The Skoda Karoq is getting on in years now. It’s one the Czech model’s oldest fashions nonetheless on sale regionally and it’s additionally at the moment the slowest-selling Skoda SUV.
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MY24 Sportline 4×4 pictured all through
This small-to-mid-sized SUV was first revealed in 2017 and obtained a facelift in 2021. An all-electric successor, known as the Elroq, was revealed final month and is because of change it in mid-2025.
Within the meantime, nonetheless, Skoda has given the Karoq an replace for the 2025 mannequin yr. Highlights embrace a revised lineup with new nameplates and extra customary gear, in addition to greater asking costs.
On take a look at here’s a flagship Skoda Karoq Sportline 4×4 variant, although it’s technically a 2024 mannequin yr instance (MY24). Refined variations from MY25 examples embrace a barely completely different alloy wheel design, and customary gear that was beforehand solely obtainable as a part of choice packages.
WATCH: Paul’s video evaluation of the 2024 Skoda Karoq
Regardless of the introduction of the similar-looking Sportline 4×2, this flagship variant is the one one which comes with a torquier 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and all-wheel drive.
How does this maintain up in opposition to ever-improving competitors? Learn alongside to search out out.
How does the Skoda Karoq evaluate?
View an in depth breakdown of the Skoda Karoq in opposition to equally sized automobiles.
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Karoq
How a lot does the Skoda Karoq value?
On take a look at right here is the flagship Karoq Sportline 4×4 fitted with elective extras.
| Mannequin Variant | Value earlier than on-road prices | Drive-away worth |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Skoda Karoq Choose | $39,990 | $40,990 |
| 2025 Skoda Karoq Sportline 4×2 | $45,990 | $46,990 |
| 2025 Skoda Karoq Sportline 4×4 | $56,590 | $57,990 |
In case you add all of the elective extras on our tester, together with the Phoenix orange metallic paint, the asking worth involves $62,760 drive-away. Ouch!
To see how the Skoda Karoq stacks up agains the competitors, try our comparability software.
What’s the Skoda Karoq like on the within?
Hopping into the Skoda Karoq Sportline, it’s very simple to see why this sort of automobile sells in droves in Australia. You step throughout into the automobile reasonably than having to step up or down, which is useful for these with poor mobility.
When you’re in, it feels such as you’re sitting on a seat that’s on stilts. There’s loads of visibility from the motive force’s seat and so that you’re simply capable of place every nook of the automobile. That is one thing that SUV patrons search.
Our tester is fitted with the elective Signature Pack that provides a spread of options like leather-appointed upholstery, power-adjustable entrance seats with reminiscence, and facet mirror reminiscence. It’s a $4000 bundle and except you actually love leather-based I don’t know if I’d personally go for it.
Whereas the entrance seats are squishy and cozy for longer journeys, I discovered them to be a little bit on the flatter facet regardless of being a sport-oriented mannequin. The seats within the Cupra Formentor provide extra facet bolstering to safe you higher in bends.
The entrance seat’s electrical adjustment permits me to get comfy behind the wheel simply. There’s additionally seat place reminiscence, which is useful if a number of folks drive the automobile.
There are actually heated entrance and rear outboard seats as customary. Up entrance, the seats get actually sizzling – a lot in order that I may solely tolerate the weakest stage.
Like a number of different Volkswagen Group SUVs, together with the Tiguan, the Karoq’s accelerator and brake pedals are positioned very excessive. You nearly should take your heel off the ground to press the brake pedal. This isn’t world-ending and is actually one thing you acclimatise to, however it’s one thing I observed right away.
Forward of the motive force is a leather-wrapped steering wheel with loads of perforations, which can set off you when you’ve got trypophobia. It’s a pleasant unit to carry however, in contrast to the seats, its heating is a little bit on the weaker facet.
The buttons and scroll wheels on the steering wheel mightn’t be to everybody’s tastes, however I personally like them. It’s satisfying with the ability to scroll the amount up and down, reasonably than having to push a button.
As customary on the Karoq Sportline 4×4, there’s a ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster, or Digital Cockpit in Skoda-speak, which is obvious to learn and high-resolution.
Volkswagen Group digital instrument clusters are among the many finest on the market proper now by way of adjustment and configurability. There are numerous informative pages, widgets and layouts to select from. It’s additionally good to have the ability to have the satellite tv for pc navigation data up on the digital instrument cluster in entrance of you, if you happen to like.
Shifting throughout to the left, the Karoq Sportline 4×4 now comes customary with a bigger 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It fills the house significantly higher than the smaller 8.0-inch unit and in addition doesn’t have that awkward energy icon on the amount knob, which spins with use (if you realize, you realize).
Whereas it’s good to have the bigger touchscreen, the interface and icons are beginning to look fairly dated in 2024. For almost all of people that use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, nonetheless, this isn’t a difficulty.
Talking of smartphone mirroring, the complete Karoq vary comes with each wired and wi-fi types of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With my iPhone 15 Professional Max linked wirelessly, it was usually good however often the connection would get a little bit patchy.
There’s a wi-fi cellphone charger however it’s tucked away on the entrance of the centre console and is simply too small to suit my plus-sized cellphone. As soon as I took my cellphone case off it did match within the house however refused to cost. Fortunately, there are USB-C ports if you could high up your cellphone battery.
I like how the Karoq has caught with a local weather management setup with bodily dials and buttons. It’s rather more intuitive than the touch-sensitive setup within the T-Roc, and lightyears higher than ones built-in into the touchscreen.
Considered one of my favorite options within the Karoq is AirCare, which is a system that’s capable of vent out smells and replenish the cabin with contemporary air. It’s significantly useful if you happen to had quick meals within the automobile, or somebody lets one rip.
Trying across the cabin, there are a good few darkish finishes. It does look a little bit like a sea of black in our tester, however there’s nonetheless loads of gentle let in by the large home windows. Choosing the elective panoramic sunroof would make it even airier.
There are some soft-touch supplies in high-traffic areas just like the armrests and dashboard, however you don’t have to look far to search out more durable surfaces. Don’t expect felt-lined door bins like in another Volkswagen Group automobiles.
One thing fascinating in regards to the Karoq in comparison with different SUVs is that it appears like all the pieces is mounted low, particularly the gear selector. Some vehicles sometimes prefer to have the switchgear near the motive force so that they really feel like they’re cocooned in a cockpit.
On the centre tunnel there’s a reversible cupholder and shelf setup that may be lined up by the armrest. This sounds useful in principle, however in observe the cupholders are awkwardly small, and there’s no correct centre cubby.
One redeeming issue in regards to the centre console is that it comes with a ratcheting centre armrest that you may set to your required place. Extra vehicles ought to have this characteristic.
Because the semiconductor chip scarcity again in 2020, the Karoq hasn’t actually been obtainable with a premium sound system, not whilst an choice, which is disappointing. There’s an unbranded eight-speaker setup that performs okay, however isn’t essentially a standout.
Hopping into the second row, the house on provide is enough for the phase. You’ll be able to simply get two adults again there in consolation, however three is perhaps a little bit of a pinch given there’s a little bit of transmission hump protrusion.
At a leggy 182cm, I had sufficient leg, toe, head and shoulder house within the second row behind my very own driving place to get comfy. And I’d be capable to journey lengthy distances again there with no worries, because the home windows are massive sufficient to see out of.
When it comes to second-row amenity, there are console-mounted rear air vents and a 12V outlet, in addition to a fold-down armrest with cupholders.
Across the again there’s a powered tailgate that opens and closes shortly and silently. I’m grateful there are not any obnoxious bings and bongs when it begins opening or closing, as a result of that’s so embarrassing.
As soon as the tailgate is open you actually begin to see the place Skoda has put all its ‘Merely Intelligent’ touches within the Karoq. Some options to notice embrace the reversible boot mat, storage cubbies, moveable hooks and nets to safe objects.
There’s 521 litres of boot house with the rear seats up, which is lots for the phase. Boot house additionally expands to 1630 litres with the rear seats folded.
Beneath the boot flooring there’s a space-saver spare wheel, which is sweet to have however not as useful as a correct full-size unit. That is one thing to notice if you happen to regularly journey in rural or regional areas away from tyre restore retailers.
| Dimensions | Skoda Karoq Sportline 4×4 |
|---|---|
| Size | 4390mm |
| Width | 1841mm |
| Top | 1612mm |
| Wheelbase | 2630mm |
| Cargo capability | 521-1630 litres |
What’s underneath the bonnet?
The Skoda Karoq Sportline 4×4 is powered by a model of VW’s widespread 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces, you guessed it, 140kW of energy. This engine and tune is shared with the Audi Q2 40 TFSI, Cupra Formentor V, Cupra Ateca V, and Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line.
| Mannequin | Skoda Karoq Sportline 4×4 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4cyl turbo |
| Energy | 140kW @ 6000rpm |
| Engine torque | 320Nm @ 1500-4100rpm |
| Transmission | 7-speed DCT |
| Pushed wheels | All-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1665kg (tare) |
| Gasoline financial system – declare | 6.6L/100km |
| Gasoline financial system – as examined | 7.5L/100km |
| Gasoline tank measurement | 55 litres |
| CO2 emissions – declare | 152g/km |
| Emissions customary | Euro 6 |
| Gasoline requirement | 95 RON |
To see how the Skoda Karoq stacks up agains the competitors, try our comparability software.
How does the Skoda Karoq drive?
When beginning up the Skoda Karoq Sportline 4×4, there’s a candy engine rev that’s very acquainted if you happen to’ve pushed a Volkswagen automobile earlier than. For me it appears like residence.
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MY22 Karoq Sportline 4×4 proven
The engine idles excessive for only a bit when it’s chilly, however doesn’t take very lengthy to calm down as a result of it warms up shortly. You’ll be able to inform this automobile is supplied for chilly climates.
When you get transferring, energy from the two.0-litre turbo-petrol 4 is enough and smile-inducing. With 140kW of energy and 320Nm of torque, it’s nearly heat leaning. Don’t go anticipating the Karoq Sportline to be as sizzling because the T-Roc R, nonetheless.
The seven-speed dual-clutch computerized is mostly good, however you do should discover ways to drive with it, which is a standard trait of automobiles with this sort of transmission in contrast ones geared up with a torque converter or CVT auto.
The automobile can often be a little bit hesitant when taking off, however if you happen to permit it time to type itself out, say by pre-empting the inexperienced gentle, you’ll be fantastic. With this in thoughts, different vehicles might beat you off the mark from the site visitors lights except you gun it, so you could drive assertively if that issues to you.
When you’re transferring, the Karoq’s fantastic thing about an engine and transmission combo comes into its personal. In on a regular basis situations, the dual-clutch gearbox likes to modify as much as second gear as quickly as attainable. The automobile can generally even begin in second gear if you happen to’ve nearly come to a cease and set off once more.
A part of the rationale for that is that there’s oodles of torque from the turbo-petrol engine. It makes for a simple driving expertise in which you’ll be able to lean into the sturdy torque supply from low down within the rev vary. Peak torque comes on faucet from 1500rpm.
The twin-clutch auto will change up gears as shortly as attainable to maintain the revs down and minimise gas consumption. Thanks once more to the meaty quantity of torque, the transmission will maintain gears for so long as attainable earlier than downshifting, solely choosing a decrease gear if you happen to flooring it or meet a steeper hill.
Round city, the Karoq’s steering is on the lighter facet, which makes manoeuvring in tight laneways and carparks a breeze. Parking can also be easy-peasy.
As customary, the Karoq Sportline comes with entrance and rear parking sensors, in addition to a surround-view digital camera. The latter has a disappointingly poor high quality show.
There’s additionally a Park Help characteristic, however it’s not very useful as it could possibly’t park the automobile between marked strains and as an alternative requires two vehicles to work correctly. It’s a lot simpler to park it your self.
Even at decrease speeds there’s pronounced tyre roar contained in the cabin. This isn’t unusual for European automobiles on tough and coarse-chip Australian highway surfaces. The roar will get louder when you get out on the open highway.
Not like the remainder of the Karoq vary, the Sportline 4×4 receives a extra refined impartial multi-link rear suspension setup as an alternative of a stay torsion beam association. This helps make the experience extra compliant, although sometimes it nonetheless errs on the sportier facet of comfy.
The automobile additionally will get Dynamic Chassis Management (DCC), which is actually Skoda-speak for adaptive dampers. There are a selection of various drive modes that regulate how the shock absorbers react to bumps.
Consolation mode softens issues out to the purpose the place you nearly really feel such as you’re floating on a cloud, whereas Sport mode companies issues up and transmits extra highway imperfections via to the cabin. For just about all my on a regular basis driving, I caught with the Regular driving mode as a result of I discovered it struck a pleasant steadiness between general consolation and dynamics.
Whatever the drive mode, nonetheless, you possibly can nonetheless really feel a way of sportiness via the suspension. There are additionally some highway jitters at greater speeds, even in Consolation mode.
Build up velocity within the Karoq Sportline is straightforward and stress-free. You can even slot the automobile into Sport mode if you happen to like and it turns into a little bit pocket rocket, feeling correctly heat. Basically, there’s sufficient oomph within the tank to simply carry out overtakes if mandatory.
The Sportline is the one Karoq variant to supply all-wheel drive, which supplies you an added sense of safety in slippery conditions. However for almost all of driving on sealed surfaces, and even gravel tracks, you doubtless gained’t actually really feel any tangible distinction by way of grip in comparison with its front-drive siblings.
There’s an off-road mode if you happen to’re eager on taking your heat European SUV with 19-inch alloy wheels off the overwhelmed monitor, however I doubt the common proprietor would actually use it.
On the security entrance, the adaptive cruise management system is improbable and really pure by way of its operation. Not like numerous vehicles that now have these capabilities built-in on the steering wheel, you set and regulate the cruise management parameters on a stalk.
This isn’t essentially or unhealthy factor, it’s simply one thing that took a short while for me to regulate again to. My household’s 1998 Mitsubishi Magna has cruise management on a stalk, for instance.
One thing I didn’t get used to, nonetheless, was the annoying characteristic that doesn’t allow you to undertake a automobile with adaptive cruise management set. This can be a widespread characteristic in Volkswagen Group automobiles and is irritating in Australia the place lane etiquette isn’t the sharpest.
The lane-keep help is good to have however, like some methods, I discovered it to be a little bit overactive and wanting to tear the steering wheel out of my arms if I drifted a little bit too carefully to the lane markings.
However, the Journey Help system, which is as soon as once more a part of the Premium Pack, works fantastically with the adaptive cruise management system to make lengthy drives on highways and freeways much less tiring.
Lastly, the Karoq Sportline comes customary with matrix LED headlights. These are nice if you happen to regularly drive within the nation as you possibly can preserve your excessive beams on for so long as attainable and the automobile will mechanically dip sure components of the headlight when it detects a automobile’s headlights or tail-lights.
What do you get?
On take a look at right here is the flagship Karoq Sportline 4×4 fitted with just about each elective further, aside from the panoramic glass sunroof and facet steps.
Karoq Choose highlights:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Silver roof rails and window body {surround}
- LED headlights and tail-lights
- Computerized high-beam
- Dynamic indicators
- Energy-folding and heated mirrors
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Leather-based-trimmed steering wheel
- Manually height-adjustable entrance seats
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Twin-zone local weather management
- 8.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 2x USB-C ports
- Voice management
- Keyless begin
Karoq Sportline 4×2 provides:
- Palms-free energy tailgate
- Privateness glass
- 19-inch anthracite alloy wheels
- Anthracite entrance spoiler and rear diffuser
- Black window body surrounds
- Matrix LED headlights with adaptive high-beam
- LED inside lighting
- Ambient lighting
- LED puddle lamps
- Heated entrance and rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Paddle shifters
- Sports activities consolation entrance seats
- Aluminium end pedals
- Black headliner
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- DAB+ digital radio
- Wi-fi smartphone charging
- USB-C port in rearview mirror
- Keyless entry
- Rear privateness glass
- Warmth insulating windscreen
- Palms-free energy tailgate
Karoq Sportline 4×4 provides:
- Dynamic Chassis Management (DCC) adaptive suspension
- Progressive steering
- Heated windscreen washer nozzle
- 9.2-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- 10-speaker Canton sound system
- Semi-autonomous parking help
Non-obligatory Extras
Skoda has made a variety of options customary throughout the vary now, however there are nonetheless some choices.
Signature Pack ($4000) provides:
- Leather-based-appointed upholstery
- Energy-adjustable entrance seats
- Entrance seat place reminiscence
- Facet mirror memroy
There’s additionally a panoramic glass sunroof as a standalone choice for $1900, in addition to facet steps for $1500, however neither have been fitted to our tester.
Is the Skoda Karoq secure?
The Skoda Karoq was awarded a five-star ANCAP security ranking primarily based on Euro NCAP checks performed in 2017, however that’s now expired so it’s formally ‘unrated’ by the impartial automobile security physique.
Beforehand, nonetheless, all Karoq variants have been lined by this ranking, which was primarily based on class scores of 93 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 79 per cent for youngster occupant safety, 73 per cent for pedestrian safety, and 58 per cent for security help.
Commonplace security gear contains:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian detection
- Bike owner detection
- Adaptive cruise management
- Lane-keep help
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Reversing digital camera
- Manoeuvre braking help
- Multi-collision brake
- Tyre strain monitoring
- Superior driver fatigue detection
Stepping as much as the Sportline 4×2 provides site visitors jam help, lane centring and emergency help, whereas the Sportline 4×4 now features a surround-view digital camera and hill-descent management.
How a lot does the Skoda Karoq value to run?
The Karoq is roofed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
| Possession Program | Skoda Karoq Sportline 4×4 |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 7 years, limitless kilometres 7 years, limitless kilometres (engine beginning batteries) 2 years, limitless kilometres (real components and equipment) 3 years, limitless kilometres (paint) 12 years, limitless kilometres (corrosion) |
| Roadside help | 1 yr |
| Service interval | 12 months, 15,000km |
| Servicing pricing | $2450 (5-year pre-paid service pack) $2750 (7-year pre-paid service pack) |
CarExpert’s Tackle the Skoda Karoq
The Skoda Karoq is a automobile that deserves to promote higher than it does as a result of it’s in a very talked-about market phase in Australia.
It has loads of cupboard space for a small-to-medium SUV and there are heaps of ‘Merely Intelligent’ touches Skoda has added to make the Karoq really feel distinctive and particular.
A sticking level, nonetheless, is that there are too many direct rivals from the Volkswagen Group with the identical powertrain mixture at an analogous worth level.
Positive, Skoda has drive-away pricing for the Karoq, which on the floor makes it appear extra inexpensive, and there may be now extra customary gear, however there are nonetheless sure issues restricted to choice packages.
With all the choice containers ticked, this automobile is prices properly over $60,000 drive-away, which is pushing it into the territory of hotter however much less sensible crossovers.
For the same worth you may get right into a Cupra Formentor VZ, which admittedly doesn’t have all-wheel drive, however does provide extra energy and extra innately sporty dynamics.
The total-fat Volkswagen T-Roc R additionally prices solely a bit greater than our totally optioned tester right here.
Pricing apart, the Karoq Sportline is essentially an important and dynamic bundle. The additional customary gear is properly obtained, although if you happen to require all-wheel drive, the candy spot is decrease down within the vary.
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