Skoda Karoq review
The Skoda Karoq provides plenty of practicality and all the equipment mid-size SUV buyers would need for a reasonable price
In a crowded mid-size SUV marketplace, the Skoda Karoq offers what matters most for family buyers: useful practicality, decent comfort and good levels of standard kit all wrapped up in a competitively priced package. It might be a little plain looking, but it offers a smart and sophisticated image that sits well with its pragmatic ability to soak up the rigours of day-to-day life.
You won't find a hybrid model in the lineup, which may deter some, but the Karoq still provides decent fuel economy from its petrol and diesel engine range. The Karoq also has a number of well-thought-out details that should go down well with the target family car buyer.
About the Skoda Karoq
The Skoda Yeti was well-liked by the British public, so when it came time to replace its first-ever SUV crossover, it surprised many that the name would be dropped and replaced with something called the Skoda Karoq. The change was to bring the mid-size crossover into line with the larger Kodiaq, while the Karoq name has the same Inuit Eskimo roots as the Kodiaq's.
The Karoq's design has a lot in common with the SEAT Ateca, with the two sharing the same platform, engines, and technology. However, the Ateca is just one of a number of strong contenders in the mid-size SUV class. The third-generation Nissan Qashqai continues to be a best-seller in the UK, while the Renault Austral (which shares the same platform as the Nissan) offers a fuel-efficient hybrid-only powertrain, unlike the Karoq.
Used - available now
2022 Skoda
Karoq
34,266 milesManualPetrol1.5L
Cash £16,699
2020 Skoda
Karoq
47,436 milesManualDiesel2.0L
Cash £16,399
2019 Skoda
Karoq
20,738 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L
Cash £21,299
2022 Skoda
Karoq
23,101 milesManualPetrol1.5L
Cash £17,800Then there's the Hyundai Tucson, which we named the best mid-size SUV in our 2021 and 2022 Auto Express New Car Awards. The Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Ford Kuga, and Volkswagen Tiguan also have their strong points, but overall, the Karoq has a sufficiently good mix of talents to keep up with its large number of rivals.
A minor facelift in 2022 introduced a wider, more upright grille, redesigned bumpers, and light clusters. Skoda has also added smoother underbody cladding, an extended rear spoiler, and aero covers for the alloy wheels to help improve aerodynamic efficiency.
Engine choice in the Karoq range consists of 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrols and a 2.0 TDI diesel. The 114bhp 1.0 TSI is a three-cylinder unit that is surprisingly capable of pulling this crossover around, courtesy of the Karoq's relatively lightweight build. The 148bhp 1.5 TSI combines good power with decent efficiency, which is helped in part by cylinder deactivation technology. The 187bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine is reserved for the range-topping Sportline variant.
Diesel power comes from a 148bhp 2.0 TDI unit with four-wheel-drive. A seven-speed twin-clutch DSG auto is standard.
One thing the Karoq does lack is an eco-focused plug-in hybrid model, but if you’re looking for something electrified, the Czech firm will steer you towards its impressive Enyaq iV electric SUV instead.
You can get behind the wheel of an entry-level petrol Karoq for just over £29,500, with the range topping out to a little under £42,000. As part of the Karoq’s facelift in 2022, Skoda simplified trim levels for the Karoq to include SE Drive, SE L and Sportline. Standard kit includes 17-inch alloys, rear privacy glass, cruise control, dual-zone climate control and an 8-inch touchscreen with integrated sat-nav. Top-spec cars add bigger 18-inch alloys, an electrically operated tailgate, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel and sports seats.
Engines, performance and drive
Under the skin, the Skoda Karoq uses a tried-and-tested recipe, combining the VW Group’s MQB underpinnings (with MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle on 2WD versions, while 4x4 cars have a multilink set-up) that also forms the basis of the Kodiaq and many other models in the Czech brand’s line-up, highlighting its versatility.
On the move, the Skoda feels sharper than the Peugeot 3008. The steering is nicely weighted and more responsive – helping the car feel more agile, with less roll when changing direction. This stems from the Karoq’s firmer suspension, but the downside is that you’ll feel more body and wheel movements than in the 3008, which smooths out poor surfaces nicely. The Karoq isn't as firm as its SEAT Ateca sister model, and our group test showed that it rides better overall than the Vauxhall Grandland and Nissan Qashqai.
The faster you go, the more the Karoq’s fine body control comes to the fore, giving plenty of security and confidence. The slick-shifting manual gearbox is fun to use, and the well-shaped steering wheel feels good in your hands.
The more energy you put through the springs and dampers, the more the ride quality calms down, but because SUVs are likely to spend lots of time in town, the firmness from the Skoda’s suspension over broken surfaces just takes the edge off the car’s otherwise impressive refinement score.
The Sportline model comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, which we feel unduly affects the Karoq's ride - causing a fairly compliant mid-size SUV to develop unwelcome jiggliness over uneven A and B roads. Some annoying harmonics also presented themselves over concrete sections of motorway. We would recommend models with smaller wheels for this reason (our prefered SE L has 18-inch items). The Karoq is also marred by a little wind noise around the windscreen pillars and door mirrors at higher speeds.
0-62mph acceleration and top speed
Of the three petrol engines, the mid-range 1.5 TSI comes out as our clear favourite, although the smaller 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine performs pretty well, too. The entry-level TSI unit makes a respectable 114bhp, and while it will accelerate the Karoq from 0-62mph in 10.3 seconds, it’ll feel a little strained at higher speeds when fully laden. If you work it hard, the engine - which delivers a not unpleasant three-cylinder thrum - does cause a small amount of vibration through the pedals.
The 148bhp 1.5 TSI has a broader power band, making it a stronger performer. It’ll get from 0 to 62mph in 8.9 seconds (or 9.0 seconds with the DSG twin-clutch auto option), and you don’t have to work the engine quite so hard to get up to motorway speeds.
The 2.0-litre TSI petrol is available in Sportline trim with the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox and all-wheel drive. Its 187bhp output makes the Karoq decidedly lively, and it can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 7.0 seconds.
The 2.0-litre TDI has 148bhp, and knocks off the benchmark sprint in 8.7 seconds, as well as offering enough punch for overtaking. This will help if you intend to tow a caravan with your Karoq, as will the fact that this engine can also be accompanied by all-wheel drive.
MPG, CO2 and Running Costs
Aside from its relative practicality, one of the Karoq’s great attractions is the combination of fashionable SUV style with manageable running costs. Apart from a small fuel economy penalty, these cars shouldn’t cost more to run than a comparable hatchback – especially if you forgo the 4x4 models as most buyers do.
The Karoq’s petrol engines look attractive from a cost point of view, as they’re pretty efficient and cheaper to buy than the diesels you might typically associate with an SUV.
The Karoq’s engines aren’t class-leading for economy, but they’re still among the most efficient in the sector. The 1.0 TSI can return up to 48.1mpg on the WLTP combined cycle, while emitting 134g/km of CO2.
The larger 1.5 TSI’s official maximum combined cycle figures are 47.1mpg (46.2mpg with the DSG auto), with CO2 emissions from 137g/km. Our tests of this 1.5-litre unit suggest that owners should be able to get very close to those numbers in the real world, thanks to fuel-saving cylinder deactivation tech fitted to this engine, which shuts down two of its four cylinders when cruising at a constant speed.
If you really want to get the most mileage out of every gallon, the 2.0-litre TDI gets 48.9mpg, although its emissions aren’t so good at 152g/km. The thirstiest Karoq is the 4x4, the 2.0-litre TSI petrol, which only manages 36.8mpg and puts out a whopping 175g/km of CO2.
Insurance groups
You won’t pay too much for insurance with any of the Karoq models, but the lower spec versions are obviously cheaper. The smallest 1.0-litre petrol engine in SE Drive trim resides in group 12, but opting for the more powerful 2.0-litre diesel only ups the insurance rating to groups 20-21. Predictably, the 187bhp 2.0-litre TSI petrol in range-topping Sportline trim is the costliest Karoq to insure because this sits in group 25.
The Nissan Qashqai is similar to the Skoda, with entry-level models starting in group 11, while a top-of-the-range E-Power hybrid is in group 26.
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Depreciation
Skoda is known for solid residual values, and the latest data suggests that the Karoq should retain between 41 to 47 per cent of its initial value over three years and 36,000 miles, depending on your chosen engine and trim level.
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Interior, design and technology
Some may see the design of the Skoda Karoq as being less characterful than its Yeti predecessor, but while it lacks the flashes of stylistic flair of the Toyota C-HR, the Karoq does have a solid, almost premium appeal.
At a glance, the Karoq shares a strong resemblance with the bigger seven-seat Skoda Kodiaq (and, indeed, the smaller Skoda Kamiq), with a very similar grille and headlamp design, a ridge up the centre of the bonnet, and chunky wheel arches.
The biggest differences are the rear lights and the extra length, width, and height of the Kodiaq if you park them side-by-side. Both are only available in a five-door body style, but the Karoq only offers seating for five. It can be specified with the same VarioFlex adjustable rear bench as the Kodiaq, which allows you to alter the amount of passenger legroom or boot space depending on your needs.
Inside, the Karoq cabin design is conservative, with few flashy or fashion-led design highlights. The 2022 facelift brought some metallic finishes that raised the tone of the cabin, but it remains incredibly functional with great ergonomics, plenty of space and a great sense of quality.
Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment
Built-in sat-nav isn’t as big a deal in this class as it used to be, especially since all Karoq models get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, which allows you to run a navigation app from your phone on the standard 8.0-inch Amundsen infotainment system. Wireless phone charging is also provided as standard for this reason.
The top-of-the-range Sportline version comes with a slightly larger 8.25-inch screen, although we prefer the smaller set-up used on SE Drive and SE L because it retains physical dials for volume and seek functions. The optional 9.2-inch Columbus system available from SE L and above adds gesture control, allowing you to control a limited number of functions with hand gestures in a similar fashion to the infotainment systems in some BMWs.
All versions provide a bright screen with sharp graphics and a simple-to-navigate menu layout, and they are more responsive than the infotainment system found in the Nissan Qashqai. Like the Qashqai, the Karoq comes with a fully digital driver’s instrument cluster, but the 10.25-inch display in the Karoq is much more configurable and easier to control using the buttons on its steering wheel.
Practicality, comfort and boot space
The Skoda Karoq has supportive seats, a roomy cabin, and a well-designed dashboard made with high-quality materials. All things considered, it’s an impressive effort.
The large interior and voluminous boot are well suited to family use, and there are plenty of well-thought-out details that make life a little easier, such as the little bins for the front doors, standard nets in the boot, a sunglasses holder, and an umbrella hidden in the driver’s door, so you’re always prepared despite our unpredictable weather. Provided you haven’t gone for the electric front seats with memory settings that come with the Convenience pack on SE L trim and above, you get foldout picnic tables on the backs of both front seats.
A space-saver spare is on the options list, as is a Rough Road pack that adds underbody protection if you plan on heading off-road. A reversing camera can be added to entry-level SE Drive, but comes as standard from SE L and above. A 360-degree camera system can be fitted to the top-of-the-range Sportline with the Parking Package plus option.
Dimensions & size
The Karoq is noticeably bigger than its predecessor, the Yeti, and measures 4,382mm long, 1,841mm wide and 1,603mm tall. That compares with the 4,447mm length of the Peugeot 3008, or 4,425mm of the Nissan Qashqai, so it’s pretty much on par with its rivals.
Leg room, head room & passenger space
There’s good leg and headroom in any of the seats in the Skoda Karoq. Taller rear seat passengers may find their knees brushing on the seat backs even with the standard VarioFlex rear bench pushed as far back as it will go, but rear legroom is generally very good for the class.
The SE Drive and SE L versions of Karoq come with two ISOFIX points on the outer positions of the rear bench, while Sportline trim adds an additional point on the front passenger seat.
Boot Space
The two-wheel-drive Karoq has an impressive 521-litre boot with the rear seats in place or a huge 1,630-litre boot with them folded. Adding four-wheel drive drops these figures to 500 litres and 1,609 litres, respectively.
We’d recommend springing for the optional VarioFlex rear seats for around £800 if you can. This gives you sliding and reclining rear seats that are separated out into three individual chairs, making the Karoq much more flexible when having to carry both longer items and people at the same time. You can adjust the ‘seats up’ load area figure to 588 litres if you don’t need quite so much rear leg room, or you can completely remove the rear seats, increasing capacity to a van-like 1,810 litres.
The top-spec Sportline Karoq gets a tailgate that raises electrically, and there’s a ‘virtual’ boot release that allows you to open it with the waggle of a foot under the rear bumper if your hands are full.
Towing
The smallest 1.0-litre petrol can tow a decent 1,400kg braked trailer or caravan. This jumps to 1,700kg with the 1.5-litre, and 1,900kg with the 2.0-litre petrol with four-wheel drive.
If you really want the maximum towing capacity, then look toward the 2.0-litre diesel, which can tow a whopping 2,100kg, which is highly impressive for the class.
Reliability and safety
As it’s based on the VW Group MQB platform, the Skoda Karoq shares its underpinnings with many cars from the Audi, SEAT, Skoda and Volkswagen stables. The list includes names from the Audi A3 to the VW Touran.
However, the Karoq has been steadily slipping down the rankings in our Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, from an excellent 5th place out of 75 cars in 2020 to 40th out of 75 in the latest 2023 survey. Owners are happy with boot capacity and exterior fit and finish, but often have issues with their infotainment systems. The Skoda brand is still holding firm at 20th out of the 32 manufacturers included in the survey, which is the same position it had in 2022.
Safety experts Euro NCAP awarded the Karoq the maximum five-star score back in 2017, but this rating has since expired due to the testing criteria having gotten much tougher over the years. That’s not to say that the Karoq wouldn’t still protect you well in a collision, but there are newer rivals, such as the Toyota C-HR, that could protect you even better with all the latest safety technology.
Every Karoq comes with lane-keep assistance, a driver attention monitor, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), and traffic sign recognition. Adaptive cruise control remains an option on all versions, which is something that comes as standard on the C-HR. The C-HR also gets blind spot monitoring as standard, which can only be added to the Karoq if you go for the top-spec Monte Carlo trim and then specify the Travel Assist Package Plus.
Warranty
Skoda provides a three-year/60,000-mile warranty as standard, which is typical of the class. However, rivals such as Toyota, Renault, Hyundai and Kia offer more extensive coverage. You can extend the warranty, bumping cover up to five years for an additional cost.
Servicing
Both petrol and diesel versions of Skoda Karoq require servicing every year or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Petrol engines require a timing belt service every 186,000 miles, while diesel versions have shorter 130,000-mile intervals.
When ordering your Karoq, you can purchase a service plan, which will cover the car’s first two services for either £492 upfront, or just over £20 per month over two years.
What do owners think?
Here’s what owners in the 2024 Driver Power survey thought of the Skoda Karoq.
| What they like | What they don't like |
| “Well put together and it feels like it will last. I’ve now owned it for three years and it drives the same as new.” | “My Karoq is very prone to stalling, especially at low speeds, so it’s very awkward to drive smoothly in traffic.” |
| “The materials used are of a very good quality, with an excellent finish to the paintwork and brightwork.” | “Skoda doesn’t update its maps frequently enough. When it does, they are out of date immediately.” |
| “The automatic gearbox is well matched to the 1.5-litre petrol engine and makes driving fun as well as easy.” | “The 1.6-litre diesel is a bit underpowered. I couldn’t afford the 2.0 TDI, but that’s the one to go for.” |
| “The Varioflex seats are brilliant. Being able to take them out completely turns the Karoq into a small van.” | “The auto gearbox mapping is poor. It hunts between sixth and seventh at 70mph with the cruise control on.” |
| “A brilliant car that drives very well, with every extra I could want at a reasonable price. Great dealer, too!” | “I’ve had three other Skodas, and never had an issue. This one has been plagued with annoying errors.” |
| “The heated leather seats are extremely comfortable and supportive, and they have plenty of adjustment.” | |
| “The boot is a good size and shape, with useful hooks and storage spaces. There’s also plenty of rear leg and headroom.” | |
| “The Karoq handles remarkably well. The steering is light at low speeds, but the car feels very stable at high speed. It also rides really nicely on 18-inch wheels.” | |
| “The front seats are comfortable and well designed, with plenty of adjustment. I regularly travel long distances and have never suffered from any aches or stiffness when getting out of the car.” |
Frequently Asked Questions
The Skoda Karoq offers everything you need from a family car, including space, practicality, build quality and affordability.
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