Skoda Karoq 2025 review

It has been around for a while now, and this is likely the last update for the petrol versions of the Karoq in Australia, but it still makes a strong case against some of the best smaller SUVs on the market.

It has a great size, beautiful proportions, a clever interior and smart space utilisation, but also it drives really nicely -- especially this top-spec Sportline 4x4 model. Below it is the new Sportline 110TSI, and the base grade is the Select model, which starts at just over $40K drive-away.

It is also backed by the best warranty you can get for a European brand in our market, and impressive servicing costs, too!

So is it worth your while? Watch and let me know what you think in the comments!

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BEST ALTERNATIVES:

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00:00 Skoda Karoq
00:18 Is it the right price?
02:30 What are the best alternatives?
04:07 Is it the right size?
05:45 Interior
11:13 Under the bonnet
12:05 Driving
16:53 Efficiency
18:28 Is it safe?
19:25 Ownership
20:23 Verdict

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#skoda #karoq #review

[GreenDistantStar]

I bought a Yeti in 2012 and still have it, a superb vehicle. So I bought a 2023 demo Karoq Sportsline recently, and it is also a great vehicle, I'm hard pressed to find a fault.

[jayburling]

Owned my Karoq AWD Sportline for 8 months and have enjoyed it. Added the panoramic sunroof to lighten up the interior and use the sunroof regularly.
Tech is great and easy to use once you’re up to speed with it. Look is a little old school inside but it’s simple to use dials and buttons.
Love the sporty edgy design of it. Matrix lights are brilliant and it’s just a great all round car 😘

[malsmith]

Friends just bought one about 4 months ago with the 140/320mm package and the tech pack and they absolutely love it. Skoda never crossed their minds when shopping but I'd told them how impressed we were with our Octavia. The suspension in the KAROQ is absolutely lovely in comfort when I had a quick spin and as someone who's had many back operations ride comfort is number 1 priority for me and I was really impressed how it felt. 7 years warranty is icing on the cake.

[rubyred]

👍 a good car and a fun colour to boot.

[sizosimelane]

I used to avoid or leave your videos after watching just a couple of minutes 2-3 because the “alternative” vehicles came in after that, and sub consciously - I don’t know how or why because your videos are more than 10 minutes - my brain assumed that was the end of your car review. I suppose, in a sense, in a way, I did wish I knew that your full review of the actual car in the video title was done prior to providing the alternative choices. This is in hindsight, now I know and I’ll make sure to watch through 😅

[yujanshrestha]

Love my 2021 Karoq 4×4 sportline. Looks like nothing has changed. But really 2021 model is equipped with all the features. (including kick open boot function which my 6 year old loves)
Btw, skoda comes with umbrella and a small bin in the cabin too 😁 - smart. Engine performance - exceptional even in eco mode.

[Teejayhaych]

Does the entry level karoq have the dual clutch dsg setup? Im test driving one next week with a view to purchase.

[rickb]

The deletion of the VarioFlex seats is a damn shame but as you say Matt it seems there wasn't much value placed on them by Aussies who seem more interested in the bling that comes with 19" wheels and Sports Seats than with the practicality the VarioFlex rear seats offered I'm terms of load space utility.

[dr.aisguzmanbilirkisi]

Good luck to your labor, Scoda, you will come to the summit 😉

[julieaustin]

I've had my Phoenix Orange Karoq sportline for 14 months now and absolutely love it! This is my 5th Karoq and it's so comfortable and a complete joy to drive. I always highly recommend when I get asked what I think of the car 😊

[joebot]

Check any 3 options on the base model and it costs the same as the sportline but with less stuff. The configurator is maddening.

[gordonclark]

I would like to comment about the current crop of safety systems. The first is stop start. IMO it should be disabled as a default and the driver can engage it if they desire. next is the monitoring system that is becoming predominant in vehicles these days. I have heard commentators complain about some of them in the way they misread what the driver is doing and assumes that you are not paying attention. This again should be a default disable. In summer where so many people wear sunglasses it would become very tiresome being told you Arte not paying attention because the monitor can't see your eyes. Previously I commented on DSG gearboxes in stop start traffic. You make videos now with a comment on their effectiveness when taking off but I would like to see you add a stop/go test as if in heavy traffic situations where one is on and off the brakes and creeping to keep your closeness to the vehicle in front so that no one can sneak in front of you.

[jeffg]

I love my Karoq Sportline. So much, I bought a second car to use as my daily commuter after I realised how much I loved the Karoq. I purchased the vehicle in 2023 but it was a 2022 plated vehicle. Had a deal at the time in April 2023 where they gave seven year factory warranty, seven year roadside assist, and seven years of free servicing. When I compare other vehicles at the time I was looking none of them had a more powerful engine than the Karoq Sportline. Immediately when I took it out of the dealership for a test drive it put a smile on my face. I just loved it and knew as soon as I drove it it would be the car that I would buy. Because I bought the car in 2023 as part of the run out deal The dealership was extremely negotiable. I scored a brilliant deal, saved thousands of dollars off the new price and walked away with a car with the excellent seven new warranty and all my free servicing included in the car.

I am 198 cm tall and have oodles of space in the vehicle and I love all the clever features, including the cargo nets, the cargo hooks, the hidden umbrella in the front seat, the reversible boot mat and the fact the car came with a free set of mats as standard. Driving regularly to Melbourne and Bendigo I am averaging 6.4 lts/100 kms if I drive it in normal mode.

The main issues I have had with the vehicle have been the door actuators which is a known issue in Skoda cars and have been repaired under warranty. This issue resulted in the car locking itself when the keys are inside. I also had some rattles around the digital dashboard which Skoda isolated and rectified under warranty.

The cars in your comparison recommendation I personally do not think can match up to the Skoda sport line version as they do not have the same power or torque or the sheer fun factor that comes with driving this car. You plant your foot and the car responds. The steering wheel feels amazing in hand and the car corners so well. I would happily buy another vehicle from Skoda because you just get so much more value from them.

I would highlight that all Skoda dealerships are different and there is a great Facebook page called AUSkoda that has some fantastic information on it with some very knowledgeable people who are always happy to answer your questions about Skodas. I have found this support page super helpful. I recommend anyone looking for a fun car to drive and you might be tall and you will love this car. Thanks for the great review.😊

[Robizd]

I cannot decide between Karoq and Tucson. Any advice?

[c.s]

What are the best alternatives? Try the Kamiq or the Kodiak. Lol.

[gregj]

I guess Skoda or VW Australia could have put the updated 1.5 engine in the base models….

[joebot]

How can you review a skoda without showing us where they hid the umbrella and ice scraper (this time)*

[petercrawford]

Gosh when you put this Sportline against the ZR-V, it's not a hard choice. I'd happily pay the not too much extra to run this Sportline.

[sem]

This car looks great but it’s too small, you can get something else that’s bigger with all the bells and whistles for the same price

[buncha]

Nearly $58, 000 and no leather seats and no umbrellas in the doors, one positive you don't get a sunroof unless you want one. It's a shame the 8 speed auto transmission isn't in this version. All up seems like a good vehicle only to expensive and sparse dealer network. 😊