The Skoda Karoq is one of the best options in the family SUV market, where it majors on practicality and comfort. Even in this highly competitive sector, it is certainly worthy of your consideration.
Indeed, the Karoq has an almost endless list of rivals, starting with the closely related SEAT Ateca and Volkswagen Tiguan (all three cars share the same underpinnings and engines). There is also the ubiquitous Ford Puma and Nissan Qashqai, of course, along with the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. The Peugeot 3008, Mazda CX-30 and the (more upmarket and expensive) Volvo XC40 are all vying for your attention, too.
The Skoda Karoq is undoubtedly one of the best family SUVs around thanks to its ability to deliver exactly what owners want from this type of car. It’s a very popular used car choice, despite a long list of rivals.
What helps make the Karoq a winner is a spacious interior. Although it appears relatively compact on the outside, the Karoq has a Tardis-like cabin. Those in the front enjoy plenty of space, while the back seats are equally accommodating. Any Karoq in SE L trim or above will have clever VarioFlex seating, which allows for a trade-off between rear legroom and boot space. A luggage capacity of up to 588 litres is particularly generous for the class.
Not only is the Karoq’s interior spacious, it is comfortable as well. Rather than trying to be overtly sporty, Skoda has sensibly focused the Karoq on comfort and refinement. The front seats offer plenty of adjustment, while the rear doors open wide to make access easier. Everything feels like it is made from hard-wearing components.
With the revised model range from the middle of 2022, the Karoq gained an even more generous level of standard equipment across the board. This includes satellite navigation – easy to use thanks to the standard multimedia touchscreen – and wireless connectivity for smartphones. Rear parking sensors help avoid any concerns about reversing in tight spots.
On the road, the Karoq sticks to the comfort mantra. It absorbs bumps with ease, although Sportline models with larger alloy wheels do feel a little firmer. Ultimately, the Karoq is not a sporty car to drive, and it works better as a family SUV because of that.
We rate the Skoda Karoq highly, as it has very few weak points. Even in such a competitive used market, it stands out from contenders such as the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. It even manages to impress against the related Volkswagen Tiguan and SEAT Ateca. Should you be in need of a family SUV, the Skoda Karoq should certainly be on your shortlist.
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We think the Skoda Karoq SE offers the best value as a used buy from the pre-updated line-up. If you are looking for a used example, it’s worth finding one with those clever optional VarioFlex seats fitted.
Sat-nav can be deal breaker for some buyers, though, and we wouldn't steer you away from the Skoda Karoq SE Drive that comes with it fitted, or stepping up to SE L for even more extras. The Skoda Karoq Scout and Sportline are for those who are more design led, and Edition trim has a very impressive list of standard kit.
If you want four-wheel drive capability, then the 2.0-litre TDI is the only choice. For most buyers that don't need it, however, the excellent 1.5-litre TSI petrol is the one to go for, with its smooth performance and fairly reasonable efficiency. We would pair this up with a manual gearbox to save some money, but the dual-clutch auto also works well.
The 2022 Skoda Karoq is offered with an impressive choice of engines, split between petrol and diesel. There are no hybrid or plug-in hybrid options, however. Either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox is fitted, depending on the engine picked.
Skoda Karoq 1.0 TSI 110: Karoq petrol engine options start with the diminutive 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo, which produces 110PS. It is fine for urban and suburban use, but feels less able on the motorway. Accelerating from 0-62mph takes 11.2 seconds, with average fuel economy of up to 48.6mpg.
Skoda Karoq 1.0 TSI 115: This was originally the entry-level engine to the Karoq range until the line-up was updated at the beginning of 2021. It's a sound choice of engine as the three-cylinder TSI offers 0-62mph in 10.6 seconds, along with mid-50s fuel economy and 119g/km CO2 emissions in the SE.
Skoda Karoq 1.5 TSI 150: The larger 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is our preferred starting point for the Karoq, should your budget allow it. With 150PS, it feels much more substantial, cutting the 0-62mph time to less than nine seconds. Clever fuel-saving Active Cylinder Technology means average fuel economy of 46.3mpg, so there is little penalty versus the slower 1.0 engine.
Skoda Karoq 2.0 TSI 190 4x4: For maximum performance, the Karoq Sportline can be specified with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. It comes as standard with four-wheel drive and a DSG automatic gearbox, and can sprint from 0-62mph in just seven seconds. The downside is average fuel economy of only 36mpg.
Skoda Karoq 1.6 TDI 115: This is where the Skoda Karoq initially started with the diesel engine range up to the beginning of 2021. It's not the quickest model to drive, but many will overlook this for its 62.8mpg combined economy and 120g/km CO2 output. It still manages 0-62mph in 10.7 seconds, so it's not even that slow, either.
Skoda Karoq 2.0 TDI 116: For those driving more miles each year, one of the Karoq’s three diesel engines may be a better choice. The range kicks off with a 116 PS 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A 0-62mph time of 10.6 seconds is steady rather than quick, but it can manage 59.4mpg in the official test.
Skoda Karoq 2.0 TDI 150: Offering a more robust 150PS output is an upgraded version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. Extra power results in a 0-62mph time of less than nine seconds, while fuel economy remains strong – up to 57.3mpg.
Skoda Karoq 2.0 TDI 150 4x4: The 150PS diesel engine is offered as a separate option with four-wheel drive – this time with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox as standard. Adding the extra friction and weight of a 4x4 system sees average fuel economy fall to 49.4mpg.
Skoda Karoq 2.0 TDI 190: A rare sight, this engine was limited to the upper trims prior to the Karoq's early 2021 update. It also came only with four-wheel drive and the DSG automatic gearbox. It emits 138g/km of CO2 and offers 54.3mpg claimed average economy.
The Skoda Karoq was offered with a simplified model range of just three trim levels from mid-2022 (SE Drive, SE L & Sportline). On top of these, Skoda also offers a number of individual options and extras packages, allowing new car buyers to tailor a Karoq to suit their needs.
Skoda Karoq SE : It might be the entry point, but the SE doesn't skimp with 17in alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, front and rear electric windows, cruise control, privacy glass, and an 8.0in touchscreen that features smartphone connectivity as standard.
Skoda Karoq SE L Technology: As the name suggests, this has a bit more tech as standard, so you get adaptive cruise control for relaxes motorway driving and all-round parking sensors.
Skoda Karoq SE L: This trim brings sat-nav to the mix.
Skoda Karoq Edition: The Edition gains 19in wheels, a wider 9.2in infotainment screen, and a panoramic sunroof.
Skoda Karoq Scout: Skoda's off-road name gives the Karoq a bit more off-road attitude and its own 18-inch wheel design. There are also silver-finished underbody protection panels, though there are more for looks than serious off-roading.
Skoda Karoq Sport Line: The Sport Line swapped chrome trim for gloss black to give a more athletic look to the Karoq. It also has 18-inch alloy wheels, ThermoFlux fabric upholstery, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.
Skoda Karoq SE Drive: Kicking off the Karoq range is the SE Drive, offering a substantial amount of standard equipment for the least amount of money. Features such as LED headlights, satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control and rear parking sensors are all included.
Skoda Karoq SE L: Moving up to the SE L model sees the Karoq benefit from extra equipment. This includes heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, microsuede upholstery and a rear-view camera. On the outside, 18-inch alloy wheels and chrome roof rails add some extra bling.
Skoda Karoq Sportline: For sportier styling inside and out, the Karoq Sportline gains a host of bespoke features. This includes Sportline-specific front and rear bumpers, a set of 19-inch alloy wheels and black exterior detailing. The interior benefits from sports seats, aluminium pedals and a panoramic sunroof.
The Skoda Karoq’s exterior dimensions are:
Length: 4390mm
Width: 1841mm
Height: 1603mm
Ground clearance: 200mm
The Skoda Karoq’s boot space is:
521 litres
1630 litres with rear seats folded
Introduced in 2017, the whole Skoda Karoq range pays the yearly road tax bill at the flat rate of £180, which is the same as most of the Karoq's direct rivals.
As a sensible family SUV, the Skoda Karoq won’t break the bank when it comes to insurance costs. Opting for a model with the diminutive 1.0-litre petrol engine sees the Karoq given a rating of insurance group 12 (out of 50). Moving up to the 1.5-litre petrol engines increases this to group 15. The 190hp 2.0-litre petrol Sportline is the most expensive Karoq to insure, with a group 25 rating. Diesel versions range from group 15 through to group 21.
Read our full Skoda Karoq review