Name: Skoda Karoq Review
Item: Skoda Karoq
Author: Gumtree.com

Replacing the quirky-yet-wonderful Yeti with the demure Karoq in 2017 was a surprise move by Skoda. The Karoq is Skoda’s entry into the busy family crossover segment, but it offer the reliability, practicality and price point to hold its own. A very capable everyday car, it offers plenty of choice with engines and trims to make your all-round vehicle uniquely suited to you. Some rivals offer a bit more in the way of premium tech and creature comforts, sure – but many will struggle to beat the Karoq on price, running costs and dependability.

Visit the Skoda Karoq model page to explore available options and learn more.

What we think about the Skoda Karoq

Offering clever personalisation, lots of interior space and a comfortable ride, the Skoda Karoq ticks all the boxes for a family SUV.

Pros

Versatile cabin

Great handling

Excellent space

Cons

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Top specs are quite pricy

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Lack of hybrid engine

There are several engines on offer with Karoq, ranging from 1.0-litre to 2.0-litre (three petrol, and three diesel engines). All are a practical choice with each having its own advantages. You can also choose from a range of trims on the 2021 model to personalise the car to your needs, starting with the entry-level SE and running up to the Edition.

Driving performance of the Skoda Karoq

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

The Skoda Karoq balances comfort and fun very well – exactly what you’d expect from a family car. The tried-and-tested MQB platform from the VW group really dictates how the car handles British roads. A firm suspension means that there’s less body roll, though the rival Seat Ateca is able to handle the poorer road surfaces a touch better. All in all, the Karoq’s weighty steering ensures that the car is quite spirited – engaging when you need it to be, but otherwise effortless.

Safety and reliability of the Skoda Karoq

Our Safety Rating8 / 10

Given that the Karoq shares the MQB platform with a dozen other cars, the formula is well-proven. With Euro NCAP awarding it a full five stars for safety and an incredible adult occupancy rating of 95%, rest assured that you’re in good hands with this Skoda. Airbags, height-adjustable driver’s seat, Isofix child support anchor points and front fog lights all form part of the standard package. You even get lumbar support to keep you in good shape for those long journeys that are inevitable for a family car. Top-spec Karoqs get lane assistance, cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring.

Under the bonnet of the Skoda Karoq

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

You get to choose from a variety of engines with the Karoq: 1.0-, 1.5- and 2.0-litre turbocharged petrols and 1.6 and 2.0 TDI diesels. The 1.0-litre petrol does 0-60 mph in 10.60 seconds, while the top-level 2.0-litre Sport Line trim petrol engine gets the figure down to 7.3 seconds. The equivalent diesel is nearly at the finish line at 7.4 seconds. If you require motorway pulling power but don’t need a punchy engine, the mid-spec engines perform well. Choosing between petrol and diesel rests on personal preference here, essentially boiling down to convenience and costs.

What you'll find in the Skoda Karoq

Our Design Rating8 / 10

The comparison to the Yeti might make it seem conservative in terms of styling, but in reality, this Skoda is doing a good job of keeping up with changing times. It plays with practicality and space very well, giving the car a premium appeal. Design cues are taken from the success of its bigger brother, the Kodiaq, with similar side profiles and wheel arches. Despite the obvious derivations between the Kodiaq and the Karoq, the lower bumpers and the rear bumpers do a good job of making this mid-size car appealing.

Comfort and interiors in the Skoda Karoq

Our Comfort Rating8 / 10

Cabin design is taken on in the typical modern Skoda style: polished and minimalist. While there are no major highlights, the Karoq amplifies the neat dashboard design, functional styling and quality interiors that are typical of the Czech manufacturer. In terms of practicality, the Karoq boasts of class-leading boot space with 521 litres at your disposal – whether you’re packing for a weekend trip to the beachside or a week-long roadtrip, you’re in good hands here. Lots of legroom for both passengers and drivers, driver side seat adjustment and well-rounded ride quality make the Karoq a versatile choice.

What features you'll find in the Skoda Karoq

Our Features Rating8 / 10

Apart from the comfy seats, the Karoq takes care of in-car entertainment with lots of standard tech. Built-in satnav with an eight-inch screen and smartphone connectivity form part of the standard package. Bright screens and sharp graphics make all trims of the Karoq a good choice if cabin-tech is high on your priority list. Investing in the more expensive trims will get you the 9.2-inch Columbus system, which comes with gesture control, voice control and a Wi-Fi hotspot. You also have the option to add wireless charging. Choose from the options list if you want all the extra cushioning comfort of heated seats and leather trims, along with body-coloured bumpers.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Skoda Karoq

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

The entry-level petrol engine delivers 45.6 mpg while the larger 1.5-litre engine gives about 44.8 mpg. A sensible choice that balances power and costs is the manual 2.0-litre petrol engine, which returns 52.3 mpg. The diesels aren’t quite as efficient, offering 42.8 mpg at best. Although these figures aren’t class-leading, they’re only marginally lower than pack leaders like the Peugeot 3008, which delivers 53.8 mpg. Overall, given the plethora of engine choices, it shouldn’t be hard to get your hands on a Skoda Karoq that balances budget, running costs and performance.

Running costs of the Skoda Karoq

Our Cost Rating8 / 10

Typically, the Karoq falls within insurance groups 11 and 16. Bear in mind that more premium names, including the aforementioned Peugeot 3008, can go up to group 24, which means there’s huge savings for very little downside with the Karoq. Skoda offers a standard three-year/60,000-mile warranty, which is typical of a mid-size crossover that’s meant for family use. For ordinary usage, annual servicing is recommended by Skoda. Used car buyers should check the service history to ensure that the new vehicle hasn’t suffered any big issues, but all in all, the MQB platform also guarantees reliability to a good extent.

Our verdict of the Skoda Karoq

4.5 / 5 Gumtree rating

The Skoda Karoq is the quintessential everyday SUV – intended to chaperone a typical family for years to come. It boasts sensible engines, lots of space and reliability, all the while being a fun drive for the weekends.

Skoda Karoq Review