Skoda Karoq review

The Karoq is Skoda’s entry into the incredibly popular mid-sized family SUV segment. It replaced the much-loved Yeti, bringing with it more conventional looks and a strong connection to its larger Kodiaq sister car.

It’s certainly got plenty of mass-market appeal, and it needs it – squaring up for sale in one of Europe’s most competitive market sectors. Buyers of mid-sized SUVs can choose from nearly any manufacturer they want – whether it’s the value and dependability of a Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson, the class and style of a Peugeot 3008 or Volkswagen Tiguan, or the good driving manners and hybrid capability you get from the latest Ford Kuga or Toyota RAV4.

Skoda’s thrown everything it has at the Karoq, though, and in doing so created a fantastically family-friendly SUV – with loads of space, remarkable practicality and rafts of ‘simply clever’ touches.

• Read more: Skoda's new SE Drive models

Karoq: New car, new name

Skoda decided that it wanted to establish a closer link to the larger Kodiaq. That meant the name had to start with a K and end with a Q. Kodiak Island in Alaska was the source of the new badge – where the population refers to a car as a ‘kaa’rak’, while an arrow (like the one on the Skoda badge) is called a ‘roq’. And so, Karoq was born.

Even if you opt for the basic SE-spec car (the majority of customers will plump for mid-level SE L) there’s still a good spread of standard kit to get your teeth stuck into. This includes a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, DAB radio, Bluetooth phone connectivity, rear parking sensors and Smartlink (Apple Carplay and Android Auto).

There’s plenty of potentially life-saving safety features too, including front assist autonomous emergency braking with Predictive Pedestrian Protection (the vehicle can recognise and attempt to avoid pedestrians in its path), Multi-Collision Brake (automatically activates brakes after an accident), emergency assist (brings the car to a halt if it detects the driver has collapsed) and blindspot monitoring.

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Practical with adaptable rear seats

Mid-sized SUVs need to be able to fit five adults and their luggage – something the Karoq does with relative ease. There’s plenty of room in the cabin for four large adults with rear headroom a particular highlight even with the optional panoramic roof in place.

Middle seat passangers will bemoan the chunky transmission tunnel robbing room to place their feet, but should be happy otherwise. Storage all around the cabin is excellent, plus boot space is a class-leading 521 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,630 litres with them down. You can also remove the back seats entirely should you wish – although this is a process that takes practice to master.

Simple but effective engine line-up 

There are only four engines on offer in the Karoq, and while none will set the world alight with their performance levels they’re all capable of doing the job. That said, the highlights of the range are either the 150hp 2.0-litre TDI diesel or the 150hp 1.5-litre TSI petrol. All engines are available with a slick and easy-to-use seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. Fuel economy and emissions figures aren’t class leading, but are enough to keep both private and company car drivers happy. The lowest CO2 rating belongs to the 115hp 1.6-litre TDI DSG at 117g/km, as does best fuel economy at 64.2mpg.

Not much fun to drive, but has great comfort levels

The Karoq has been set-up to offer a calm, comfortable ride and tranquil driving experience – something it achieves with aplomb. Road and wind noise are both low, while the ride and general damping is impressive, soaking up large bumps with ease. Potholes and cracks in the road can reveal a slight edge to the ride – especially on larger wheels – but not to the extent of ruining an otherwise relaxing driving experience. The pursuit of comfort means the Karoq feels soft and rolls a fair bit in corners, but is still perfectly stable and easy to drive at both high and low speeds. Those who enjoy a sharp, sporty drive should consider looking elsewhere, however.

Scout and Sportline joined range in 2018

At the Paris motor show in October 2018, Skoda unveiled two new versions of the Karoq. The Scout has more of a rugged look and 4x4 as standard with a choice of petrol or diesel engines and manual or automatic gearboxes, while Sportline has a 190hp petrol engine and the option of four-wheel drive and either of the transmissions mentioned above. This expanded the model range consisting of SE, SE Technology, SE L, Scout, Sportline and Edition.

Click here to read our thoughts on the Skoda Karoq's practicality, interior, running costs or driving experience - or find out how we got on running one for six months here.

Dealwatch special

Our leasing partner, ZenAuto is offering Skoda Karoqs from £262 per month. The usual terms and conditions apply.*

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*These deals are indicative examples of some packages available as of 2 January 2020 but are subject to change without prior notice. Everyone's financial circumstances are different, and the availability of credit is subject to status. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Parkers cannot recommend a deal for you specifically. Bauer Consumer Media Limited is an appointed representative of ZenAuto Limited for the broking of regulated hire agreements. ZenAuto Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. ZenAuto Limited's registered office is Number One, Great Exhibition Way, Kirkstall Forge, Leeds LS5 3BF. ZenAuto Limited's company registration number is 10967345. ZenAuto is the trading name of ZenAuto Limited. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply.