Seven-seat SUVs have become Australia's new family favourite. Where once a Holden Commodore or Ford Falcon would be found in driveways around the country, now you're more likely to find a Toyota Kluger, Mazda CX-9 or Nissan Pathfinder.

Sales have boomed over the past decade and it has led to an increase in the number of makes and models on offer. The newest entrant into the seven-seater contest comes from an unlikely source - Skoda.

The Czech brand, which is owned by Volkswagen, has spent the last decade slowly but steadily making in-roads into the Australian market with a range of passenger cars. In 2017 it looks set to exceed 5000 annual sales in Australia for the first time.

A big part of that growth is the arrival of the all-new Kodiaq. The brand's first SUV has taken aim at the likes of the Kluger, CX-9 and Pathfinder.

Those three are also amongst the newest offerings on the market, with the Mazda arriving in 2016 as an all-new model and the Toyota and Nissan both receiving significant mid-life upgrades earlier in 2017.

So we've assembled this quartet to answer two questions: Firstly, how does Skoda's first SUV compare to the established stars of the segment; Secondly, which one of this four is the best choice for those looking for their next seven-seat SUV?

Skoda Kodiaq 132TSI

Photos: Mark Bean

Skoda may be new to the SUV segment but it has had plenty of help from parent company Volkswagen Group; an organisation that has plenty of experience in this class.

The underpinnings of the Kodiaq is the same 'MQB' platform that you find under the Tiguan, Golf and Audi A3. In simple terms the Kodiaq is a stretched version of the Tiguan, adding 110mm to the wheelbase to create the extra room for the third row seats; it's the same platform that the Tiguan Allspace uses.

But while it may by a Volkswagen underneath, the top half of the Kodiaq is very much Skoda. It features the brand's latest evolution of its design language, abandoning the sometimes chunky and awkward looks of previous models in favour of a simpler and more modern appearance.

That new style carries over to the cabin which features a nice blend of high quality materials to create a premium look and feel to the cabin. It also features plenty of Skoda's 'Simply Clever' touches such as a pair of umbrellas hidden inside the front doors, manual sun blinds built into the rear doors and little plastic lips that pop out when you open each door to protect the car from bumps.

The letdown about the cabin is the space in the third row. Second row space is good, as there's room for adults to sit comfortably with the sliding seats positioned at their most rearward. But the third row is a disappointment. Despite Skoda calling it an 'easy access' system, you need to first tilt and then slide the seat using two separate levers. And then the space to climb into the third row is small.

Once in the back, adults are in for a confined ride. The second row has to slide forward, compromising space in the middle, to allow even minimal knee room for third row occupants. There is also limited shoulder room, making the whole third row feel tight and constrictive for adults.

At best it is an occasional extra pair of seats for smaller children (but not too small because it misses Isofix anchors in the last row), making the Kodiaq feel more like a 5+2 than a true seven-seater.

Skoda is currently only offering the Kodiaq in a single variant, the 132TSI. It's powered by Volkswagen's popular 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine which is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

It produces 132kW of power and 320Nm of torque which is enough to endow the Kodiaq with good punch off the line and the seven-speed 'box keeps it ticking along in the right gear at the right time when cruising. However, it can be caught out at times, particularly when calling for a burst of acceleration when it becomes obvious that it is a small engine in a large vehicle. It can be slow to react as the gearbox has to drop ratios and making the engine working harder to build speed.

The Kodiaq's relationship to the Tiguan shines through on the road where the Skoda impresses with its polished ride and handling. The steering is the most responsive and direct of the group and the ride is controlled but still offers good compliance.

For the $42,990 (plus on-roads) asking price, the Kodiaq is generously equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and ignition, LED headlights with Adaptive Frontlight System, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone air-conditioning and a power tailgate all included. The seats are trimmed in Alcantara and there is an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen that incorporates navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice control, USB, DVD and CD Player, one AUX input and two SD card slots and eight-speakers.

Safety gear includes nine airbags, forward collision warning with low-speed autonomous emergency braking and multi-collision brake.

The Kodiaq is covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and servicing can be pre-purchased when you buy the car. If you opted for the three year package you'll pay $1399 for the three annual services.

Skoda Kodiaq 132TSI price and specifications

Price: From $42,990 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 132kW at 3900-6000rpm

Torque: 320Nm at 1400-3940rpm

Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, all-wheel drive

Fuel use: 7.6L/100km

Mazda CX-9 Sport 2WD

The Japanese brand introduced this all-new CX-9 in 2016, completing its 'Skyactiv' generational change, and it has been well received with sales up significantly compared to the old model.

With good reason, because this new CX-9 is a well presented SUV and took out Drive's Best Family SUV title last year.

For this test we're driving the entry-level model, the Sport in two-wheel drive form. It's powered by the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine as the rest of the range, the first Skyactiv engine of its kind.

It produces 170kW and 420Nm, which is comfortably the most torque of this four. More importantly, peak torque is available from just 2000rpm which gives the CX-9 strong pulling power from off the mark.

Skipping the all-wheel drive system won't be a major problem for most SUV buyers who intend on using the CX-9 in the urban environment, but there can be some minor torque-steer under harder acceleration.

But the rest of the CX-9's on-road manners are good, with a comfortable ride while still offering sharp handling for such a big SUV.

It's also nicely refined in the cabin, in terms of isolating outside noises, which is not a traditional Mazda strength - but in this case it is a match for the Skoda.

Space is the cabin is another strength of the CX-9 with good room in all three rows. The second row seats offer plenty of roominess and can slide to trade-off space in the third row.

Getting into the third row is slightly easier than the Kodiaq, with the seats tilting and sliding forward to create a bigger opening. Space in the third row is arguably the best of this group with enough leg and headroom for adults to sit in some comfort.

The CX-9 Sport is the cheapest model in this contest but still has a generous amount of standard equipment. LED headlights, tri-zone air-con, cruise control, black cloth trim, 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, smartphone app integration for Pandora, Aha and Stitcher, six-speaker stereo, navigation, keyless ignition (but not entry) and 18-inch alloy wheels are all standard.

Safety is covered by a reversing camera, low speed autonomous emergency braking front and rear, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring as well as airbag coverage for all outboard occupants.

Servicing for first three years will cost you $1286 under the brand's capped price scheme.

Mazda CX-9 Sport 2WD price and specifications

Price: From $42,490 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 170kW at 5000rpm

Torque: 420Nm at 2000rpm

Transmission: Six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive

Fuel use: 8.4L/100km

Nissan Pathfinder ST AWD

The big Nissan is an often overlooked family SUV but it is the fifth best-seller according to the sales data at time of publishing.

In a bid to attract more attention and give the Kluger a hard run for its money, Nissan has given the Pathfinder a significant upgrade for 2017.

For example, while the engine is still the same 3.5-litre V6 as the old model, Nissan claims 50 per cent of its components are new. The suspension and steering have also been tweaked to improve the handling.

For this test we've got the ST, which is the entry-level trim level but our test car had all-wheel drive, instead of the cheaper two-wheel drive option.

The changes to the engine increase outputs to 202kW and 340Nm, a 12kW and 15Nm bump respectively, but it is still paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). There's respectable performance but with peak torque not hitting its strides until 4800rpm it can be noisy under acceleration.

Unfortunately the modifications to the engine haven't had a major impact on fuel economy. At 10.1-litres per 100km the Pathfinder is the thirstiest model here.

The changes to the ride and handling are designed to reduce some of the old model's lean in corners that left it feeling floaty on the road. The suspension is now firmer and while it is still on the softer end of the spectrum, particularly in this group with Skoda and Mazda, it doesn't lean as much.

The steering is quicker too, reducing some of the off-centre deadzone from the old model. In combination with the suspension changes the new Pathfinder is an improvement over the old model but still behind the Skoda and Mazda in terms of dynamics.

Where the Pathfinder wins points back is inside with its spacious and thoughtful interior, although the presentation isn't as nice as either the Skoda or Mazda, with some cheaper plastics used.

The front seats lack lateral support but are otherwise comfortable. Second row space is ample and also slides like the others here. Where it really excels is accessing third row. A single lever folds up the seat and allows you to slide it forward leaving a large opening to get into the third row.

Space in the last row is slightly tighter than the Mazda, with less knee room, but it's still the second-best here.

The ST AWD is priced from $45,490 (plus on-roads) which makes it the most expensive of our quartet, although it's worth noting than the 2WD version is $41,990 and therefore undercuts its rivals here.

Standard equipment includes an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, cruise control, tri-zone climate control, keyless entry and ignition, six-speaker stereo and 18-inch alloy wheels.

It misses out on any active safety features but does get a reversing camera and rear parking sensors to go with six airbags.

Servicing will cost $977 for first three visits.

Nissan Pathfinder ST AWD price and specifications

Price: From $45,490 plus on-road costs

Engine: 3.5-litre V6 petrol

Power: 202kW at 6400rpm

Torque: 340Nm at 4800rpm

Transmission: CVT, all-wheel drive

Fuel use: 10.1L/100km

Toyota Kluger GX 2WD

Like the Nissan, the Kluger has also been given a mid-life freshen up in 2017. It now has a new look and more power but uses less fuel thanks to a new transmission.

Not that the Kluger needed too many changes, being the highest-selling model of our group.

Again, we've opted for the most affordable model in the range, the GX 2WD. It's still powered by the same upgraded 3.5-litre V6 engine. For 2017 it now produces 217kW and 350Nm and is paired with a new eight-speed auto, replacing a six-speeder.

Despite the extra grunt fuel consumption has dropped to 9.1L/100km, from 10.2L, but that still puts it behind the Skoda and Mazda.

It is a powerful engine and the new 'box gets the best out of it. There's strong pull off the mark and there always feels like there is a bit more in reserve when you're cruising. Although, like the Mazda, the front-wheel drive setup is susceptible to the occasional torque steer.

The presentation of the cabin is like the Pathfinder, cheaper materials and a simpler design than the Mazda and Skoda. But it is roomy in the first two rows with big, comfortable seats.

The second row folds out of the way like the Mazda to help access to rear seating, but the third row is tighter on space than both the CX-9 and Pathfinder. You have to trade-off more second row seat room than either of its Japanese rivals to make it big enough for adults.

The Kluger GX 2WD costs $43,550(plus on-roads)  which puts in third on the list in terms of affordability. For that money your Kluger comes with air-conditioning, cruise control, front fog lamps, auto headlamps on/off, six-speaker sound system, Toyota Link (for smartphones), AUX and USB input and 18-inch alloys.

Safety includes seven airbags, reversing camera and rear parking sensors.

The Kluger offers cheap services, only $180 per visit, but requires visits every six months/10,000km so over the first 60,000km you'll be paying $1080.

Toyota Kluger GX 2WD price and specifications

Price: From $43,550 plus on-road costs

Engine: 3.5-litre V6 petrol

Power: 217kW at 6600rpm

Torque: 350Nm at 4700rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, front-wheel drive

Fuel use: 9.1L/100km

Verdict

So, what are the answers to the two questions posed at the beginning?

Firstly, Skoda has done a great job with its first SUV, but that's not such a surprise given its close ties to the excellent VW Tiguan. It has a polished driving experience and well presented cabin plus it offers up good value with all you need offered as standard.

But is it the best seven-seat SUV in this contest? In a word, no.

The Skoda falls short in the third row, with its cramped space making it more of a 5+2 seating arrangement. That is to say, it is a perfectly acceptable five-seater that can occasionally take a couple of extra kids when the need arises. But if you plan on using all seven-seats on a regular basis then it is simply too small.

Which leaves the other three fighting for overall honours. Splitting the Nissan and Toyota is difficult because each has strengths in different areas.

The Kluger is cheaper (at least in this contest of 2WD v AWD), offers more space in the first and second rows and comes with Toyota's reputation for dependability. The Pathfinder, on the other hand, has a little less power but more space in the third row with easier access.

In the end the Nissan edges just ahead thanks to that extra room where it counts but it is only enough to claim second place.

The Mazda CX-9 is the easy winner here. It's combination of pleasant on-road manners, a refined and well presented cabin and spacious seating in all three rows makes it the pick for those looking to carry seven in their SUV.