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

The Skoda Yeti arrived on the scene in 2009 as the Czech manufacturer’s first crossover vehicle. It certainly stood out, thanks to its chunky looks as much as its name. The Yeti proved a worthy competitor against the Nissan Qashqai, which had been previously been the only game in town in this segment. Its combination of charm, practicality and value helped it hold its own against newer entrants to the class over the following eight years. Skoda replaced it with the Karoq in 2017, but there are still plenty out there on the used market.

Check out the Skoda Yeti model page to learn more and explore available cars.

What we think about the Skoda Yeti

The Skoda Yeti is a likeable and down-to-earth family car that can also handle a bit of rough-road action.

Pros

Practical

Fun to drive

Plenty of personality

Reasonable running costs

Cons

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Safety features are quite basic

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Lack of space in the boot

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Can develop problems with oil consumption

The Yeti comes as either a two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive. It got a makeover in 2017, with updates to both the styling and the engine range. The first generation was available in four trim levels: E, S, SE and Elegance. The 2014 split the Yeti into two variants – the sleek city-focused Yeti and the rugged Yeti Outdoor. Core trims were cut to two: SE Drive and SE L Drive.

Driving performance of the Skoda Yeti

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

“Skoda” and “Yeti” might not be words you’d immediately associate with dash and manoeuvrability, but for a car of its kind, this model is surprisingly fun to drive. The precise steering and lack of lean mean it doesn’t feel cumbersome in the way its appearance might lead you to believe. It offers plenty of traction too, which really comes into its own if you take it off-road. The 2.0-litre TDI will take you from 0 to 60 in 9.1 seconds, and the 1.4 TSI in the Outdoor will do it in 8.7 seconds. Lower down the range, it’s still pretty punchy for a family SUV, with the popular 1.2 TSI taking 10.7 seconds.

Safety and reliability of the Skoda Yeti

Our Safety Rating7 / 10

The Yeti was awarded the full five stars from Euro NCAP, but that was back in 2009 when the tests were rather less stringent. There are airbags all round, plus Isofix child seat anchor points, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control. It does lag behind some of its rivals when it comes to advanced safety systems though – it doesn’t have the auto emergency braking of the Mazda C3, for example. Despite that, the model enjoys a generally good reputation for reliability.

Under the bonnet of the Skoda Yeti

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

The 1.2 TSI turbo petrol engine will be adequate for most drivers. You might find it feels a little underpowered if the car’s fully loaded up with people and gear, and if this is going to be a major issue then you’re probably better off with one of the 2.0-litre diesels. The 148 brake horsepower diesel offers the maximum towing capacity and has the chops to tackle rough terrain if you’re serious about off-roading. For those sticking mostly to the ashpalt, there’s a 108 bhp version that should do everything you need. There are also 1.8-litre turbo petrol and 1.6-litre turbo diesel options available in the pre-facelift models.

What you'll find in the Skoda Yeti

Our Design Rating8 / 10

The Yeti looks a bit like the kind of toy car kids could race around the garden without doing it any serious damage. Whether you consider this charming or clunky depends on your sense of aesthetics, but it certainly stands out from the crowd, and if you’re considering the Yeti then you’re probably in the camp that likes its style. The oversized roof rails, blistered wheel arches and lower-body cladding all help to create a look that’s big and beefy without being overly macho.

Comfort and interiors in the Skoda Yeti

Our Comfort Rating8 / 10

The high driving position and large window area make for excellent visibility, and there’s plenty of room inside for five passengers. There’s lots of adjustment options in the driver’s seat and steering wheel, so drivers of all dimensions will be able to make themselves comfortable. The interior build isn’t showy, but it feels well put-together, with plenty of soft-touch but durable materials that look up to the challenges a family can throw at them.

What features you'll find in the Skoda Yeti

Our Features Rating6 / 10

The satnav and entertainment are where the Yeti loses some ground against its rivals. Obviously a car that was discontinued some years ago isn’t going to have state-of-the art systems, but the older-tech Volkswagen kit was already starting to feel dated at the end of the Yeti’s production span. Elsewhere, the Yeti is well-equipped, with air conditioning, alloy wheels and remote central locking standard on the Outdoor. The SE model comes with features including tinted glass and dual-zone climate control, while stepping up to the SE L Drive brings all-round parking sensors, LED rear lights and full leather trim.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Skoda Yeti

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

The 148 bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel will get you a claimed 55.4 mpg, which is pretty respectable for a car of this class. The 1.4-litre TSI, however, being only available in four-wheel-drive, will get you 44.8 mpg. If economy is a sticking point for you, look at the Greenline II model, which the manufacturer claims will offer 61.4 mpg. All in all, the small petrol engines and diesels mean it’s a pretty economical SUV to run.

Running costs of the Skoda Yeti

Our Cost Rating7 / 10

Various versions of the Yeti sit in insurance groups nine to 15, which won’t put too much of a dent in your budget and undercuts many of the Yeti’s rivals. Skoda offers fixed-price servicing at very reasonable prices. Factored in with the fuel economy and purchase price, this makes the Yeti a good option for the cost-conscious buyer.

Our verdict of the Skoda Yeti

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

The Skoda Yeti is a great all-round family SUV that combines practicality, value and great handling with a touch of rugged adventure.

Skoda Yeti Review