Skoda Karoq Review 2024

There's a whiff of the emperor's new clothes about small SUVs that promise practicality but fail to deliver.  That doesn't apply to the Karoq, though. For buyers who genuinely need a roomy interior and proper load-lugging ability, the mid-size Skoda Karoq will be the perfect workhorse.

The Karoq's clever removable seats, massive boot and generous passenger space mean it will cope with the rigours of family life far better than a standard five-door hatch, plus it comes with the option of four-wheel drive should you need it.

It's no one trick pony though. A surprisingly posh interior, generous level of equipment and very comfortable, easy-to-drive nature make the Skoda Karoq feel competitive even with newer, fresher family SUVs.

Avoid the slightly underpowered 1.0-litre petrol and noisy 1.6-litre diesel, and it's a strong performer, too. But if you are the kind of buyer who wants to turn heads with your SUV, then the Karoq's generic exterior and conservative cabin might not scratch that itch.

There's no shortage of talented compact SUVs capable of matching the Skoda Karoq's usability and rugged image. Pick up a Peugeot 3008 or Mazda CX-5 if you want a dash of style with your practical five-door SUV, and both are talented elsewhere.

The latest Nissan Qashqai is also a solid all-round choice, while the Ford Kuga and Vauxhall Grandland are also worth considering. We can't ignore the stylish and generously-equipped Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, though, particularly with their longer warranties than rivals. 

From the Volkswagen Group, sister cars the SEAT Ateca and Volkswagen Tiguan are two sides of the same coin. Get the former for a keen price and tidy handling, while the latter has a plusher ride and a slightly better finished interior.

Buyers who want to push the boat out a little with a premium alternative should try the smart and spacious Volvo XC40, or if you are more interested in muddy fields than modern architecture, a Range Rover Evoque.

Those on a tighter budget should consider looking at the smaller Skoda Kamiq or Citroen C3 Aircross. The latter is very efficient for an SUV, and surprisingly spacious inside despite being a lot shorter than the Karoq. For really low running costs or company car buyers, the efficient petrol-electric Toyota C-HR is a fine, if slightly compromised, choice.

The Skoda Karoq may have borrowed heavily from the Kodiaq when it comes to cabin layout, but it also copied the excellent material quality and high level of fit-and-finish that make its big brother feel so smart and solid.

With such a conservative - some would say unexciting - design, the Skoda Karoq could so easily feel dreary inside, but the bright flashes of metallic trim around the air vents and steering wheel spokes, plus  the glossy piano black centre console, do manage to add a touch of class.

Areas you'll come into contact with regularly are draped in soft-touch materials and any harder plastics are hidden far from view - not that you'll find too many of them. All the controls on the Skoda Karoq operate with slick precision. Overlapping panels leave tiny gaps between them and nothing creaks or spoils the upmarket appearance. It not only looks good, it feels robust enough to cope with daily abuse.

The LED lighting in Skoda Karoq SE Drive models bathes the cabin in a soft red glow, but things don't drastically change as you travel up the range. The seat fabrics get progressively nicer, going from fabric, to suede and then leather, while the Scout versions have some questionable faux wood inlays, but all feel high quality to sit in.

Staying connected on the move is no hassle inside the Skoda Karoq. Even SE models come with a bright 8.0-inch touchscreen set into the centre of the dashboard, with standard Bluetooth, DAB radio and smartphone mirroring in the form of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The latter means the system will play nice with Apple and Android phones, allowing you to plug in and access most of your apps via the built-in display, which is the safest way to use your phone while driving.

Using the screen is very intuitive on the Skoda Karoq. There are large on-screen icons that are easy to hit on the move, it has snappy responses to your inputs and touch-sensitive shortcut buttons if you happen to get lost in the menus. Upgrade to SE Drive and you get an integrated navigation system that's quick at route planning, coming with on-board WiFi and live traffic updates, but since you can just use Google Maps or Waze via your phone connection, the SE does fine without it.

The pricier SE-L, Sportline and Edition trims come with an upgraded 9.2-inch screen with sharper graphics and basic gesture controls, so you can swipe in the air to scroll through radio stations or albums. It looks smart enough, but is harder to use than the normal setup, with no volume knob, and just one row of buttons on the wrong side for the driver.

It's also possible to replace the normal instruments with a digital screen that can show a wider range of driver information and works with the nav so that you only need to glance down to see which turn you're taking. This was an option on pre-facelift models but comes as standard across the range from 2022. 

The standard eight-speaker sound system is decent enough but a touch weedy at times, so the upgraded ten speaker system is a good option to look at. 

The Skoda Karoq's dimensions are actually surprisingly compact for the space on offer. It's 4282mm long, 2025mm wide (including the door mirrors) and 1603mm tall. Its footprint is essentially the same as a Volkswagen Golf's, although its 178mm ride height will come in handy on those occasions when you need increased ground clearance.

Where some compact SUVs flatter to deceive with their rugged looks but cramped interiors, this car offers a proper level of versatility and spaciousness that you simply won't find in any run-of-the-mill family hatchback.

Largely, that's down to the ingenious VarioFlex seats. Standard from the Karoq SE L upwards - and optional on the cheaper models - they replace the rear bench with three individual chairs that can slide to trade legroom for boot space, recline, fold, or be taken out entirely. This gives the Karoq interior flexibility that's simply unrivalled in this class.

This means that if you've only got small kids in the back (but a lot of luggage) you can pull the seats forward, leaving a massive 588-litre loading space for their kit and caboodle in the boot. Even set in the farthest back position, the Skoda Karoq's boot can still carry 479 litres worth of stuff, or a whopping 1810 litres if you take them all out.

So, if you're moonlighting as a removals service, it's hard to beat,then. But what about more mundane tasks? Well, the boot isn't just enormous, it's smartly designed, too. There are a plethora of hooks and lashing eyes designed to help prevent your groceries from rolling around, plus a removable torch for night time pit stops.

The rear doors open up very wide, which means fitting a child seat should pose few issues, especially as the passenger space is as generous as the boot. Taller passengers will still have a couple of inches of leg room and even with a cumbersome rear-facing child seat in the back row, you'll be able to fit a passenger up front.

It feels like there are more storage solutions in this Skoda Karoq than half an IKEA catalogue. Along with supersize versions of the usual spots under the central armrest, the glovebox and door pockets, there's a huge cubby perfect for stashing valuables built into the dash, along with two neat picnic tables (with drinks holders) in the back.

That's before you factor in the umbrella stashed under the front passenger seat, plastic ice scraper hidden in the fuel filler cap, parking ticket holder in the windscreen and cupholders that have a grippy base, allowing you to open a bottle with just one hand.

The Skoda Karoq is not offered with a hybrid or electrified option (unlike the Ford Kuga or Hyundai Tucson) so your choice is limited to a range of conventional diesels and petrols. This is a bit disappointing in 2024, but rest assured that the next-generation model will have some sort of hybrid option. 

A six-speed manual gearbox is standard on most variants, with the option of fitting a fairly slick dual-clutch automatic. Both do a fine job, although like with other VW Group products, there can be a bit of a delay with the automatic when you're trying to pull smartly out of a junction or overtake. 

The entry-level engine is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol turbo with 115PS (later reduced even further to 100PS) that frankly, feels a bit too small for this type of car. It makes a characterful noise and revs eagerly, but this song and dance is not accompanied by a lot meaningful forward momentum. It'll struggle when the car is fully loaded, going uphill or overtaking, though if you're just pottering about town it'll do the job. 

By contrast, the 1.5-litre petrol with 150PS is a really nice alternative to diesel. It's got enough pulling power to feel urgent, even from low revs, is really refined and can shut down half of its cylinders to help save fuel. Unless you plan on using your Karoq for towing, or drive very high mileages, this is the one we would go for.

Of the three diesels, the 2.0-litre 150PS car is the sweet spot in the range. The cheaper 1.6 TDI feels a little strangled by its narrow power band, making more of a diesel clatter at low revs. It was later replaced with a 116PS version of the 2.0-litre, which we've never had the opportunity to try. The 150PS engine comes with a choice of front- or four-wheel drive, but pick the latter and you're limited to the automatic gearbox.

On top trims this engine comes with more power, boosting its outputs to a healthy 190PS and 400Nm. Great for hauling a heavy load, but the standard 2.0-litre feels pretty stout already, so we wouldn't bother. Many buyers agreed, and this engine didn't sell awfully well as a result, and so was later phased out of the range.

For buyers who want a wolf in sheep's clothing, there's a 2.0-litre TSI petrol with four-wheel drive and 190PS to match the fastest diesel. It's smooth and rapid, but only available in Sportline trim and pretty thirsty on fuel.

The mature and sensible way that the Karoq goes about its business extends to how it deals with cabin noise. It does a nice job of isolating you from the outside world and you won't feel drained after a few hours of driving.

At motorway speeds there's a little more wind rustle than in, say, a Hyundai Tucson, but tyre noise fades right into the background especially on sensible wheels, and most of the engines will rarely disturb the tranquility.

We say - most - because there are exceptions. The 1.5 TSI is the smoothest motor of the bunch, especially around town, but at higher revs it can sound strained. Pick the 1.0-litre three-cylinder, though, and you'll hear (and feel) the engine more often. It's not unpleasant, but can be quite vocal, sending a light buzz through the controls.

Pick any of the diesels with the Skoda Karoq and you won't have to use the gears as often. They'll settle into a hushed cruise, but they can be rather gruff at low revs, especially the 1.6-litre model. Shifting with the manual gearbox is a light and precise process, but the optional twin-clutch automatic can be a bit abrupt, lurching forward when parking.

Family buyers that have fallen in love with compact SUVs like the Karoq are some of the most demanding when it comes to vehicle safety. Luckily, the Skoda got the maximum five-star rating from crash testers Euro NCAP.

That puts it in-step with other heavy hitters in this class, including the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson and Peugeot 3008. A closer look at the individual categories, though, shows the Karoq's 79% rating for child protection isn't quite as good as the class best. 

Perhaps that's because even on the priciest trims, rear curtain and rear side airbags are optional extras. In most other respects the Skoda Karoq has a decent roster of electronic safety nets and protective equipment. All models come with automatic emergency braking (AEB) that can intervene to prevent low-speed city shunts.

Every trim apart from the entry-level SE gets parking sensors, while SE L comes with a reversing camera to help negotiate tight parking spaces or back into the garage without knocking a tin of paint over.

Still, where some rivals (Toyota's C-HR for example) provide a traffic sign recognition system, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control across the range, in the Karoq these are all optional extras.

If you're a nervous driver and want as much help as possible, the Driver Assistance Pack on the Skoda Karoq is there to help you. This comprehensive bundle includes most of what we mentioned above, plus blind spot detection to alert you to motorbikes and a semi-autonomous systems that can steer, stop and accelerate by itself in traffic jams.

The latter system only works on automatic models, but the pack is reasonably priced. A cheaper option worth considering is an extra set of ISOFIX mounting points on the front seat.

Skoda may have once been the butt of jokes but the modern Skoda brand has historically been the best performing make in the Volkswagen Group when it comes to reliability and owner satisfaction. Need proof? Well Skoda placed second in the 2020 HonestJohn.co.uk Satisfaction Index, behind only Lexus. 

It's dropped to the mid-table in the 2022 Satisfaction Index in 13th, however, although that's still better than all VW Group brands besides Porsche. 

The Skoda Karoq is proving reliable, too, and although not Skoda's best performing model in the Index (that would be the Superb), the small SUV still scored highly. The one fly in the ointment here is a reported issue with the 1.5 TSI that were common across Volkswagen Group models. However, Skoda says this has now been sorted to prevent the 'kangarooing' that owners were experiencing, and we have not had any recent reports.

Paying for your annual premiums in the Karoq should be a relatively pain-free process. It's either cheaper or right in-line with most of its compact SUV peers, with the least powerful 1.0 TSI sitting in insurance group 10.

A basic SEAT Ateca is a little cheaper with the same engine (group 8) so is a better choice for those looking to insure a young driver on their policy. Our preferred engine is only a few notches higher up, in group 14.

For diesel buyers the 1.6 TDI will be just as affordable as the 1.0-litre petrol. The front-drive 2.0 TDI 150 will cost a tad more in group 16, but strangely adding four-wheel drive to this engine drops it down two bands.

There are no hybrid or electrified versions of the Karoq, so every used model is liable for the same standard annual £165 flat-rate of road tax (VED) that applies to all petrol and diesel cars costing less than £40,000 when they were new.

However, the first year rate for new buyers in 2024 depends on which engine you pick, ranging from £255 for the base petrol to a whopping £1,040 for the 2.0 TSI and 2.0 TDI.

However, if you happen splash out on one of the high-end versions and splash out on a few options to push the asking price over the £40,000 barrier, then you'll also have to pay a 'Premium' surcharge of £355 for the first five years.

With big diesel surcharges for company car buyers, the most affordable option for this group is going to be the 1.0-litre TSI, which is still in the fairly high 31% BIK bracket.

The Skoda Karoq's trim levels have changed a bit in the years since it went one sale There were four main grades at launch with a hierarchy: SE, SE Drive, SE L, and sat at the top of the pyramid was the Karoq Edition.

In 2022 the range was tweaked, starting with the SE Drive, rising to SE L and Sportline trim. The pricey Scout and Edition versions were dropped. 

The Skoda Karoq Edition is the money-no-object Skoda. Predictably enough, it's not the one we'd recommend unless you find a good deal used. Luckily, most buyers won't have to scale those heady heights. The entry-level SE comes with climate and cruise control, rear parking sensors and lumbar support.

The Czech brand made a name for itself by offering great value, but it's not longer a budget option. There is no cheap-as-chips 'S' version of the Karoq. One rung up, the Skoda Karoq SE Drive has colourful LED interior lights, brushed chrome trim, a reversing camera and sat-nav, while the SE L models get suede upholstery, heated front seats, LED headlights and keyless entry and start. 

Top spec Skoda Karoq Editions feature an upgraded 9.2-inch central screen, with integrated in-car WiFi, gesture controls and extra driving aids, plus the option to swap the conventional dials for a digital driver’s display.

The last two grades, Skoda Karoq Scout and Skoda Karoq Sportline, are more like standalone models. Separating themselves visually from the other cars, with bespoke bumpers and tweaked styling.

The Scout gets a tougher off-road biased look that includes scuff plates, extra plastic protective side skirts and is only available with four-wheel drive. With both models, you're mainly paying for the looks. For buyers on a budget, the SE is a great choice, but we'd recommend the SE L, mainly for its clever VarioFlex seats.

In 2022 those trim levels altered slightly, with more standard equipment available lower down the range. All models received digital dials, for example, although the upgraded 9.2-inch screen is now an expensive option because Edition trim has been deleted.