Skoda Karoq Review 2023
The Skoda Karoq has made its mark in the highly competitive compact SUV segment. With its sleek design, spacious interior, and impressive performance, the Karoq offers a compelling package for those seeking a versatile and reliable companion for their everyday adventures.
Rivals to the Skoda Karoq include the Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Qashqai, and Peugeot 3008.
Our Skoda Karoq review covers:
- Modern design with its sleek lines and bold curves giving it a dynamic appearance
- Spacious and well-crafted interior that exudes comfort and practicality
- 521-litre boot, expanding to 1,630 litres with rear seats down
- Availability of fuel-efficient engines and technologies
- Three trim levels are available: SE Drive, SE L and Sportline
Pros:
- Attractive design
- Spacious and practical
- Comfortable and well-crafted interior
Cons:
- Firm ride quality
- Limited engine choices
- Limited off-road capabilities
The design of the new Skoda Karoq is characterised by its sleek and modern appearance. It features clean lines and a well-proportioned body, giving it a sophisticated and elegant look. The front is dominated by Skoda's signature grille, which is flanked by stylish LED headlights. The overall design is cohesive and balanced, with subtle creases and contours that add a touch of sportiness. The Karoq strikes a good balance between being visually appealing and practical, making it suitable for both urban environments and outdoor adventures.
Practicality is one of the standout features of the Skoda Karoq. It is designed to cater to the needs of modern families and active individuals. The cabin offers ample space for passengers, providing generous legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats. The seats themselves are comfortable and supportive, making long journeys more enjoyable. The Karoq also excels in terms of storage options, with numerous clever compartments throughout the cabin to hold smaller items.
The boot space in the Skoda Karoq is another one of its key strengths. With the rear seats in place, it offers a respectable capacity that can accommodate a range of items, including suitcases, shopping bags, or pushchairs. The Karoq provides around 521 litres of boot space with the rear seats up, and when the rear seats are folded down, the capacity expands significantly, reaching approximately 1,630 litres. This ample boot space ensures that the Karoq is well-suited for various lifestyle needs, whether it's a family vacation or a trip to the hardware store.
The interior of the new Skoda Karoq is designed with a focus on comfort, functionality, and high-quality materials. Inside you'll find a well-crafted cabin that exudes a premium feel. The layout is intuitive and driver-centric, with all essential controls within easy reach.
The seats are comfortable and supportive, providing a pleasant experience for both short and long journeys. The available upholstery options include durable fabric or luxurious leather, depending on the trim level chosen. The seats are adjustable, allowing drivers and passengers to find their ideal seating position.
The dashboard design is clean and uncluttered, featuring soft-touch materials and well-placed controls. The centre console houses the infotainment system, which can be controlled via a touchscreen display or physical buttons, depending on the trim level. The infotainment system offers seamless smartphone integration, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Three trim levels are available: SE Drive, SE L and Sportline.
SE Drive models offer an enhanced infotainment system called Amundsen, which surpasses the SE model's features. Amundsen includes satellite navigation, smartphone connectivity, and online capabilities. Additionally, the SE Drive is equipped with parking sensors and a reversing camera to assist with parking manoeuvres.
The SE L trim level represents the mid-range model in the Skoda Karoq lineup. Its exterior boasts an upgraded appearance compared to the base model, featuring a chrome pack and larger 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside the SE L, you'll enjoy the luxurious feel of suede-like Alcantara upholstery. Notably, the SE L models are equipped with an eight-inch screen that incorporates built-in satellite navigation, heated front seats, and a rear parking camera. One of the standout features is the VarioFlex rear seats, offering versatile seating options and the ability to remove them completely to accommodate larger cargo loads.
The Sportline trim of the Skoda Karoq emphasises sporty aesthetics both internally and externally. The exterior showcases distinctive black trims, including a black front grille, black badging, and black roof rails. It also features 19-inch alloy wheels with aero covers and more aggressive front and rear bumpers. Inside the Sportline, the cabin feels bright and spacious, thanks to a panoramic sunroof. Additionally, the sporty ambience is complemented by fabric sports seats with grey stitching, enhancing the dynamic appeal of the interior.
When it comes to hybrid or electric options in the Skoda Karoq lineup, unfortunately, they are not available. This may disappoint company car drivers seeking the lowest possible tax bill, as plug-in hybrids typically fall into lower tax bands compared to regular petrol or diesel models.
Skoda does offer mostly economical engines in the Karoq, considering their power output and the size and weight of the vehicle. It's worth noting that the 190hp 2.0 TSI petrol engine stands out as the least fuel-efficient model in the range, with official test figures showing a return of up to 36mpg. Unless you have a strong preference for the extra performance, the 150PS 1.5 TSI is a better choice, achieving up to 45.9mpg with a DSG auto transmission. Opting for a manual gearbox should result in slightly better fuel economy. For those seeking the most economical petrol option, the 110hp 1.0-litre engine is worth considering. It achieves up to 48.6mpg in official tests, offering decent fuel efficiency.
On the other hand, for high-mileage drivers, particularly those who frequently travel on motorways, the diesel engines in the Karoq range are hard to beat. The 116hp 2.0-litre TDI engine is the fuel economy champion, returning an impressive 59.4mpg.
While driving, the Skoda Karoq delivers a comfortable ride over bumps and uneven surfaces, with minimal discomfort except for the occasional sharp intrusion. The cabin provides a serene environment, offering a quiet experience. Although there might be some slight wind rustle around the door mirrors and a subtle tire rumble at cruising speeds, overall, the Karoq maintains a peaceful atmosphere. In urban settings, the Karoq showcases its smoothness and easy handling, making manoeuvring through city streets a breeze.
Overall, the Skoda Karoq is a standout choice in the compact SUV market. It combines stylish design, a comfortable and spacious interior, enjoyable driving dynamics, and a host of advanced features. Whether you're navigating city streets or embarking on a weekend adventure, the Karoq proves to be a reliable and versatile companion that will meet and exceed your expectations.
The Skoda Karoq is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of £29,735.00*, or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from £251.12.
If you're considering leasing a Skoda Karoq, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).
Leasing a Skoda Karoq can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.
It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest Audi retailer.
