Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Skoda Karoq review – it ticks all the family SUV boxes

“The Skoda Karoq is a fantastic all-round family SUV with lots of useful features”

Carbuyer Rating

4.3 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.1 out of 5

Read owner reviews
Price
£36,645 - £48,725

Pros

  • Handy VarioFlex rear seats
  • Ideal for families
  • Fun to drive

Cons

  • Short warranty
  • Conservative interior
  • Less character than Yeti

​Verdict – Is the Skoda Karoq a good car?

The Skoda Karoq was launched after the brilliant seven-seat Skoda Kodiaq, so it had a lot to live up to. While it has a smaller boot and two fewer seats than the Kodiaq, the Karoq is perhaps an even better family car for most people, because it’s more affordable and just as impressive in most areas.

Skoda Karoq models, specs and alternatives

While the Karoq isn’t as characterful as the Skoda Yeti it replaced, it’s still a great option for families looking for a roomy mid-sized SUV that’s good to drive, practical and cheap to run. Its rivals include the Ford Kuga, Peugeot 3008, Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Qashqai.

best mid-size SUVs header imageThe best mid-size SUVs – our 2024 top picks

For 2022, the Skoda Karoq was treated to a mid-life facelift, and while only the eagle-eyed are likely to spot the slimmer headlamps (now available with Matrix LED technology for the first time) and redesigned tail lamps, they do help to give the Karoq a more modern and upmarket look. There’s also a new roof spoiler, plus new wheel and paint colour choices. Inside, there’s now the option of vegan upholstery and trim that’s made from recycled materials, and from 2024 a 10.25-inch driver’s display now comes as standard, replacing traditional dials.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Karoq also shares a lot with the SEAT Ateca, which is one of its closest rivals – and it’s no wonder, given both cars have near-identical engines and other shared parts as part of the Volkswagen Group. The SEAT is designed to be a bit more sporty to drive, while the Skoda is more comfortable.

The Skoda is also highly practical, in part thanks to clever features such as the VarioFlex rear seats. These mean you can slide the bench back and forth to move between 479 to 588 litres of boot space, increasing rear legroom as the boot space decreases and vice versa. It’s one of the roomiest cars in its class as a result and really versatile.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

More reviews

The tall roofline means there’s lots of headroom, and those sliding seats mean you can open up plenty of legroom even for adult passengers. The front seats are just as good for space, with lots of adjustment possible and a comfortable driving position.

The dash is neatly designed and easy to use, and features all the modern tech you need, such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on the central touchscreen. The design isn’t as distinctive or modern-looking as the Peugeot 3008’s ‘i-Cockpit’, but you can get a digital display instead of dials in the Skoda to match the Peugeot’s functionality.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Engine choice shouldn’t be an issue, whether you want a petrol or diesel. The former is covered by a 1.0-litre with 114bhp or a 1.5-litre TSI with 148bhp, both of which can return over 40mpg and have CO2 emissions from 133-152/km that shouldn't be too much of a hurdle for company-car buyers. A hybrid SUV like the Ford Kuga or Hyundai Tucson will be cheaper in tax if that’s important to you, though. There’s also a 2.0-litre TSI petrol range-topper, but we don’t expect this to be a big seller in the UK.

The most economical diesel is the 2.0-litre TDI with front-wheel drive, which can manage more than 55mpg with a manual gearbox. We reckon the 1.5-litre TSI petrol is the most appealing all-rounder, undercutting the 2.0-litre diesel on price, despite having the same amount of power.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Out on the road, the Karoq has softer suspension than the Ateca, providing it with a better ride quality, but without losing too much composure. This should be a well-judged compromise for families, who are likely to appreciate a smooth ride more than high-speed precision.

Families will be reassured that the Skoda Karoq was awarded the full five-star score for crash safety by Euro NCAP in late 2017. It’s fitted with an impressive roster of safety equipment and actually beat the scores of the larger Skoda Kodiaq. The Karoq also came 40th overall in our 2023 Driver Power survey, particularly impressing owners with its comfort, build quality and practicality.

Skoda has used the facelift to slim down the range, from six trim levels down to three. SE Drive kicks off the new line-up, with rear parking sensors, cruise control, auto LED headlights and wipers, two-zone climate control, Android Auto and wired Apple CarPlay. Buyers also get LED rear lights with an animation when unlocking the car and indicating. Stepping up to SE L adds 18-inch alloy wheels, the VarioFlex seats, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry, a rear-view camera and heaters for the steering wheel and front seats.

SportLine is the top trim, with black trim and darkened headlights giving it a more menacing look. It also gets a panoramic sunroof, sporty seats, a powered tailgate and Matrix LED headlights. Previously, Skoda has offered the Karoq in luxurious Edition and rugged Scout versions, but these have been dropped from the latest line-up.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Andy is Carbuyer's managing editor, with more than a decade of experience helping consumers find their perfect car. He has an MA in automotive journalism and has tested hundreds of vehicles.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Vauxhall Frontera review – hybrid or electric, it’s up to you
Vauxhall Frontera front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
5 Dec 2024

Vauxhall Frontera review – hybrid or electric, it’s up to you

Citroën C3 Aircross review - the most comfortable small SUV?
Citroen C3 Aircross front quarter dynamic
In-depth reviews
3 Dec 2024

Citroën C3 Aircross review - the most comfortable small SUV?

Nissan Juke review – popular small SUV is sharper to drive
Nissan Juke UK drive front quarter
In-depth reviews
3 Dec 2024

Nissan Juke review – popular small SUV is sharper to drive

Ford Focus review – a great-to-drive family hatchback
Ford Focus - front 3/4 dynamic
In-depth reviews
3 Dec 2024

Ford Focus review – a great-to-drive family hatchback

Have You Considered

Vauxhall Grandland review – better than before and available as an EV
Vauxhall Grandland UK front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
27 Nov 2024

Vauxhall Grandland review – better than before and available as an EV

Renault Scenic review – family-friendly electric SUV with impressive range
Renault Scenic Carbuyer UK drive
In-depth reviews
26 Nov 2024

Renault Scenic review – family-friendly electric SUV with impressive range

Most Popular

New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: details and first drive of the sleek executive four-door
BMW M235 Gran Coupe front quarter
News
26 Nov 2024

New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: details and first drive of the sleek executive four-door

New Ford Puma Gen-E: Britain’s best-selling car goes electric
Ford Puma Gen-E
News
3 Dec 2024

New Ford Puma Gen-E: Britain’s best-selling car goes electric

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s Black Friday offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
29 Nov 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s Black Friday offers

More on Karoq

Show me:
The best tow cars to buy in 2024
Best tow cars
Best cars
8 Nov 2024

The best tow cars to buy in 2024

Choosing the right car for towing can be tricky, so we’ve put together the best options on sale today
Skoda Karoq SUV gets new value-packed Edition trim levels
Skoda Karoq SportLine Edition front
News
23 Oct 2024

Skoda Karoq SUV gets new value-packed Edition trim levels

You now get more kit with the Skoda Karoq, including heated seats and a reversing camera
The best mid-size SUVs – our 2024 top picks
best mid-size SUVs header image
Best cars
13 Sep 2024

The best mid-size SUVs – our 2024 top picks

Mid-size SUVs offer everything most families could ever need from a car; we rank some of the best
Hot car deal: Skoda Karoq Sportline SUV for just £262 per month
Skoda Karoq SportLine
Deals
19 Apr 2024

Hot car deal: Skoda Karoq Sportline SUV for just £262 per month

Our hot car deal for April 19th is the smart-looking Skoda Karoq Sportline SUV for just £262 a month
2023 Skoda Karoq gets a digital speedometer as standard
2023 Skoda Karoq - front
News
13 Jul 2022

2023 Skoda Karoq gets a digital speedometer as standard

Skoda updates the recently-facelifted family SUV with more standard equipment and optional safety kit
New 2022 Skoda Karoq prices revealed
2022 Skoda Karoq facelift
News
5 Apr 2022

New 2022 Skoda Karoq prices revealed

The new Skoda Karoq SUV is now on sale in three different trim levels
Audi Q3 vs Volkswagen Tiguan vs SEAT Ateca vs Skoda Karoq: which should you buy?
Audi Q3 vs VW Tiguan vs SEAT Ateca vs Skoda Karoq header
News
9 Mar 2022

Audi Q3 vs Volkswagen Tiguan vs SEAT Ateca vs Skoda Karoq: which should you buy?

These four SUVs have plenty in common, but should you choose Audi, VW, SEAT or Skoda?
Top 3 used four-wheel drive family SUVs for £25,000
Top 3 used four-wheel drive family SUVs for £25,000 - hero
Tips and advice
23 Dec 2021

Top 3 used four-wheel drive family SUVs for £25,000

“Dear Carbuyer, I have £25,000 for a mid-size four-wheel-drive SUV that’s decent on both long journeys and dirt tracks. What can I get?”
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skoda Karoq SE L review
News
13 Jan 2021

Skoda Karoq SE L review

Is the high-spec Skoda Karoq SE L the best model to go for? Read all about it here
New Skoda Kamiq SUV UK prices announced
SEAT, Skoda and Volkswagen brand comparison images
News
17 Sep 2019

New Skoda Kamiq SUV UK prices announced

Compact Skoda Kamiq SUV has a starting price of £17,700 and goes on sale in November
Facelifted 2020 Skoda Karoq and Kodiaq announced
News
19 Jul 2019

Facelifted 2020 Skoda Karoq and Kodiaq announced

The revised Skoda Karoq and Kodiaq SUVs get tweaked styling, engine and technology updates for next year
New 2.0-litre petrol engine for Skoda Karoq and Kodiaq
News
27 Mar 2019

New 2.0-litre petrol engine for Skoda Karoq and Kodiaq

A 187bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine is available for two Skoda SUVs now
Honda HR-V Sport 2019: price, specification and release date
Honda HR-V Sport front
News
25 Feb 2019

Honda HR-V Sport 2019: price, specification and release date

New 180bhp Honda HR-V Sport can do 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds
£42,870 starting price for Skoda's sporty seven-seat SUV
News
3 Jan 2019

£42,870 starting price for Skoda's sporty seven-seat SUV

£42,870 starting price for Skoda's sporty seven-seat SUV
Best car videos: Carbuyer's greatest hits of 2018
News
30 Dec 2018

Best car videos: Carbuyer's greatest hits of 2018

We've crunched our viewing figures, and these are our best performing car videos of 2018
Skoda Karoq Sportline set for October release
Skoda Karoq SportLine front
News
2 Aug 2018

Skoda Karoq Sportline set for October release

New Skoda Karoq Sportline injects SUV with sporty character
New Skoda Karoq Scout SUV unveiled
Skoda Karoq Scout front
News
1 Aug 2018

New Skoda Karoq Scout SUV unveiled

Skoda Karoq Scout brings chunky looks, extra equipment and standard four-wheel drive
Skip advert
Advertisement
SEAT Ateca Xcellence review
Road tests
13 Jul 2018

SEAT Ateca Xcellence review

Range-topping Ateca Xcellence trim adds technology and convenience without being too expensive
New Skoda Vision X concept previews new small Skoda SUV
News
1 Feb 2018

New Skoda Vision X concept previews new small Skoda SUV

Crossover concept previews a new model to sit below the Karoq

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024