2026 Skoda Karoq review

It may be a part of ‘popular car segment, but it is the Karoq that is very much the unloved middle child in Skoda lineup.

Since then, the mid-size SUV has received incremental updates since its launch in 2017 as First launched way back with the Czech brand focusing on new models and electrification of other existing nameplates.

The Australian new-car buyers have not noticed Skoda hasn’t been caught up with Skordan’s ignoring the Karoq. Karoq sales are 38 per cent down from last year despite persistent demand for affordable mid-size SUVs, while Karorq sold at least the same rate as it was in its lowest point last month.

Aussies have instead voted to shiny new toys, such as the BYD Sealion 6, Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and GWM Haval H6.

It’s not just cheaper Chinese competitors that have the Karoq’. In much larger numbers, the related Volkswagen Tiguan was sold to relative oddballs such as a very old Renault Koleos, electric Leapmotor C10 and even the truly niche Range Rover Evoque.

Would it be a change in fortunes of the Karoq after tweaks to the lineup heading into 2025, given no pricing or specification changes that have been announced for 2026?

Nevertheless, we’re testing this Skoda Karoq Sportline 4×2 to see if it deserves your attention.

How much does the Skoda Karoq cost?

Considering the price of its mid-spec Sportline 42 is $46,990 drive-away (a $1500 increase on Style it replaced), Skoda says that it’s fitted with $6500 worth of extras over what was previously included in its predecessor.

| Model | Price before on-roads | Drive-away price |
| — | — | — |
| 2025 Skoda Karoq Select 110TSI | $38,490 | $40,990 |
| 2025 Skoda Karoq Sportline 110TSI 4×2 | $44,490 | $46,990 |
| 2025 Skoda Karoq 130 Years Edition 110TSI | $48,990 | $49,990 |
| 2025 Skoda Karoq Sportline 140TSI 4×4 | $55,090 | $54,990 |

Our test vehicle was finished in Velvet Red Metallic paint, which incurs an additional charge of $770.

To see how the Skoda Karoq lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

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What is the Skoda Karoq like on the inside?

It’s just a bit long in the tooth, and that’ll be apparent in its layout and features of inside.

There’s a bland familiarity to the cabin – its monochrome appearance, physical controls, and restrained technology suite.

So on the one hand, Karoq Sportline 110TSI offers little to get excited about what is going by. But on the other hand, it’s a flat learning curve-oriented SUV that is an approachable option – exactly what some buyers want in 2026.

But for some things it never age, and that’s what . example, good ergonomics for a like. A good degree of tilt and reach adjustment is provided by the Karoq Sportline 110TSI, which has a supportive cloth-trimmed seats that sit within easy reach of the central multimedia screen and steering wheel.

Front pews are manually adjustable – unusual at this price point – and have a heating system as standard. The sculpted steering wheel, finished in grippy perforated leather for maximum comfort, is as much as the SculpteD steeringwheel.

The quality of materials elsewhere is a bit like’mix bag’, . While the dash and centre console are covered with soft-touch plastics, in nature they have a more harsher door cards than their traditional counterparts. A lot of the dismay we have to be shocked by how scatch-prone gloss finishes also appear, as does Scratch finish.

Skoda squidgy spot to rest your elbow while driving on the bright side, leaving some leather for the centre armrest. cabin controls, which are mostly pleasant to interact with and tactile buttons and dials of the cabin (and.

The tech-averse has a huge win for climate and media parameters, which can be adjusted without so much as if it is tap on the infotainment screen – an important shift. Similarly, the Karoq has an advantage over newer mid-size SUVs that are increasingly testing screen-based control centres which are often convoluted and bereft of feedback.

But you’ll still have to interact with the touchscreen to tinker with vehicle settings or use smartphone mirroring, because there is no rotary controller like those in Mazda and BMW models.

Doing so brings into focus the pros and cons of the Karoq’s older tech.

The 9. But the screens in newer Skoda models are not as large or feature-laden as 2-inch Infotanment system, let alone external competitors.

But its two-page grid layout is a bit refreshing, at least for the simplicity of its ‘s simple style. So, assuming you’ll never be lost in a menu maze and touch shortcuts are available on either side of the display.

This is not like the Karoq, which has no choice but to get things like wireless smartphone mirroring or other essential features that are missing out on it. My mouth was sour after I had been dropped off from Apple CarPlay occasionally. That’s why you should connect your phone with the provided USB-C outlets, assuming that it is in this context.

Across, you’ll get 10. A 25-inch digital instrument cluster that better reflect the here and now reflects the context of . This clear-cut display has a variety of layouts and readout options, too much for consumer demands for configurability.

cabin storage options available at the Karoq, which is also unlikely to disappoint owners. Apart from a deep centre console all the usual nooks and crannies are relatively generous, plus an additional compartment on top of the dash (see above) is provided. A rubbish box clipped into the driver’s door bin can be used to hide trash, tissues and food scraps from view.

It may be practical up front, but the Karoq is flawed in its packaging of the back seats.

My mid-sized segmentation and position in the Skoda lineup was not well enough for me to be surprised when I found Karoq has no second-row space compared to other competitors, my knobbly knees only cleared the driver’s seatback.

But the seats that are described above, thankfully, are finished in soft cloth but taller passengers will still feel cramped up in the back. That feeling is exacerbated by dark headlining overhead and the lack of a sunroof, which also adds to that feeling.

The Karoq will also be a source of anger for riders of all shapes and sizes, especially as Skoda has taken the step to provide outboard seat heating and re-invented ’12V power socket back there’.

A fold-down armrest with integrated cupholders, dual air vents and seatback map pockets as well as multi-function reading lights are other facilities such as a folding arm rest. Both rear seats of both outboards are child-seat ready.

The rear bowed back bench folds in 60/40 style to increase boot space from 521 litres to 1630L when not used. Yet it’s quite a long transition from boot floor to folded bench area.

Skoda’s quoted cargo capacity numbers are the Karoq above alternatives like the Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-5 and BYD Sealion 6, but below segment leaders such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Nissan X-Trail, Hyundai Tucson (and Honda CR-V) lead in segments.

The Karoq, on the other hand, also boasts “simply clever” boot features that help distinguish it from a practicality point of view. A few such extras include segregated storage bins in the boot wall, hooks for your grocery bags and a 12V power source. The rear bench also has a ‘ski port’ for loading long, skinny items (pictured above) and can also be loaded with.

There is a space-saver spare wheel under the boot floor, nice to have but not as useful as if it was full size spare.

| Dimensions | Skoda Karoq Sportline 110TSI 4×2 |
| — | — |
| Length | 4390mm |
| Width | 1841mm |
| Height | 1603mm |
| Wheelbase | 2638mm |
| Cargo capacity | 521L (behind second row) 1630L (behind first row) |

To see how the Skoda Karoq lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

Karoq Sportline is powered by the Volkswagen Group’s 1-wheel drive, which drives a front- wheel drive. The engine is a 4 TSI four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with outputs of 110kW power and 250Nm torque. Instead, local versions use an eight-speed automatic from Aisin (a dual-clutch auto) instead of a single-slack automatic that is used in the translation.

| Model | Skoda Karoq Sportline 110TSI 4×2 |
| — | — |
| Engine | 1.4L 4cyl turbo-petrol |
| Power | 110kW |
| Torque | 250Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1665kg (tare) |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 9.2 seconds |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 6.6L/100km |
| Fuel economy (as tested) | 9.4L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50L |
| Fuel requirement | 95-octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions (claimed) | 149g/km |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 |

To see how the Skoda Karoq lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

How does the Skoda Karoq drive?

The mid-spec Karoq represents an affordable access point to the more sophisticated driving experience we’ve ever seen from Volkswagen Group products.

4×4 shown

That’s an adult-sized, quieter car that does its business in a fuss-free manner (albeit with fewer real joy).

While the safety systems are intuitive and the cabin is well insulated, there’s no good performance from the 110TSI powertrain. Acceration is good and straight, but you really have to stick the boot in order to complete overtaking manoeuvres or merge onto the freeway.

It’s not the same as that of a , but it is very smoother than the dual-clutch unit you get in the 140TSI 44 variants even though there are quick shifts from the torque-converter automatic transmission. Also, it’s also easy to control the gearbox yourself with paddle shifters attached to the back of the steering wheel.

And a Karoq 110TSI is, for the most part, an attractive car with joy to be taken from its ease of operation. So you’ll never think Skoda’s mid-sizer is a handful in everyday driving, and both pedaling are full of feedback and the steering is light and direct.

In urban contexts, however, the Karoq is smaller than it really is; he displays impressive agility and a tight turning circle. A great outward visibility is also good, with chunky side mirrors and negligible rear blind-spots.

As a result, parking is a breeze – just don’t expect much assistance from the low-resolution reversing camera.

Unlike most European vehicles, the ride is slightly firm (as in many cases with sportline 140TSI 44) but that’s what Skoda’s Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive suspension does. A larger engine, though mated to a less city-friendly DCT (but not as powerful as it is when upgrading to the flagship variant), also exerts power from an older engine.

The Karoq is still a good high-speed cruiser regardless of variant. The sound deadening of amples helps to suppress noise from the engine bay and surrounding traffic, while it is effectively absent in tyre roar.

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Skoda’s Technology, which uses a small control stalk behind the steering wheel to make long highway stints easier, is generally used by Skordan’S Travel Assist technology. However, I think this setup is a bit fiddly like buttons on the face of the steering wheel (and tech itself doesn’t make it perfect) – the adaptive cruise element can be slow to respond to changes in traffic flow and sometimes had my brakes removed from rear-ending the car in front of me.

The fact that Karoq Select buyers are not on Travel Assist altogether, even though semi-autonomous driving systems in rival models is a common thing makes it unfair.

But Skoda does a good job of calibrating its other safety to prevent distracting or overbearing, said That said. Infotainment screen also allows you to switch systems on and off.

To see how the Skoda Karoq lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

What do you get?

The new nameplates and equipment are being introduced in Skoda Australia’s recent 18-monthly revamped Karoq lineup, which has given the mid-size SUV a price hike.

2026 Skoda Karoq Select equipment highlights:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Silver roof rails and window frame surround
• LED headlights and tail-lights
• Automatic high-beam
• Dynamic indicators
• Power-folding and heated mirrors
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Leather-trimmed steering wheel
• Manually height-adjustable front seats
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Dual-zone climate control
• 8.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 2x USB-C ports
• Voice control
• Keyless start

Karoq Sportline 4×2 adds:

• 19-inch ‘Sagitarius’ alloy wheels in silver
• Heated windscreen
• Power-folding side mirrors with memory
• Privacy glass
• Anthracite front spoiler and rear diffuser
• Black roof rails
• Black window frame surrounds
• Matrix LED headlights with dynamic cornering
• LED interior lighting
• LED puddle lamps
• Sports comfort front seats
• Heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel with shift paddles
• Aluminium finish pedals
• 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• DAB+ digital radio
• Wireless phone charger
• Ambient lighting
• Black headliner
• USB-C port in rearview mirror
• Heated outboard rear seats
• Travel Assist

• Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
• Adaptive lane guidance

• Emergency assist
• Traffic jam assist

Karoq 130 Years Edition adds:

• Chrome roof rails and trim
• Unique ‘130 Years’ tailgate badge
• Keyless entry
• Leather-appointed upholstery
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Hands-free power tailgate
• Satellite navigation
• 10-speaker Canton sound system

Karoq Sportline 4×4 adds:

• Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive suspension
• Progressive steering
• Semi-autonomous parking assist

A panoramic glass sunroof is available as a $1900 option, but it wasn’t fitted to our tester.

To see how the Skoda Karoq lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

Is the Skoda Karoq safe?

The Skoda Karokq was given ANCAP safety rating of five stars according to Euro NCAP tests carried out in 2017 but that’s expired so it’t officially ‘unrated’ by the independent vehicle safety body.

This rating was previously used for all Karoq variants, based on categories of the criteria 93 per cent (adult occupant protection), 79 percent (child occupy protection); 73 per percent (walk-protection protection); and 58 per Cent (safety assist) in order to determine whether or not to be an adult.

Standard safety equipment includes:

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)

• Pedestrian detection
• Cyclist detection

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keep assist
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Reversing camera
• Manoeuvre braking assist
• Multi-collision brake
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Advanced driver fatigue detection

Assuming up to the Sportline 42 (which includes traffic jam assist, lane centring and emergency aid), while the sportline (44) now has a surround-view camera and hill-descent control.

To see how the Skoda Karoq lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

How much does the Skoda Karoq cost to run?

The seven-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty is a guarantee for all of its models by Skoda Australia’s brand new modeler. Service intervals are 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first service interval.

| Servicing and Warranty | Skoda Karoq FWD |
| — | — |
| Warranty | 7 years, unlimited kilometres |
| Roadside assistance | Up to 7 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Pre-paid servicing | Up to 7 years |
| Average annual service cost | $518 – 5 years $499 – 7 years |
| Total capped-price service cost | $2590 – 5 years $3490 – 7 years |

Brand carries pre-paid service packs, which can be purchased up front or at any time before the vehicle’s first service. It will cost you $2590 for the Karoq’s five-year, 75,000km service pack if it is valid and could extend by another two years for $900 – a further two year.

To see how the Skoda Karoq lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Skoda Karoq Sportline

The Karoq Sportline 110TSI 42 is a nice and efficient car to drive, but it’s not the ballooning mid-size SUV crowd that makes up this segment.

This ageing model has no longer been super strengths, and its weaknesses in the technology, space and value departments are only becoming more pronounced as time rolls on.

I just don’t know what a unique selling point is here, other than the prestige of obtaining euphoric badge. Unless you’re after Euro sophistication, the new Volkswagen Tiguan feels far more modern and doesn’t have a high cost.

A similar vein is the electric Skoda Elroq, a generation ahead of KaroQ and can be consumed from less than $50,000 drive-away.

With country of origin aside, I’m a favorite in this segment; the BYD Sealion 6 is another good option provided you can charge the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) battery regularly.

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