Why the Skoda Yeti is better than most modern cars – review

Why am I reviewing a car that came out 14 years ago? Because it’s a Skoda Yeti and it’s bloomin' awesome, that’s why. The Yeti has a special place in my driving history for reasons we’ll get onto, but it was popular in the pre-YouTube era, so I’m just trying to bring this car’s greatness into the 2020s. Really enjoyed making this video - please drop us a like if you… liked it!

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[TimRodieDrivesStuff]

I'm really enjoying hearing all your Yeti ownership stories - keep 'em coming!

[tantaroba]

I worked at a Skoda dealer for 7 years.
For everyone looking to buy a Yeti, inspect all the doors and rear wheelarches, since they are notorious for rust.
We had an entire Yeti door cemetary behind the shop, we changed so many of them.

[mtumasz]

Why they gave up on this great name is beyond me

[SteveSmith-wkdx]

I manage a taxi fleet which mostly used Skodas, and back in the day we had a few Yetis. Most drivers weren't impressed to be issued one as opposed to a Octavia or Superb because of its van-like appearance. After they'd driven one for a bit, they'd fight tooth and nail to keep it.

[chrisw]

I went from an 08' accord to a 2013 2.0 Skoda Yeti 170 elegance. Was the best car I ever owned. Very fast, very practical, great handling. Then someone unfortunately crashed into the side of me and it was written off. But, I loved the yeti so much I went and searched all of UK for another 170 elegance yeti. I found another and bought it right away! Long live the yeti.

[Elwon]

The man on topgear who got the tattoo in that car was a friend of mine. Sadly he passed not all that long ago. He will always be remembered fondly by the family and friends he left behind. Rest in peace.

[nicholasbell]

Cars like this Yeti, and the Roomster were from a time when Skoda had the leeway to produce individual and characterful vehicles. It was pretty obvious that the VW masters didnt like the fact that these quirky models were so successful, and more appealling than the main VW brand stuff, so Skoda had to be brought into line and come up with somwthing more mainstream.

[johnrussell]

I have a 2015, 2 litre, 170bhp Monte Carlo diesel 4x4 Yeti and I agree with all you say. The only thing I'd add is it's amazing towing ability. It's rated up to two tonnes and is really capable—mainly due to the short rear overhang and excellent pulling power. It also averages 45-50 mpg on a long run without a trailer. I'll be hanging onto it for a long time to come.

[ambergris]

The Yeti is amazing, because it's got the rare combination of two attributes: it makes sense, and it's got a soul. Now, we like cars with souls, but they tend to be the worst to live with. The Yeti on the other hand has got plenty of character, but it's never at the expense of its practicality and down to earth common sense. Like: the styling? It just works really well, that's a very nice looking car from all angles. And it does not compromise practicality. It handles well, but does not become uncomfortable. Quality, but not expensive. And it's simple, but not basic. They really struck gold with the Yeti, and made their efforts for the following generations of Skoda a bit "try hard"

[SamlowryB-]

We just got an 8 year old Yeti and it feels and drives like a new car. its so impressive.

[Ambienfinity]

It's a brilliant 'do everything' car. I remember the film Clarkson did on Top Gear, and it proved the point -- you're right, the Yeti was awesome.

[paulwardzynski]

Good fun. I still regret not buying one as it would have lasted us for years. Skoda missed a trick not bringing out a modern version based on such a good compact, well engineered platform.

[SgtNuker]

The Yeti's episode made me want a Yeti. How could you not? The capability, the design. Definitely agree on the 2.0L diesel option as well. Oh and ... this is all coming from someone that lives in the States.

[mrdunns]

Simply one of the best ever cars built and such a shame that it's replacement isn't as characterful. I owned 2 Yetis over a 7 year period and only had 2 warranty issues, pan roof switch dropped to bits and the heating element in the driver's seat failed, both sorted quickly and a courtesy car provided. Went to replace the second car and after much research bought an ex-demo Subaru Forester as the then new Kodiaq was outside the budget. Scooby was a disaster 4 warranty garage visits in 16 months and couldn't get rid of it quickly enough when the Kodiaq fell into the budget. 3 1/2 years on driving a Skoda ex-management 150 TDi Edition with pan roof, 7 seats and space saver spare, still very happy and zero warranty issues. RIP Yeti, you're missed.

[adriandickinson]

Great video on a mega car. Had my 170tdi 4x4 Elegance for 12 years since new, 155k miles on it now, 90k since it was remapped, yet it's still been 100% reliable. The boot's even bigger than Tim said too at 1760 litres if you don't have the spare wheel option, or a whopping 2100 litres if you have the rare fold flat front passenger seat, all in a 4.2m car that'll tow 2 tons. They don't make 'em like this anymore!

[robertlindstrom]

My everyday ride is a 2 litre 4X4 Yeti diesel from 2016. Bought it used in 2019 and I propably never want to get rid of it. It is just so good. I´m a professional truck driver, I drive the big boys toys at work so it is mostly the sheer practicality that I like the most but it drives really well at all sensible road speeds and is very economical in the process. Plus I can tow my boat, and put it in and out of the water from the trailer without hassle. The towing capacity was the main reason for me to buy it, and I would buy a new one now in a heartbeat if it was possible but that is not of course possible anymore so I just have to keep the old one. Brilliant car!

[coltheironman]

I've had a Yeti 1.6D Greenline for the past few years - it's rock solid! I hitch up the caravan, get to the motorway, hit cruise control and relax... Effortless. Best car I've ever owned.

[ChrisMisMYhandle]

I remember reading the writers sections in evo. Everyone used to jump in the long term yeti when going on the lunch run. Definitely a favourite.

[adnanshah]

I had a new one in 2013, a 110ps TDI Elegance in black as a company car. What an amazing car it was, it was one of only 2 cars in my entire life I actually bonded with (the other was a B6 A4 Quattro 3.0 V6 Avant) - I've driven 100 plus cars in 20 years by the way. The Yeti was so simple, so flexible and so so comfortable. Would seriously consider another one again. The Elegance spec was just right for everything I needed.

[sergiumatei]

My first car is and still is a Skoda Yeti 2010 1.2 tsi petrol automatic dsg. 105 bsp. bought it at 43756 miles on board and I am the second owner. The car runs beautiful. I will not give it away for any other car