CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 28.9%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.5 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 700
Average Price: Around £17,500

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. The cabin is very well put together with excellent headroom and legroom for front and rear passengers, whilst the Varioflex seating system offers three separate rear seats with a 40:20:40 split, providing up to 1,810 litres of boot space.

The Karoq drives well with neat handling and a composed ride, majoring on refinement and comfort rather than agility. Engine options include a 114bhp 1.0-litre TSI petrol, a 148bhp 1.5 TSI petrol available with manual or DSG gearbox, a 187bhp 2.0-litre TSI petrol with four-wheel drive and DSG, and a 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel with DSG and all-wheel drive. Fuel economy ranges from 36.3mpg to 49.3mpg depending on engine and specification. Every model comes with comprehensive safety equipment, a five-star Euro NCAP rating, and standard infotainment with a three-year subscription. Service intervals are annual or every 10,000 miles, with reasonable maintenance costs by Volkswagen Group standards.

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

Not ideal for: Buyers seeking the most exciting driving dynamics, those preferring distinctive styling, or those wanting hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains.


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 and dependable performance, or prioritising practicality and comfort over driving excitement.

Consider alternatives if: You want the most exciting driving dynamics, prefer distinctive styling, or require hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains.

Competitive Position: The Skoda Karoq is a strong contender in the small family SUV market, offering excellent practicality, comfort, and value. Whilst some rivals like the Ford Kuga offer more engaging driving dynamics and the Nissan Qashqai provides greater brand recognition, the Karoq's superior roominess, comprehensive standard equipment, and dependable performance make it an outstanding choice for families prioritising practicality and comfort. Its recent updates have further strengthened its position as a great value proposition in an increasingly competitive segment.

Read our full Skoda Karoq Review

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

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