Summary
The Skoda Karoq is a medium-sized SUV/crossover, which was launched in late 2017 as a replacement for the previous Skoda Yeti model. It shares its platform with several other models in the Volkswagen group, such as the VW Tiguan, SEAT Ateca and Audi Q3.
The Karoq has received generally good to very good reviews from the UK media, and is one of the top-ranked mid-sized SUVs. It has been particular praised for its practicality and value for money, while the only real criticisms have been that the Karoq is rather bland and characterless.
The Karoq was given a mild mid-life faclift in early 2022, consisting of small exterior design tweaks, new interior trim detailing and new on-board tech additions. As of January 2025, the Skoda Karoq holds an New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 70%.
Karoq highlights
- Plenty of cabin space
- Impressive interior fit and finish
- Easy and relaxing driving experience
- Value for money entry-level model
- Capable off-roader
Karoq lowlights
- Charmless looks
- Top models can get pricey
- Bland performance
Key specifications
Body style: Five-door SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £27,470 on-road
Launched: Winter 2017/18
Last updated: Spring 2022
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic Sportline
“The Skoda Karoq finds a way to nestle itself right amongst the mid-sized SUVs that are good to look at, practically spacious and fuel-efficient. It’s not the cheapest petrol SUV out there on the market, but it makes a great play for being one of those offering the best value for money.”
Author: Cat Dow
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Score: 8.2 / 10
“If you don’t actually like cars and just want something to get you from A to B with comfort and practicality, and without breaking the bank, the Skoda Karoq is pretty much perfect.”
Author: Stuart Masson
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Auto Express
Model reviewed:
Score: 9 / 10
“It might be a little plain looking, but the Skoda Karoq offers a smart and sophisticated image that sits well with its pragmatic ability to soak up the rigours of day-to-day life.
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Skoda Karoq condenses the appeal of the seven-seat Kodiaq into a smaller crossover package.”
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Score: 7 / 10
“The large wheels on the Karoq Sportline harm ride comfort and ruin refinement, while the high list price means other models in the range represent far better value.”
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Score: 8 / 10
“The Karoq Scout, like the rest of the range, is among the best all round family cars on the market. Practical, easy to live with and impressive to drive, there’s very little to fault.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Velo
Score: 8 / 10
“As a package of tech though the Karoq Velo certainly made our four day shredathon very comfortable indeed, even if the custom livery led other riders to believe we were sponsored by Skoda. A Kodiaq Velo would be a better shout for those of us with larger mountain bikes, though.”
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Score: 8 / 10
“It excels in the areas it needs to – comfort, practicality, durability and value for money – and puts in a solid display in all other categories. If you want a practical family car but don’t need the sheer heft of the Kodiaq, its lookalike sibling does the job very well indeed.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: Range overview (facelift)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Skoda Karoq remains just as practical and useful as always, but the new additions mean that it feels even more upmarket than ever. With an efficient range of engines to accompany it, we can only see the Karoq’s desirability going upwards, despite the increasing number of rivals that it has to contend with.” (Ted Welford)
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel manual Scout
Score: 9 / 10
“Scout trims take the already impressive hallmarks of the Skoda Karoq and adds an extra sense of rugged styling. It’s not off-road brute, but it looks cool and the tougher additions haven’t detracted from its comfortable ride, impressive practicality and leisurely drive.”
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Carbuyer
Score: 8.6 / 10
“The Skoda Karoq is fun to drive, loaded with features and very practical, making it an ideal choice for families.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“If you want a well-built small SUV with plenty of space, the Skoda Karoq is well worth a look. Just don’t expect to be wowed by how it looks or the way it goes around corners.”
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Evo
Score: 7 / 10
“Skoda’s new small SUV is certainly capable, but lacks the character and spirit of its Yeti predecessor.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol SE L
Score: 8 / 10
“The Skoda Karoq is a very competent all-rounder. It’s good to drive, it can be efficient, and it’s decent value. It’s also practical, with the Varioflex seating system genuinely helping in this area, giving either a large boot, or good legroom for rear seat occupants.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“If you’re looking for a family SUV that puts comfort and practicality over pretty much everything else, the Skoda Karoq knocks it out of the park. All models are well-equipped and, providing you avoid the glitzier high-spec trim levels, none will break the bank.”
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Honest John
Score: 8 / 10
“While there’s no shortage of choice if you’re after a family crossover, the Karoq manages to stand out. It feels a quality vehicle, the interior is excellent and it’s good to drive too. Top models are pricey but the Karoq competes well with rivals like the Peugeot 3008 on price and standard specification.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8.8 / 10
“The Skoda Karoq is a supremely practical family car”
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The Scotsman
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic
Score: 8 / 10
“Practical touches and a great petrol engine make the Skoda Karoq a smart choice for family buyers looking to avoid paying the hybrid or BEV premium.”
Author: Steven Chisholm
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The Sun
“The Skoda Karoq comes with practical features that parents will love. It’s like a Swiss Army Knife on wheels and offers better value than its cousins.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SE L
Score: 10 / 10
“If you’re in the market for a family SUV, and you can live with the fact it looks a bit dull, then my advice is simple: buy this one.” (Alex Robbins)
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Skoda Karoq might have lost its predecessor’s personality but, on every other front, it’s a better car than the one it replaces. It’s a deeply worthy, sensible, inoffensive car that will go about family life in a faithful and fuss-free way without any major gripes or annoyances. We very much like the Karoq overall. It’s just sometimes a bit tricky to remember exactly why.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2017
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 93%
Child protection: 79%
Vulnerable road users: 73%
Safety assist: 58%
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Skoda Karoq has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP. If the Karoq is put through the Green NCAP lab testing programme, we will publish the results here.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of January 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Skoda Karoq to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Karoq, we’ll publish the score here.
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 45 mpg | C | 35 – 49 mpg | C – D |
Diesel models | 48 mpg | C | 47 – 49 mpg | C – C |
CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 144 g/km | B | 132 – 182 g/km | A – C |
Diesel models | 154 g/km | B | 150 – 157 g/km | B – C |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 18 | A | 12 – 25 | A – B |
The Skoda Karoq is a relatively affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
While the fuel consumption for both petrol and diesel models sits at around the market average, the Karoq’s insurance premiums are estimated to be cheaper than many of its mainstream rivals.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Skoda Karoq has received
2023
- Caravan & Motorhome Club Awards – Best Towcar
2022
- Auto Express Awards – Used Car of the Year
2021
- Company Car CCT100 Awards – Best Crossover
2020
- Auto Trader Awards – Best Car for Dog Owners
2019
- UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Family Car
- Auto Express Awards – Mid-Size SUV of the Year
- Carwow Awards – Value Award
- Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Crossover
2018
- Auto Express Awards – Mid-Size SUV of the Year
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Skoda Karoq, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Citroën C5 Aircross | Ford Kuga | Honda CR-V | Hyundai Tucson | Jeep Compass | Kia Sportage | Mazda CX-5 | MG HS | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Nissan Qashqai | Peugeot 3008 | Renault Kadjar | SEAT Ateca | SsangYong Korando | Subaru XV | Suzuki S-Cross | Toyota C-HR | Vauxhall Grandland X | Volkswagen Tiguan
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Lease a new Skoda Karoq
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