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.

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 passengers 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.

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What engines are available?

There are four engines on offer in the Karoq, and all are well-proven and capable of 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.

What models are available?

Models available are SE, SE Technology, SE L, SE Drive, Scout and Sportline. They're all well-equipped – even if you opt for the basic SE-spec car, 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).

SE Drive models arrived in 2020 with more equipment for slightly less money than you'd have paid if you'd optioned-up a standard SE. You get 17-inch Aero alloy wheels, ambient lighting, the Amundsen satellite navigation set-up with connected Infotainment, plus a colour trip computer and front and rear parking sensors as standard.  This adds up to £1,345 in options but the SE Drive is £855 more than the standard Skoda Karoq SE.

It's also available in Scout and Sportline trims. 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 manual or automatic transmissions. .

Dealwatch special

Our leasing partner, ZenAuto is offering Skoda Karoqs from £243 per month. The usual terms and conditions apply.*

View deal

Further reading

• Best family cars 2020
• The Parkers guide to SUVs

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.

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