This SUV Is A Good Deal! (Skoda Karoq 2024 Review)

Detailed review and test of the 2024 Skoda Karoq base model including price, interior, handling, boot space, and more.

Skoda has introduced a cheaper base model for its small midsize SUV, the Karoq. Priced at under $40,000 driveaway (and currently under $100 per week), the Karoq 110TSI is priced like a Korean SUV but backs a turbo engine.

Should you consider the cheapest Skoda Karoq over a Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson or Mazda CX-5?

Check out the video for our in-depth analysis and honest opinions.

Time codes:
0:00 - Intro
0:20 - Pricing and rivals
1:10 - Interior
3:51 - Back seats
5:23 - Boot space
6:16 - Running costs
6:53 - Driving the Karoq
12:53 - Our expert verdict

As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct.

[chasingcars]

TYPO: a title displayed on-screen in this video mistakenly says the vehicle has a DSG. It doesn’t. It’s an eight-speed torque converter automatic, which I understood when assessing the car - just the visual on-screen is mistaken. Apologies! As for my opinion on the auto: it’s fine - not the last word in crispness but some people will indeed prefer it over a DSG, especially a dry one.

[JordanJanssen]

I test drove a 2023 Karoq Style last year and absolutely loved the drive and interior practicality. Ultimately, I put an order on a Corolla Cross GXL because the maths just didn’t work for the Sköda for long-term mostly urban fuel usage - more than double the running cost of the Toyota hybrid.

[marcpacey]

Great review Tom, a small correction, the base Karoq has a torque converter with the 110.
We test drove one over the weekend but purchased an Octavia sport line wagon ( identical driveline) for $500 more than the Karoq. If you don’t need the taller driving position, it’s seriously worth the look.

[seanlin]

Speaking from an owner's view, the transmission is not a 7 speed DSG. It uses a 8 speed torque converter automatic.

[cisa]

I think the additional 7k for Karoq is no brainer for a family . There is way more space and better ride over our bumpy roads. Also the AC works more faster and cooler in Karoq. If Škoda had done a bit more work on sound deadening it would have been great. The tire noise is more felt on coarse surfaces but not a deal breaker. Great fuel economy on highways. Easy to drive and planted on roads . Even on rough patches and curves. It’s a good buy and 7 year warranty is great.

[Dixter]

My partner has the 110TSI Kamiq. Cracking car to drive with a surprising amount of space. My only criticism is the fiddly on-screen ventilation controls.

[Teejayhaych]

Thankyou for doing a review on the entry level karoq. Im test driving one next week and looking pretty likely to buy so good to see what im getting.

[andrewd]

Great review Tom.👍🏼 Just one question regarding the VarioFlex seat system. Any idea what the storage capacity is with all seats removed?

[acde]

The 7-year service package only costs $2750, which is a big bonus. My Mazda 3 doesn't come with a capped price service plan (they didn't offer me one when purchasing the car), and now the annual service price has inflated to about $450 per visit. I will soon shift to a Skoda or Cupra. No more trust in any Japanese car.

[Olliebobalong]

I like how you touched on the build quality and refinement. VAG group have set those standards for about 30 years now, since the MK4 Golf. Its probably the most important aspect the typical European drivers looks for. Screens and gadgets are rather low-down on the list. Im not exactly an old driver, but I cant stand glaringly bright screens in my face constantly. There is a mode on the virtual cockpit on the Kamiq's at least which is basically a night mode, turns off the fuel and water temperature gauges, limits the screen to just showing range and speed, on a dark screen, and you can switch off the centre screen automatically after 10 seconds. Lots of asian buyers dont care for build quality of refinement as much as they do toys and gadgets, and why Skoda is so popular in Europe is testament to that.

[andrewlavender]

Great review Tom. How do you compare this with the current Kona hybrid re drive & space?

[peters]

Really enjoyed your review! Just a question, obviously you're sitting higher with the Karoq. Are you that much higher in the kamiq when compared to a sedan?

[silversurfer]

Is skoda releasing a new Karoq? It seems most of the versions have dissapeared from their catalogues

[balutvm]

A very compelling suv. Just wanted to ask how does it compare against base Tucson and CX-5 ?

[DavidVickery-ib]

Although you did mention the Kamiq as a very good vehicle, you didn't mention the big difference between the review of the Karoq and the good packaging of the kamiq is the smaller engine in the Kamiq .Regards and like watching your reviews.

[MrTonifumi]

??? Big plus for this car is Japanese 8 speed torque converter auto?.?.? Why no mention of it's best feature???

[wt]

a hybrid corolla cross fwd is 40k. its a long wait, but kills this skoda in terms of value

[anakinskywalker]

A very good video. I rate the Skoda quite highly However in terms of Australian conditions the Japanese rivals such as Mazda or Toyota are better suited. Nothing against the Skoda but they just do not hold up over time as well as the Japanese. As an independent mechanic down in Melbourne for many of my customers who usually run between 12, 000-15, 000ks between servicing most European vehicles do not like being pushed so long distances between intervals. The Japanese can tolerate it much better.
Also I disagree with the service plans! They do not cover everything you will pay extra for wear & tear items such as brakes & coolant or fluid flushes. They just tie you into the Skoda dealer network & nothing else.

[MrTonifumi]

Fuel economy is not great once you factor in premium fuel. My V6 gets 10L per 100km in city driving using 91 ron...this thing gets 8.5 but actually that is 9.3 when factoring in 10% more expensive my V6 is much more powerful.

[Raturidesagain]

Great job with 45s of B-roll. Saw it 10 times!! Would rather see Tom presenting to camera more. Maybe my attention span is too long!