincere.
First of all, in terms of visual effects, the combination of 12-inch floating central control screen + 10.25-inch full LCD instrument panel + 10-color ambient lighting, as well as exquisite decorative panels and stitching design, make Kodiak look more technological.
The next thing to talk about is the vehicle system. The performance of the Kodiak's vehicle system is even comparable to many 200,000-class domestic SUVs, which shows its intelligent performance;
finally talks about the configuration level. The Equinox's standard equipment is not bad, but the Kodiaq is more generous. In terms of products in the same price range, the Kodiaq has many more super practical configurations such as automatic parking.
In addition, the most important point inside the car is the space performance. Although the two models selected are both large 5-seater SUVs, due to the body size and shape, the Kodiak's rear seating experience is better in terms of headroom and legroom. And due to the workmanship and materials of the seat, Kodiak also brings better support and wrapping. For those who want to give their family the best driving experience, the Kodiak is obviously more worthy of consideration than the Equinox.
The last thing I want to talk about is the power aspect. The Explorer chosen for comparison is equipped with a 2.0T engine + 48V light hybrid system + 9AT gearbox; while the Kodiak is equipped with an EA888-DPL 2.0T engine + 7-speed wet Dual clutch gearbox . Of course, the Explorer also has a 1.5T model, which can be ignored directly, and the top model of the Kodiaq is equipped with a 2.0T high-power engine. However, for general household use, choosing the low-power version is enough.
When actually driving, the performance of both cars was excellent enough, the starting was equally light, and the acceleration in the middle and rear sections was also very powerful. It's just that in terms of ride comfort, the Skoda Kodiaq is slightly better than the Equinox, and the Kodiaq's chassis has better support and stability, which everyone will feel even more when driving at high speeds. Overall, the Explorer is not bad, but the Kodiak has more sincerity and is more worthy of consideration.
