The Karoq was the second SUV to join the Skoda line-up and is the company’s compact mid-size offering, which goes up against models such as the Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008 and Volkswagen Tiguan. It’s a popular SUV in the class, with a decent blend of spaciousness, comfort and value, making it a strong contender for young families and those seeking a capable all-rounder. Available exclusively as a five-door SUV, the Karoq is a traditional offering and not as cutting-edge as some rivals, but is nevertheless a capable model in a very crowded class.
The Skoda Karoq is a well-rounded SUV that excels in practicality, comfort, and everyday usability. While it may not turn heads with its conservative looks and slightly dated cabin, its spacious interior, flexible boot and solid build make it an ideal choice for families and commuters alike.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioThe current Skoda Karoq line-up starts from £30,940 for the entry-level SE Edition, with the range-topping SportLine 4x4 from £37,335, depending on model.
The Karoq is positioned as a value-focused, family-friendly SUV, and competitive PCP and leasing deals further enhance its affordability.
On the used market, early cars are available on AAcars.com from as little as £7,500, making them especially appealing to those seeking an older model as they still look close to current examples in terms of their appearance, though they do lack the technology and connectivity seen on newer examples.
The Skoda Karoq is offered with a range of largely efficient petrol and diesel engines.
The entry-level 1.0 TSI petrol features a three-cylinder turbocharged unit, producing 110PS and 200Nm of torque, with a 0-62 mph time of 10.6 seconds.
The most popular option is the 1.5-litre TSI four-cylinder petrol, which delivers 150PS and 250Nm, combining lively performance with good fuel economy. It completes the 0-62 mph sprint in approximately 8.6 seconds. For those seeking extra power, the 2.0 TSI 190PS engine is paired with four-wheel drive and a seven-speed DSG automatic, achieving 0 to 62 mph in a brisk 7.6 seconds.
Diesel options include the 2.0 TDI, available in 116PS and 150PS outputs. The 150PS variant offers 340Nm of torque and a 0 to 62 mph time of 9.0 seconds, making it a popular choice for high-mileage drivers. Mild-hybrid technology is available on select petrol models, improving economy and lowering emissions.
Manual and DSG automatic gearboxes are offered across the range, with four-wheel drive available with some of the higher-powered engines.
The Skoda Karoq delivers a composed and comfortable driving experience, with a chassis tuned for everyday usability – it’s not sporty, but at the same time it always feels composed and assured.
Steering is light and precise, making town driving and parking effortless. On the open road, the Karoq remains stable and refined, with well-controlled body movements and effective noise insulation.
Visibility is excellent thanks to large windows and a high driving position. All models come with rear parking sensors, while higher trims offer front sensors, a rear-view camera, and park assist.
Skoda’s reputation for comfort is well-represented in the Karoq, which has a good driving position, supportive seats and an intuitive ergonomic layout.
The suspension is supple, absorbing bumps and rough surfaces with ease. Standard models offer a soft, relaxed ride, while SportLine versions feature a firmer set-up for more agile handling, but they’re by no means sporty. They do offer a little more in the way of driver engagement, however.
Despite its SUV stance, the Karoq feels secure and predictable through bends, with minimal body roll and reassuring levels of grip. Adaptive suspension is not offered, but the overall balance between comfort and control is well judged, and four-wheel-drive models offer a useful amount of extra grip – they’re a good choice for rural dwellers, as not all rivals offer an all-wheel-drive option.
The Karoq’s cabin is spacious, well laid-out, and finished with high-quality materials.
Soft-touch surfaces and elegant detailing abound, creating a pleasant atmosphere, while ergonomics are excellent. The dashboard features an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 9.2-inch Columbus system available on higher trims, offering navigation, DAB radio, and wireless smartphone connectivity.
The front seats are supportive and adjustable, ensuring comfort for all occupants. The rear seats offer generous leg and headroom for adults, and the versatile VarioFlex system (standard on SE L and above) allows the rear seats to slide, recline, or be removed entirely for maximum flexibility.
Isofix mounts are fitted to the outer rear seats, making the Karoq family-friendly.
The Skoda Karoq has a 521-litre boot with the seats in place, expanding to 1,630 litres with the rear seats folded or removed. – an impressive figure for the class. The VarioFex system helps further, meaning you can accommodate many awkward loads without compromising the number of seats on offer.
The boot is wide and features a low loading lip for easy access. Practical touches include bag hooks, a 12V socket, and underfloor storage.
Cabin storage is excellent, with large door bins, a deep glovebox, cupholders, and a central console providing ample space for everyday items.
All Karoq models are generously equipped. The SE Edition trim includes LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, and an 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration. SE L adds larger alloy wheels, front parking sensors, keyless entry, and ambient lighting.
SportLine models feature 19-inch alloys, a panoramic sunroof, sports seats, and a digital cockpit display, alongside advanced driver assistance systems. Skoda’s options list includes a heated steering wheel, electric tailgate, and premium sound system for further personalisation.
The Karoq offers a very simple line-up of three main trims, all of which offer good levels of standard equipment.
The entry-level SE Edition trim comes with LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, and rear parking sensors. The touchscreen infotainment system offers easy access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings. Seats are upholstered in high-quality cloth.
SE L adds larger alloy wheels, ambient lighting, keyless entry, and the versatile VarioFlex rear seat system.
SportLine sits at the top of the line-up, featuring a black exterior pack, panoramic sunroof, sports seats, and a digital cockpit display.
A wide range of colours includes Brilliant Silver, Quartz Grey, Velvet Red, and Lava Blue, with further customisation available via Skoda’s options programme. Interior finishes range from classic black to light beige, with additional personalisation on higher trims and optional leather upholstery from SE L models upwards.
The Skoda Karoq was awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating in the test conducted in 2017. It achieved an impressive 93% for Adult Occupant Protection, 79% for Child Occupant Protection, and 76% for Safety Assist. Standard safety features include seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane assist, and traffic sign recognition. Blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control are available on higher trims.
Skoda’s reliability record is robust, with proven engines and durable components. Owner surveys report high levels of satisfaction, thanks in part to excellent aftersales support and low running costs – indeed, the Karoq has come top of two well-known customer satisfaction surveys.
Petrol engines in the Karoq return between 42-48 mpg (WLTP), while the 2.0 TDI diesel can achieve up to 61 mpg. CO₂ emissions range from 122 g/km (1.0 TSI) to 156 g/km (2.0 TSI 4x4). Mild-hybrid models offer improved efficiency and lower emissions.
VED road tax is £195 per year for all models, but if buying new, be careful not to tip the price over £40,000 via the options list, as this will push it into the VED Expensive Car Supplement, if ordered before April 2026 when the threshold will be increased to £50,000.
Insurance groups run from 10-20, making the Karoq affordable to insure and with premiums slightly below average for the class.
Skoda provides a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, with servicing plans available for added peace of mind.
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