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Expert Rating

Skoda Karoq

(2018 - present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

61
%
C

Used car score:

64
%
B

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

73
%
B

Safety Rating:

51
%
D

Eco Rating:

63
%
C

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

71
%
B

Warranty Rating:

15
%
E

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

61
%
C

Used car score:

64
%
B

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

73
%
B

Safety Rating:

51
%
D

Eco Rating:

63
%
C

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

71
%
B

Summary

The Skoda Karoq is a medium-sized SUV/crossover, which was launched in late 2017 as a replacement for the previous Skoda Yeti model. It shares its platform with several other models in the Volkswagen group, such as the VW Tiguan, SEAT Ateca and Audi Q3.

The Karoq has received generally good to very good reviews from the UK media, and is one of the top-ranked mid-sized SUVs. It has been particularly praised for its practicality and value for money, while the only real criticisms have been that the Karoq is rather bland and characterless.

The Karoq was given a mild mid-life facelift in early 2022, consisting of small exterior design tweaks, new interior trim detailing and new on-board tech additions. As of March 2026, the Skoda Karoq holds a New Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 61%. It gets good grades for its media review scores and low running costs, but its CO2 emissions are now only average. In addition, its safety rating has now expired due to age and Skoda’s new car warranty offering is poor.

Karoq highlights

  • Plenty of cabin space
  • Impressive interior fit and finish
  • Easy and relaxing driving experience
  • Value for money entry-level model
  • Capable off-roader

Karoq lowlights

  • Charmless looks
  • Top models can get pricey
  • Bland performance

Key specifications

Body style: Five-door SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £27,470 on-road

Launched: Winter 2017/18
Last updated: Spring 2022
Replacement due: TBA

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Featured reviews

More reviews

The Car Expert

Auto Express

Car

Car Keys

Carbuyer

Evo

Green Car Guide

Heycar

Honest John

Parkers

The Scotsman

The Sun

The Telegraph

Top Gear

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2017
Date expired: January 2024
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 93%
Child protection: 79%
Vulnerable road users: 73%
Safety assist: 58%

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Skoda Karoq has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP. If the Karoq is put through the Green NCAP lab testing programme, we will publish the results here.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of April 2025 (our most recent data point), we don’t have enough reliability data on the Skoda Karoq to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Karoq, we’ll publish the score here.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScore
Petrol models45 mpgC
Diesel models54 mpgB
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models146 g/kmC
Diesel models144 g/kmC
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models18A

The Skoda Karoq is a relatively affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

While the fuel consumption for both petrol and diesel models sits at around the market average, the Karoq’s insurance premiums are estimated to be cheaper than many of its mainstream rivals.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Skoda Karoq has received

2023

  • Caravan & Motorhome Club Awards – Best Towcar

2022

  • Auto Express AwardsUsed Car of the Year

2021

  • Company Car CCT100 Awards – Best Crossover

2020

  • Auto Trader Awards – Best Car for Dog Owners

2019

  • UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Family Car
  • Auto Express Awards – Mid-Size SUV of the Year
  • Carwow Awards – Value Award
  • Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Crossover

2018

  • Auto Express Awards – Mid-Size SUV of the Year

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Skoda Karoq, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Citroën C5 Aircross | Ford Kuga | Honda CR-V | Hyundai Tucson | Jeep Compass | Kia Sportage | Mazda CX-5 | MG HS | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Nissan Qashqai | Peugeot 3008 | Renault Kadjar | SEAT Ateca | SsangYong Korando | Subaru XV | Suzuki S-Cross | Toyota C-HR | Vauxhall Grandland X | Volkswagen Tiguan

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The Skoda Karoq has received many good reviews and awards from the UK media, with particular praise for its practicality and value for money.Skoda Karoq