In-depth reviews

Skoda Karoq review - MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

The Skoda Karoq won’t break the bank, but it’s not top of the class for running costs

Overall Auto Express Rating

4.5 out of 5

MPG, CO2 and running costs Rating

4.1 out of 5

Price
£28,340 to £41,035
Find your Skoda Karoq
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Advertisement

​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 the SUV genre.

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 48.6mpg on the WLTP combined cycle, while emitting as little as 132g/km of CO2.

The larger 1.5 TSI’s official maximum combined cycle figures are 46.3mpg (45.9mpg with the DSG auto), with CO2 emissions from 138g/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, too.

If you really do want to eke the best mileage out of every gallon, the manual 116PS 2.0-litre diesel is the sensible choice. It returns up to 59.4mpg with CO2 emissions from 125g/km.

If you choose the 4x4 option that’s available with the 2.0-litre engines, you’re looking at a reduction in WLTP fuel economy compounded by the fact that all-wheel drive is only available with the DSG gearbox. In the case of the 2.0-litre TSI petrol, you’re looking at 36mpg and 180g/km, while the 2.0-litre TDI gets 47.3mpg and 158g/km. 

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 13-15. Predictably, the 187bhp 2.0-litre TSI petrol in range-topping Sportline trim is the costliest Karoq to insure as this sits in group 25.

Premiums across the Karoq range are likely to be slightly less than those for the Peugeot 3008 which sits in groups 22 and 38. The Nissan Qashqai is in a similar ballpark to the Skoda, with entry-level models starting in group 11.

Depreciation

Skoda is known for solid residual values, and the latest data suggests that the Karoq should retain up to 54 per cent of its initial value over three years and 36,000 miles, depending on your chosen engine and trim level. ​

Have you considered?

Alfa Romeo Tonale review
Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce - front tracking
In-depth reviews
27 Nov 2023

Alfa Romeo Tonale review

New Hyundai Ioniq 5 N 2023 review: a stunning electric performance car
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N - front
Road tests
22 Nov 2023

New Hyundai Ioniq 5 N 2023 review: a stunning electric performance car

Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV: long-term test review
Auto Express pictures editor Dawn Grant standing next to the Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV while holding a road atlas
Long-term tests
14 Nov 2023

Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV: long-term test review

Most Popular

New Nissan Qashqai to get radical look and all-electric power
Nissan Qashqai exclusive image - front
News

New Nissan Qashqai to get radical look and all-electric power

Major investment in Nissan’s Sunderland plant underpins the new fourth-generation Qashqai
8 Dec 2023
New Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2024 review: big estate with value boost
Jaguar XF Sportbrake - front tracking
Road tests

New Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2024 review: big estate with value boost

Jaguar's XF Sportbrake may be 8 years old but it just got a whole lot cheaper!
7 Dec 2023
New Omoda 5 to take on the Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Tucson when it arrives in early 2024
Omoda 5 - front
News

New Omoda 5 to take on the Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Tucson when it arrives in early 2024

The new Omoda 5 SUV will only be available with an all-electric powertrain when it hits the UK next spring, but a hybrid option is expected later
8 Dec 2023