CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 39.5%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.6 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 700
Average Price: Around £17,000

Skoda Karoq (2017-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Very roomy and practical	Some issues with 1.5 petrol engine
Comfortable on the road	Slightly anonymous styling
Plenty of standard equipment	Some rivals are nicer to drive

Quick Summary

The Skoda Karoq is a dependable and talented small family SUV that has remained competitive nearly a decade after its launch. Launched in 2017 to fill the gap left by the discontinued Yeti, it sits between the smaller Kamiq and larger Kodiaq models. Following a facelift in 2022 and further updates in 2024, the Karoq gained more standard equipment, new trim levels, and a revised 1.0-litre petrol engine. It offers excellent practicality with 521 litres of boot space (588 litres with optional Varioflex seating), generous headroom and legroom for all passengers, and clever storage solutions throughout.

The Karoq drives well with neat handling and a composed ride, particularly in four-wheel-drive versions with multi-link rear suspension. Engine options include a 114bhp 1.0-litre TSI petrol, 148bhp 1.5 TSI petrol (manual or DSG), 187bhp 2.0-litre TSI petrol with four-wheel drive, and a 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel. Fuel economy ranges from 36.3mpg to 49.3mpg depending on engine and specification. The cabin is well-appointed with comprehensive safety equipment, a five-star Euro NCAP rating, and standard infotainment with smartphone integration. Service intervals are annual or every 10,000 miles, with reasonable maintenance costs through Skoda's authorised network.

Best for: Families seeking a spacious, practical, and comfortable SUV with excellent standard equipment and dependable performance; buyers prioritising practicality and value over driving excitement.

Not ideal for: Those seeking the most engaging driving dynamics (Ford Kuga or Mazda CX-5 are better choices), buyers wanting distinctive styling, or those with concerns about 1.5 petrol engine reliability.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Karoq if: You're seeking a spacious, practical, and comfortable family SUV with excellent standard equipment, dependable performance, and strong value for money.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise engaging driving dynamics (Ford Kuga), distinctive styling, or have concerns about 1.5 petrol engine reliability.

Competitive Position: The Skoda Karoq is a standout in the small family SUV segment, offering superior practicality and standard equipment compared to rivals. With a five-star expert rating and perfect user rating, it outperforms competitors on overall CarGurus rating (4.6 versus 4.5 for Ford Kuga and Nissan Qashqai, and 4.2 for Seat Ateca). Whilst the Ford Kuga offers better value deals (46.7%) and more engaging handling, the Karoq's combination of space, comfort, comprehensive features, and reliability makes it an excellent choice for families prioritising practicality. The Nissan Qashqai and Seat Ateca are solid alternatives, but the Karoq's recent updates and standard equipment levels give it a clear advantage.

Read our full Skoda Karoq Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.