Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Skoda Karoq review

The Skoda Karoq provides plenty of practicality and all the equipment mid-size SUV buyers would need for a reasonable price

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
RRP
£29,975 £42,825
Avg. savings
£2,421 off RRP*
  • Optional flexible seating
  • Practical and good value
  • Refined and fairly hi-tech
  • Expired Euro NCAP safety rating
  • No fuel-efficient hybrid option
  • Not the most entertaining to drive
Find your Skoda Karoq
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

​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.

Advertisement - Article continues below

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.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Then 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.

Advertisement - Article continues below

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Skoda Karoq offers everything you need from a family car, including space, practicality, build quality and affordability.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Our latest car deals

Skoda Karoq

Skoda Karoq

RRP £29,775Avg. savings £2,421 off RRP*Compare Offers
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £21,210Avg. savings £1,862 off RRP*Compare Offers
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,710Avg. savings £2,338 off RRP*Compare Offers
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £28,085Avg. savings £1,458 off RRP*Compare Offers
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Have you considered?

Skoda Enyaq Coupe review
Skoda Enyaq Coupe - front tracking

Skoda Enyaq Coupe review

In-depth reviews
9 Dec 2024
Used Skoda Enyaq (Mk1, 2021-date) buyer’s guide: low prices boost EV’s appeal
Used Skoda Enyaq - front

Used Skoda Enyaq (Mk1, 2021-date) buyer’s guide: low prices boost EV’s appeal

Used car tests
7 Dec 2024

More on Karoq

Show me:
Best used mid-size SUVs and 4x4s to buy now
Best used mid-size SUVs - header image

Best used mid-size SUVs and 4x4s to buy now

Mid-size SUVs and 4x4s are as popular as ever, and these the best pre-owned models on sale
Best cars & vans
21 Nov 2024
Skoda Karoq gains new Edition trim levels with upgraded equipment
Skoda Karoq SEL Edition - front 3/4

Skoda Karoq gains new Edition trim levels with upgraded equipment

New SE Edition, SE L Edition and SportLine Edition available on Skoda’s mid-size SUV
News
23 Oct 2024
Best small 4x4s 2024: compare small 4WD cars
Best small 4x4s - header image

Best small 4x4s 2024: compare small 4WD cars

Need off-road capability in a compact package? Take a look the best small 4x4s
Best cars & vans
15 Aug 2024
Skoda Karoq SUV updated with power gains for 2024
2024 Skoda Karoq

Skoda Karoq SUV updated with power gains for 2024

The Karoq’s trim level structure remains the same as before, but with more equipment as standard
News
22 Apr 2024
Best cheap family cars
Best cheap family cars - header image

Best cheap family cars

Families don’t come cheap, but these used family cars do
Best cars & vans
20 Mar 2024
Deal of the Day: Skoda Karoq is a versatile and well-built SUV for £198 per month
Skoda Karoq facelift - front action

Deal of the Day: Skoda Karoq is a versatile and well-built SUV for £198 per month

This bargain-buy Karoq is one of Skoda best-ever models – making it our Deal of the Day for 18 December
News
18 Dec 2023
Skoda Karoq 4x4 DSG: long-term test review
Auto Express staff photographer Pete Gibson standing in various poses next to the Skoda Karoq

Skoda Karoq 4x4 DSG: long-term test review

Final report: Our Czech SUV’s all-round ability will be sorely missed
Long-term tests
9 Nov 2023
Skoda Karoq vs Volkswagen T-Roc: 2023 twin test review
Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen T-Roc - face-to-face static

Skoda Karoq vs Volkswagen T-Roc: 2023 twin test review

SUV-styled models are all the rage, but is the Karoq or T-Roc tops?
Car group tests
21 Jun 2023
Best value cars
Best value cars - header image

Best value cars

The UK's biggest motoring bargains go head-to-head
Best cars & vans
10 May 2023
Best new cars for under £250 per month
Best cars for under £250 a month

Best new cars for under £250 per month

If you can muster a £250 monthly budget, these are some of the best new cars available for your money
Best cars & vans
2 Feb 2023
Skoda gives Karoq SUV raft of updates for 2023
Skoda Karoq - front tracking

Skoda gives Karoq SUV raft of updates for 2023

More style and tech for mid-size family SUV with updates to 2023 model range
News
13 Jul 2022
Skip advert
Advertisement
Vauxhall Grandland vs Skoda Karoq vs Nissan Qashqai: 2022 group test review
Grandland vs Karoq vs Qashqai - three car tracking

Vauxhall Grandland vs Skoda Karoq vs Nissan Qashqai: 2022 group test review

Vauxhall’s family SUV has received a makeover – how does it compare with its Skoda and Nissan rivals?
Car group tests
18 Jun 2022
New Skoda Karoq 1.5 TSI SE L 2022 review
Skoda Karoq 1.5 TSI SE L 2022 - front tracking

New Skoda Karoq 1.5 TSI SE L 2022 review

The Karoq remains a solid, practical bet in this increasingly competitive sector but there are plenty of more interesting alternatives out there
Road tests
10 May 2022
New Skoda Karoq 2022 review
Skoda Karoq facelift - front

New Skoda Karoq 2022 review

The Skoda Karoq has been facelifted for 2022, but is the popular mid-size SUV now better than ever?
Road tests
14 Apr 2022
Peugeot 3008 vs Skoda Karoq
Peugeot 3008 vs Skoda Karoq

Peugeot 3008 vs Skoda Karoq

Can the facelifted Peugeot 3008 overcome the Skoda Karoq in this family SUV battle?
Car group tests
6 Feb 2021
Used Skoda Karoq review

Used Skoda Karoq review

A full used buyer’s guide on the Skoda Karoq covering the Karoq Mk1 (2017-date)
Used car tests
3 Dec 2020
Ford Kuga vs Toyota RAV4 vs Skoda Karoq

Ford Kuga vs Toyota RAV4 vs Skoda Karoq

The all-new Ford Kuga has landed. Can it make an impact against the Skoda Karoq and Toyota RAV4?
Car group tests
6 Jun 2020
MG HS vs Skoda Karoq

MG HS vs Skoda Karoq

The new value-for-money MG HS looks to make a splash in the mid-size SUV market. We test it against the Skoda Karoq
Car group tests
10 Mar 2020
Mazda CX-30 vs Skoda Karoq
Mazda CX-30 vs Skoda Karoq - head-to-head

Mazda CX-30 vs Skoda Karoq

The Mazda CX-30 fills a gap in the brand’s SUV line-up. We see if it hits the compact SUV jackpot against the Skoda Karoq
Car group tests
18 Jan 2020
SsangYong Korando vs Skoda Karoq
SsangYong Korando vs Skoda Karoq - header

SsangYong Korando vs Skoda Karoq

Once a left-field choice, the new SsangYong Korando has mainstream competitors such as the Skoda Karoq in its sights
Car group tests
5 Nov 2019
New Skoda Karoq Velo concept car
Skoda Karoq Velo - front tracking

New Skoda Karoq Velo concept car

Skoda Karoq Velo is a concept version of the Karoq SUV, designed with cyclists in mind, with a built-in washing machine and pressure washer
News
10 Jun 2019
Renault Kadjar vs Skoda Karoq vs Peugeot 3008
renault kadjar vs skoda karoq vs peugeot 3008 group test header

Renault Kadjar vs Skoda Karoq vs Peugeot 3008

Refreshed Renault Kadjar takes on the class-leading Skoda Karoq and popular Peugeot 3008 in family SUV showdown
Car group tests
6 Apr 2019
Skoda Karoq SE L: long-term test
skoda karoq long termer header

Skoda Karoq SE L: long-term test

Final report: Our versatile Skoda Karoq SUV has starred with all-round ability during time on fleet
Long-term tests
28 Feb 2019