Is This The Best SUV For Under $50K? (Skoda Karoq 2023 review)

The facelifted Skoda Karoq SUV has landed in Australia in Style FWD and Sportline AWD form.
Time codes:
0:00 - Introduction
0:45 - Design
2:08 - Boot
3:17 - Interior and tech
5:30 - Back seats
6:42 - Running costs
7:33 - Driving dynamics
13:43 - Verdict
The Skoda Karoq small SUV (almost midsize, really) has arrived in Australia with the choice of a 110kW Style model with FWD or a 140kW AWD Sportline grade. The two cost $43K driveaway and $50K driveaway though there are options you can choose from which increase the price.
The Karoq competes with the likes of the Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, and the incoming Toyota Corolla Cross that is very close to the Skoda on price, but also affords the choice of a hybrid grade.
On test here is the Skoda Karoq 110TSI Style ($42,990 driveaway) with additional options fitted. It uses a 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine with 110kW of power (147 hp) and 250Nm torque.
As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct - so this is an independent, honest review of the Skoda Karoq.
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[@geoffreyclarke7340]

Nice review, thankyou. I've had my 110/250 Karoq for 3 yrs now and couldn't be happier. Mainly around town use, but also to Sydney and beyond at least 10 times. Very low stress to drive, easy, comfortable and fuel efficient. Nothing has gone wrong yet, so it's been in 3 times for annual services only. I bought the Service Pack so they don't charge a penny more. It's a different world now since I bought mine, not a buyer's market and cars can be hard to get, so a lot of people are mucked around when manufacturers can't get chips. I think we buyers have to suck it up until the world changes again. My next car will probably be the 2ltr Karoq, but I'm in no hurry to change this beauty. Very happy 👍

[@markscott2215]

There’s no getting around the fact that this car is insanely expensive compared to genuine (larger) mid-sized suv rivals. I’m not sure this point should be dismissed

[@BenGoodbrand]

It's not though. Consider the features not just the price. Spending the same you won't get the same spec in many (any?) of it's rivals.

[@topher.m]

@@BenGoodbrand Mazda CX-5, RAV 4 Hybrid, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson.

[@BenGoodbrand]

@@topher.m 3 not comparable on features, 1 not even in the same segment.

[@lucutes2936]

​@@BenGoodbrandwould sportline be the best choice?

[@nitishtaneja179]

Thank you for the review. Have already booked a Style and delivery is expected next month. Been following your reviews to gain a better understanding.

[@MrBenHaynes]

I love your review style John. Concise delivery of facts and features sans any ego in the delivery. Beautiful to listen and watch as I can absorb the information in real time. I have an aversion to the lack of aftersales service with anything VAG, but as a substitute to the Karoq, I would consider an Octavia wagon/liftback for its superior ride/handling.

[@marcpacey]

Another great informative review. May look at one when we replace our Kamiq. But the price (with some packs) is getting up there.

[@talisman7405]

I would steer clear of Skoda for the moment. I have a MY21 Octavia RS and love driving it but until they fix the current issue affecting many vehicles they should stop selling cars that can clearly have the same faults. This is a known fault (SOS and travel assist warnings) that has been affecting cars for a while and they still haven't found a solution, just expect owners to put up with it.

[@GreenDistantStar]

Same with the Panorama sunroof. It will fail, and if you are outside of warranty, Skoda won't help, and you won't get much change out of $2K to get it replaced.

[@johncarr8092]

We have a 2018 Karoq 2.0 4x4 edition in the UK, and are well pleased with it l never buy new because of the value that is lost in the first few months.. Having had Fords for many years l was reluctant to lose that great handling ability but the Karoq for its size and weight has amazed me. A sat nav. that actually works is a bonus, as Ford never sorted their sync. System. We regularly achieve 45 mpg with DSG so am happy with that, vario flex rear seats are very useful, although like a Ford Galaxy we had years ago they are heavy and awkward to remove, and then you have to store them somewhere, but silly little things like bag hooks, nets and torch are practical touches. Look forward to more reviews. Cheers!

[@analysethis6061]

Just to add, as per my contract dated 13/1/2022 a fully optioned style model with mud flaps was priced at $51,500 driveaway including dealer delivery, stamp duty and other taxes. Come June 2022, I was quoted $59,600 for the face lift version. A man's greed is his biggest downfall. The car is not worth the price increase and the value for money proposition completely diminishes. Once the price crosses $50,000, one has plenty of options at hand including MAZDA CX-5 and CX-60 which will be launched in the latter half of this year, MITSUBISHI outlander, Subaru Forester, Nissan X-Trail, MG,HAVEL, Hyundai Tucson, and TOYOTA Rav-4 and Corolla Cross. Go figure, why European car manufacturers don't do well in Australia. Not to forget, one of the most underrated cars, Ford Vignale. Simply superb value for money.

[@rickb314]

Just ordered a fully-loaded Karoq Style for $52,500 driveaway (June 2024). That's just a grand more than you were quoted above almost two-and-a-half years ago. You never take the price you're first quoted!

[@davidp4456]

I recently bought a 2019 Karoq Edition with 17k miles and so far Im pleased with it. It has almost all features spec’d in and the few that are missing I’m not worried about. What I noticed when checking the brochures for later year model specifications was what was missing from the ‘standard’ spec and what had been moved to ‘optional’ spec with a significant price hike. I guess many manufacturers have been guilty of this in response to the chip shortage and lower sales volumes through the covid years.

[@jeremymills5399]

Good review. We’ve just committed to a Sport line demonstrator with the premium pack. Driven and found it to be a surprisingly delightful car. Our other car is a Land Rover Defender and I’m going to say that for a small to medium SUV the Karoq is impressive. The ride quality and sharpness of drive was a surprise.

[@jeffwright6129]

Yeah I am never touching another VAG product again after my MY20.5 Karoq was so shit. From a few weeks old it became severely effected with travel assistant problems. I had to wait 4 months for a replacement steering wheel to fix the problem. Surprise! It didn’t fix it but it only did it a few times every week rather than every 3 seconds. Then there was the glitchy infotainment system (same as the one reviewed here) Then there were the rattles which started appearing all throughout the interior after about 10,000km. I decided to get rid of it after I took it in for its 30,000km service because they chose to completely ignore my concern over what sounded like a broken CV joint. On paper at the time I bought it the price was fine. I payed 48k for the 1.4tsi, 8speed with all packs. I can’t believe they’re now charging 54k for the same car and it doesn’t even come with the Canton sound system anymore! What a joke. In theory this would’ve been a good vehicle! It was pleasant to drive, had all the latest tech. Just a shame it didn’t work!

[@tunaboys]

Great review mate !

[@indetailcarcaresolutions3770]

Nice review John. While you pushed the 140kW Sportline you failed to mention that it does not come with the Vario Seating arrangement. To me a Sportline with Vario Seats would be the ideal car. Lloyd

[@minethnz]

Any chance you could give a date for the Skoda fabia review

[@TripleJ85]

Skodas were amazing value pre-pandemic but they seem to have lost that edge of late. Who knows where things will shake out in coming years.

[@alexking1251]

We have a MY12 Skoda Yeti 4x4 TDI, that has hands down been the best car we have owned. With over 250,000kms on it, we are starting to look for a replacement (not there is anything really wrong with our yeti). The Skoda Karoq is on our list but we seem to be confused by the pricing, as it doesn’t really seem like a bang for buck option anymore. While it’s still on our list for now the pricing of it seems peculiar, and IMO is overpriced by at least $5k.

[@jeanvonbarberode2377]

Skoda became overpriced no more good value for money, I bought Karoq in 2019 from the dealer in Melbourne for 28K driveway now this car is 14K dearer and I can't see such a huge changes comparing to mine from 2019 but I can see huge price. Skoda lost attraction with this overpriced policy.

[@jefwisse1957]

I agree, they have become pretty expensive. I was lucky to buy one in 2021 for a very nice price.

[@eraf2135]

Keen to see a review of the AWD Sportline version. We can't fit anything longer than 4.45m in our garage so the Karoq's small size + big boot + AWD is ideal for us. Other similar SUVs under 4.45m have significantly smaller boots. Though the upcoming Toyota Corolla Cross looks well packaged too with a big boot while relatively small overall. Might be worth waiting.

[@shanechislett4005]

You seem to have a similar problem as i have when it comes to limited size of vehicle that can fit in my garage -up to 4.6 m. I am also looking to purchase a new car in the near future, and my list includes the My23 Karoq, My23 Nissan Qashqai, Toyota Cross Hybrid & the My23 VW T-roc.

[@scollyutube]

Look at Cupra Ateca too....?

[@eraf2135]

@@scollyutube yeah Cupra is an option too. The Ateca is a bit pricy though. The Formentor V is in the same price bracket as the Karoq Sportline so that could be a good alternative too.

[@eraf2135]

@@shanechislett4005 yep. I feel your pain. It's very tempting to buy something bigger and leave it on the driveway but I just can't bring myself to do it. Must be garaged for me.

[@scollyutube]

@@eraf2135 yes, I looked at both and Formentor has the lastest bits compared to Ateca and different versions and price ranges, but it's boot is smaller still. I was looking coming down a size from a Kodiaq VRS and going back to petrol. Stayed with Kodiaq as suited me better overall and I liked the matrix LEDs, even though the 228kw Formentor was appealing 😉

[@zaamuro8408]

Tiguan sadly will be the better VAG out of the group due to the pricing. It cannot be compared to the MQB A1 with the MQB A2 vehicles. What you should say is that Skodas usually have more interior space and is bigger ompared with its VW siblings.

[@analysethis6061]

Nice review, John and i agree its a good car to drive but to own, now thats a different story. Tbh it just seems like a face lift to me. But its a Skoda, nice car backed by arrogant and poor customer service . My customer service experience at the Skoda dealership has been very disappointing as a new car buyer. I signed a contract for the new Skoda Karoq in the month of Jan this year and put a deposit over $1k for the same. In the month of June 2022, i get a call from the Skoda dealership and they said I had to cough up $8900 extra for the new Karoq. I went through the contract and it stated the dealership can only pass on 5% of the cost increase to the new car buyer. The attitude at the dealership was if you want the car you need to pay the entire amount. So after 6 months I terminated the contract as negotiations failed and I got my deposit back. So personally speaking after my bitter experience at Skoda, being a new car buyer who has always owned Japanese cars, I don't see myself getting a car from this Manufacturer who takes new car buyers for granted. As they say, every dark cloud has a silver lining, there are new cars launching in the segment of mid size suvs. Eagerly waiting for the new Mazda Cx-60, Toyota Corolla Cross and Nissan Qashqai. Since a fully optioned Karoq is around $58900 driveway, might as well shop around and get better value formy money. Seriously, Skoda, you have good cars but sadly, poor customer service, is your biggest downfall. And thanks to Skoda, now I have the option of owning the most underrated car, Ford Vignale AWD which is at the same price as the Skoda with a far better engine with an 8 speed automatic and all features included with panaromana sun roof.

[@whatthe6532]

Yes but those front seats. Not that great.

[@analysethis6061]

@@whatthe6532 Sorryto hear this. I drove the optioned demo car with leather interior. They were comfortable.

[@whatthe6532]

@@analysethis6061 comfortable yes ish. Seat squab is short. Leather is slippery when driving around corners.

[@analysethis6061]

@@whatthe6532 try the Ford Escape St-line or the Ford Vignale.. truth be told, you might be pretty amazed the value of money on offer.

[@whatthe6532]

@@analysethis6061 Them’s the ones I drove thanks.

[@cisa1622]

Just want to check with owners of Karoq is the second row a comfortable place for long and short ride( is it a bumpy ride in the second row)

[@Donster888]

when can we see Skoda Hybrid or PHEV in Australia?

[@jakeollie]

What’s with the short pants?, did they shrink in the wash? Great review as always. 😀

[@whatthe6532]

Love the short pants. Quirky

[@noeljohns196]

Will you be testing the Karoq Sportline?

[@mikecarnot9473]

seems its a troc really. what was the 140tsi like on fuel ?

[@modelrailwaynoob]

I'm taking delivery of a Sportline in July. I would have liked a Kodiak but the new models aren't here yet and I didn't want the old shape. I chose from an X-Trail and the new Renault austral

[@mickyd4684]

From following Skoda FB forums it seems like Skoda is producing IMO good looking vehicles but since covid started the quality has suffered, prices have soared to put them out of contention and the lack of support from Skoda Australia has been woeful. The Karoq was at the top of my list for my next vehicle, but not any more. Toyota have to be commended for not removing parts from their vehicles (but you have to wait a LONG time for one) and their quality hasn't suffered like Skoda and Mazda (forums I follow), and the new Nissan Qashqai looks sharp and better priced as well. So greed, arrogance and quality have all suffered to damage the Skoda brand. It's going to be a long road back...

[@wilko3926]

I have just taken delivery of the Cupra Ateca VZX, the same size as the Karoq. Whe will u be road testing / reviewing that ?

[@johngibson9463]

It's the same size because it is the same vehicle with different mechanicals, a Karoq body built on same production line in Czech.

[@wilko3926]

@@johngibson9463 fully aware of that thanks mate 👍

[@bradodell6472]

I think it looks good

[@c.s2001]

Instead of buying a new Karoq, consider buying a well looked after 2019 model. You get nearly all the bells and whistles compared to the 2022 model at considerably lower cost. I bought a new 2019 Karoq at the interior has not noticibly changed. Mine was the 1.5 Litre. Though others around that time maybe the 1.4litre. Consider this your Option B. Good hunting.

[@jefwisse1957]

Bought mine in 2021, love the car and more important, got it at a nice price. I don't think I would buy one at the current price.

[@c.s2001]

@@jefwisse1957 your a wise Jef not a wisse Jef

[@jefwisse1957]

@@c.s2001 😂😂😂

[@brendanfeldwick6493]

Was pretty keen on the Karoq (Sportline) in 2020 but ended up with a Kodiaq, which I'm pretty happy with. Can't say I'm a huge fan of the facelift and the price is too much. I know the whole industry is rife with this nonsense atm, but it's going to put people off the brand.

[@spiro5327]

What about a Karoq R with the Golf R spec engine ???

[@jonathangroenewald3906]

It's called a Cupra Ateca.

[@KnicksFanInOz]

$14-5k more than the H6? I struggle to see how it's remotely worth it, let alone some other options in the medium SUV market. This has nice some adjustable/functional cues, but at THAT price and for this small size? I struggle to see why anyone would actually buy this.

[@rickb314]

Because in fifteen years it will still be going strong while the Haval will either be rusting away or have so many issues you'll have already been forced to update it before the warranty runs out. I own a 2010 Skoda Octavia RS and it's now 14.5 years old and counting. Believe me, the depth of engineering in Skodas is impressive. The use of VW parts-bin infotainment screens and software recently, not so much...

[@lyandrewmoraes5808]

you get nets now. I got the MY 21 Karoq and its not included.

[@anthonywarry339]

It’s an SUV yes but a small one. The best SUV for under $50 is still the CX5, Sportage or tucson, which ever one tickles you for what ever reason.

[@leedaq7767]

is this really better option than kia seltos?

[@sandeepsandhu4286]

Better than the one it replaces BUT it clearly looks like a VW Tiguan. The moment this vlog started i could not shed tiguan out of my mind. Lastly whats with razy OTT pricing??? Skoda hasnt learned from its mistakes of overpricing its cars .... predominantly the reason i didnt buy superb yrs back

[@rickb314]

It's not Skoda pricing these things in Australia, it's Volkswagen. VW Australia controls the Skoda brand here, unlike overseas.

[@vladiesc]

Those prices tho.. 😳

[@stevesage4466]

I appreciate that CC needs to be somewhat diplomatic given they need to work with the car companies (loan cars, launches, information releases etc), but surely this can't be an 'independent' review if they don't absolutely pan the car for that outrageous price......and this will show up in the sales because as much as its a decent car, it's $10k off the mark when you add those expensive options. We have: - a Mazda CX5 GTSP with the 2.5 litre engine for $54k driveaway....objectively a much much better car - a Kia Seltos GT line with a 1.6 litre turbo with everything this karoq has but at $46k driveaway....and the new one due in Oct will be $2-3k more - a VW TRoc 110 TSI with leather seats, sound & vision and keyless entry etc is $48k driveaway - a VW TRoc 1140 TSI Rline with leather seats $54k driveaway Objectively I can't see how this car gets recommended by any of the reviewers when the price is probably the top consideration for the majority of buyers......I appreciate prices have gone up over the last 2 years, but motoring journalists have to understand what is main criteria on shoppers lists.....else the majority of us will all be driving something else

[@chasingcars]

Take the following as an explanation of the dynamics and NOT a defence of Skoda. The simple answer is pretty much that there is a mismatch in the timing of price increases in the car industry. Everything is on the way up - but as each dramatic price increase filters through when a new model or facelift is introduced it makes the existing vehicles, not yet hiked, look cheap and good value for a while (which they are!). But in a strongly inflationary economy, it’s very unlikely that the cars that are suddenly $10K cheaper will remain 20% cheaper forever. It’s more that carmakers don’t change prices all that often. Maybe a few times a year at most when things are dire.

[@Mexxx65]

Skodas facelifted Karoq..needs another facelift...Lol ...its no longer the budget VW brand...correct...that's be the new Cupra..oh wait Each to his own

[@pradeepmagan6951]

Use to be the cheaper vw but not any more

[@selldivision]

That's a very expensive Yeti.

[@alfredoramos56]

It has a lot of failures once you get it. Specifically very bad performance of infotainment systems. It's not bad if it works but the problem is that it breaks down easily. Even new the screen goes black or doesn't work properly.

[@TagSpamCop]

Shkoda KaRoq, not Sskoda Carrok.

[@yuhboyify]

54k for a little 110kw micro SUV buzzbox? Not even a sunroof? Yeah, nah. Pass. When a brand new, same dimensions Mitsubishi ASX is 34k d/a, with bulletproof 2.4L mivec and Japanese reliability. Yeah it's unexciting but so is this pos. 20k saving for something nice!

[@lucutes2936]

Someone is tailgating you

[@coldude2559]

Bit steep 🤔🤔🤔

[@tldrinfographics5769]

Almost Lexus UX price lol

[@kawaiikoala4966]

longer jeans please, go on lash out and go shopping

[@theLEGOguy22]

Honda CRV is a much better car for less coin. Skoda ( like most VW group products) really are overpriced junk.

[@brendanfeldwick6493]

It really isn't.

[@cyrilmatthew2995]

What a ridiculous looking car ... Give me one good reason to choose it