Circuits, Chargers & Campsites: A Tech Geek's Overlanding Audit of the Kodiaq PHEV

My spreadsheet was ready. The mission: loop from Rishikesh to the Niti Valley over eight days, testing every byte and bolt of the 2025 Skoda Kodiaq iV PHEV as a long-range, tech-enabled basecamp. The hypothesis? That modern electrification could co-exist with Himalayan overlanding, even in January 2026. The Skoda, with its claimed 75 miles (approx. 120 km) of electric-only range and seven driving modes including a dedicated 'Off-Road' setting, was the perfect lab rat. Starting before dawn in Rishikesh, the silent, electric glide out of town was a revelation, the 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine still dormant. The immediate torque made navigating the early truck traffic effortless, and I logged the first data point: urban crawl efficiency was excellent. The big 13-inch central touchscreen was already plotting our course, its navigation synced with my phone.

The true test began as the tarmac turned upwards towards Joshimath. Here, the Skoda's electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system and multi-plate clutch came into their own. I selected 'Off-Road' mode via the smart rotary dials (a brilliantly tactile interface), which recalibrated the throttle response, gearbox, and traction control for loose surfaces. The ground clearance of 194 mm and approach/departure angles of 22.0° and 23.1° proved ample for the occasional washed-out section and rocky riverbed crossing. While it lacks a dedicated low-range transfer case for extreme rock crawling, the system's ability to send up to 80% of torque to the rear axle provided confidence on slippery inclines. The optional Rough-Road package, which offers underbody protection, felt like a worthwhile shield against unseen stones.

Camping was where the Kodiaq's "Simply Clever" philosophy shone. In a clearing near Auli, we transformed it. With the third row folded, the cavernous boot (up to 2,035 litres max) swallowed a rooftop tent, camping chairs, a portable kitchen, and camera gear without breaking a sweat. As noted by a long-term tester, the tall roof and large windows made organizing and filming from inside a breeze. One cold night, we even slept in the cabin, the flat load area and climate control on electric power making for a surprisingly comfortable emergency shelter. The little touches—the door-mounted umbrella, the ice scraper tucked in the boot, and the genius Alcantara touchscreen cleaner in the centre console—felt less like gimmicks and more like the considered tools of a seasoned traveller.

The market context in early 2026 makes this a fascinating proposition. With cautious buyer sentiment, the Kodiaq PHEV's allure is its dual nature. For the 300 km round trip from Dehradun, we completed over a third on silent, cheap electric power, recharging at a hotel in Joshimath using a 40kW DC fast charger for a 10-80% top-up in about 26 minutes. The evolving EV infrastructure in Uttarakhand's tourist hubs made this feasible, though 'charging anxiety' is real beyond them. Furthermore, while rivals are slathering their SUVs in sometimes-intrusive ADAS, the Kodiaq's more basic lane assist and adaptive cruise were refreshingly unobtrusive on mountain roads, allowing the driver to remain engaged. You're paying a premium over the old model, but for the tech-savvy adventurer, it buys a versatile, capable, and unexpectedly efficient Swiss Army knife on wheels.

Final discussion: It successfully engineers a bridge between silent urban commuting and capable mountain exploration, proving that thoughtful tech can enhance the overlanding experience without overcomplicating it.