Once upon a time, the word Skoda was considered more of a punchline than a serious contender in the new car market. But since being absorbed into the VW Group, Skoda has firmly established itself as a popular, high-quality manufacturer of family cars. Those who think otherwise are sorely missing out.
Since its launch in 2017, the Skoda Karoq SUV has become a benchmark in the family SUV market, praised for its blend of value, practicality, and quality. It sits right in the middle of Skoda's SUV offering, between the smaller Kamiq and larger Kodiaq - cars which have names with Alutiiq (Karoq, Kodiaq) and Inuit (Kamiq) origins.
The Karoq received a significant facelift in 2022, which introduced refreshed styling and upgraded interior technology to keep it sharp against a sea of rivals. With no major updates since, this review is your comprehensive guide to the 2025 model, exploring whether the Karoq's winning formula still holds strong in a fiercely competitive field.
There is no denying that the Skoda Karoq is a handsome car. It is perfectly proportioned and cuts a classy profile on the road. The 2022 facelift sharpened its looks with redesigned front and rear sections, including restyled headlights, a new grille, and an enlarged rear spoiler. The Karoq is built on the VW Group's versatile MQB architecture and is closely related to the SEAT Ateca, but sets itself apart with a focus on value and seemingly endless practicality.
The good design extends into the cabin, with well-thought-out ergonomics that place everything exactly where you'd want it. The interior is conservative but attractive, with high-quality materials and clever features like the signature umbrella hidden in the door.
Practicality is the order of the day. The clever VarioFlex rear seats are available as a highly recommended option, which can slide, recline, or be removed entirely to provide a van-like load capacity. Even without this, the boot space is cavernous and among the most flexible in the sector.
Inside, the Karoq's technology has been brought right up to date. A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster is now a key feature, offering customisable displays including full-width navigation maps. This is complemented by a central touchscreen infotainment system - an 8-inch display on the SE Edition and a larger 9.2-inch system on higher trims - which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.
For 2025, the Karoq continues to offer a strong selection of proven petrol (TSI) and diesel (TDI) engines from the VW Group, foregoing hybrid or electric options for now. This focus ensures a great balance of performance and economy, with a smooth 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox and sure-footed 4x4 available on selected models to cater to diverse driving needs.
The petrol engine range starts with the surprisingly peppy 1.0 TSI Evo, which produces 110 PS and is perfect for those who prioritise economy. The most popular choice is the excellent 1.5 TSI ACT Evo, offering a punchy 150 PS with smooth power delivery. Paired with the DSG gearbox, it returns an official WLTP combined figure of between 44.6 and 46.9 mpg. For those seeking more performance, the SportLine trim is available with a 2.0 TSI Evo engine producing a lively 190 PS, exclusively paired with a 7-speed DSG and 4x4.
On the diesel front, the proven 2.0 TDI Evo engine is available, offering a potent 150 PS for effortless grunt for acceleration and overtaking. The 150 PS diesel with a DSG gearbox and 4x4 can achieve between 47.8 and 48.7 mpg.
For 2025, the Karoq continues to offer a strong selection of proven petrol (TSI) and diesel (TDI) engines from the VW Group, foregoing hybrid or electric options for now. This focus ensures a great balance of performance and economy, with a smooth 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox and sure-footed 4x4 available on selected models to cater to diverse driving needs.
The petrol engine range starts with the surprisingly peppy 1.0 TSI Evo, which produces 110 PS and is perfect for those who prioritise economy. The most popular choice is the excellent 1.5 TSI ACT Evo, offering a punchy 150 PS with smooth power delivery. Paired with the DSG gearbox, it returns an official WLTP combined figure of between 44.6 and 46.9 mpg. For those seeking more performance, the SportLine trim is available with a 2.0 TSI Evo engine producing a lively 190 PS, exclusively paired with a 7-speed DSG and 4x4.
On the diesel front, the proven 2.0 TDI Evo engine is available, offering a potent 150 PS for effortless grunt for acceleration and overtaking. The 150 PS diesel with a DSG gearbox and 4x4 can achieve between 47.8 and 48.7 mpg.
In short, the Skoda is lovely to drive. The elevated driving position gives you a commanding view of the road, and the comfortable cabin makes you feel ensconced in a pleasant environment. The Karoq is so easy to drive that you can just get in and go without a second thought, and still feel fresh after long journeys.
Its ride quality is a standout feature, offering a smooth and supple journey that absorbs bumps well without feeling floaty, as you sometimes experience with tall SUVs. Body roll is well-controlled, though models with larger wheels will naturally offer a firmer ride, so if comfort is your top priority, look for versions with slightly smaller wheels.
The steering is nicely weighted, providing confidence without becoming tiresome when you're nipping around town. The cabin is well-damped and surprisingly peaceful, with little road, wind, or tyre noise to disturb the calm. All the controls are intuitive, with a good mix of tactile switches and the easy-to-operate central touchscreen.in the centre of the dashboard which is easy to operate. The door mirrors are also notably large and useful, with heating and electric folding functions on most trim levels.
For 2025, the UK trim structure has been updated to feature the generously equipped SE Edition, the luxurious SE L Edition, and the dynamic SportLine Edition.
The entry-level SE Edition comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, an 8-inch touchscreen, and key safety features like lane assist. Stepping up to the SE L Edition adds 18-inch alloys, a larger 9.2-inch touchscreen with navigation, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and adaptive cruise control.
The SportLine Edition caters to those who enjoy sporty touches, with 19-inch alloy wheels, black exterior detailing, sports seats, and a panoramic sunroof. It also comes with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) as standard, allowing for adjustable driving modes.
Reflecting market changes and significant equipment upgrades, pricing for the range now starts from £30,940.
Built with tried-and-tested parts from the VW Group, the Karoq maintains a strong reputation for reliability. This is reinforced by consistently strong performances in owner satisfaction surveys like Auto Express Driver Power, where owners praise its dependability. This means a significant majority of owners reported no issues with their vehicles, making the Karoq a faithful and dependable companion.
On the safety front, the Karoq holds a full five-star Euro NCAP rating from its 2017 test. It scored particularly well for occupant protection, with an impressive 93% for adults and 79% for children. A comprehensive suite of safety equipment is available, including adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and blind-spot monitoring on higher trims. This combination of dependability and safety makes it a very sensible choice for families.
While the current Karoq focuses on petrol and diesel power, Skoda's electric future is rapidly expanding with dedicated new models. The brand has confirmed it has no plans to introduce an electric or plug-in hybrid version of the current-generation Karoq.
Instead, Skoda is prioritising purpose-built EVs built on the VW Group's specialist MEB platform. These include the all-electric Elroq, a compact SUV similar in size to the Karoq that will serve as its electric counterpart, and the smaller upcoming Epiq. This strategy means that for the foreseeable future, the Karoq will continue to champion Skoda's excellent internal combustion engines.
