Skoda Karoq 2024 review
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York (CC0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Skoda Karoq is the thinking family's SUV: not the flashiest, but one of the smartest buys in the class. Based on proven Volkswagen Group mechanicals, it majors on space, quality and value. The 1.5 TSI petrol with 150PS is the sweet spot — smooth, flexible and economical — while a 2.0 TDI diesel suits high-mileage drivers and a 2.0 TSI with four-wheel drive tops the range.
Practicality is where the Karoq truly shines. The 588-litre boot (with rear seats slid forward) is enormous for the class, and the clever VarioFlex seating system lets you remove the individual rear seats entirely for van-like carrying capacity. Rear legroom is generous, the cabin is trimmed in durable, well-fitted materials, and visibility is excellent all round.
The dashboard centres on an 8-inch or 9.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a digital driver display on higher trims. Trims run SE Drive, SE L and SportLine, all generously equipped with dual-zone climate, adaptive cruise and heated seats. Rivals include the SEAT Ateca, Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage. Low running costs, cheap parts, strong reliability and excellent residuals complete a thoroughly rational — and quietly appealing — package.
UK price from: £27,000
Specifications
| Engine | 1.5-litre TSI petrol |
| Power | 150PS |
| 0-60 mph | 9.2 seconds |
| Top speed | 124 mph |
| Fuel economy | 41.5 mpg (WLTP combined) |
| CO2 | 154 g/km |
| Boot space | 521 litres (588 with VarioFlex) |
| Length | 4,390 mm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual (7-speed DSG optional) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
Features
- 1.5 TSI petrol (150PS) with 7-speed DSG automatic option
- VarioFlex removable rear seats for up to 1,810 litres of space
- 588-litre boot — best in class with seats slid forward
- 8-inch or 9.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay
- Digital driver display and dual-zone climate control
- Adaptive cruise control with lane assist as standard
- Heated front seats, heated steering wheel and LED headlights
- Proven VW Group mechanicals with affordable servicing
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (pair) | £44.99 | Genuine Skoda pads; pattern parts from £19.99 |
| Oil filter | £10.99 | Genuine VW Group filter; service every 10,000 miles |
| Timing belt kit (1.5 TSI) | £159.99 | Replace every 5 years per VW Group schedule |
| Wiper blades (pair) | £21.99 | 26in driver / 18in passenger aero blades |
| 12V battery | £109.99 | AGM battery for stop-start models |
| Roof bars (pair) | £129.99 | Genuine Skoda roof bars for roof rails |
Pros
- Outstanding practicality with clever VarioFlex seating
- Big-car space and quality at a mainstream price
- Smooth, efficient 1.5 TSI is ideal for family use
- Excellent reliability record and strong resale values
Cons
- Styling is sensible rather than exciting
- No hybrid option — petrol or diesel only
- SportLine trim adds cost without much extra pace
- Infotainment menus can be fiddly on the move
