A look around the Skoda Karoq Compact SUV

Join us as we take a closer look at the SKODA Karoq, the compact SUV that's quietly one of the best in its class.

Mention SKODA and straight away you know what you're getting — reliability, practicality and serious value. The Karoq is no different. It's a no-nonsense compact SUV that could well be one of the best in its class, yet it doesn't feel the need to shout about it.

It sits in the sweet spot of SKODA's SUV family — slotting neatly between the smaller Kamiq and the larger Kodiaq — and takes on some serious competition in the form of the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and SEAT Ateca.

It shares its underpinnings with the Volkswagen Tiguan and SEAT Ateca, but don't mistake it for either.

SKODA have carved out their own identity here: Less sporty, more comfortable, and relentlessly practical.

A facelift in 2022 sharpened up the styling, updated the tech and improved the aerodynamics, making a good car even better.

But does it have enough to stand out in one of the most competitive classes on the market? Let's find out.

What we drove:

Model: SKODA Karoq Sportline TSI

Fuel type: Petrol

Engine: 1.5 TSI 150PS ACT Start/Stop

0–62mph: Just under 9.0 seconds

Colour: White

Specifications correct at the time of publication

Or watch our video review over on YouTube:

Understated by design

The SKODA Karoq doesn't try to grab your attention, but that's exactly its appeal.

It's solid, well-built and reliable. Everything we've grown to know and love about SKODA, expressed in sheet metal.

The silhouette is clean and uncluttered. There's nothing unnecessary or over-designed here which is a refreshing contrast to some of the more out there designs you see today.

It takes its design cues from its larger sibling, the SKODA Kodiaq, and features SKODA's signature SUV grille up front. Our Sportline spec added 19-inch alloys and black detailing to the mix: Subtle, but sharp.

Plus, with 521 litres of space in the boot, this is one of the biggest in its class.

The 2022 facelift pushed things further.

The grille got wider and more hexagonal, giving the Karoq a more rugged, purposeful stance — one that truly embraces its SUV roots.

The headlights and taillights were slimmed down and redesigned, with optional Matrix LED technology available for those who want the best visibility on the road. The bumpers were updated too.

The result? A more confident, more capable-looking Karoq: The total SUV package.

Built for real life

Step inside the SKODA Karoq and the same sense of purpose that defines the exterior carries straight through to the cabin.

The dashboard is clean and well thought out, with buttons and switches intuitively placed — nothing takes long to find and nothing feels out of reach. The seats are soft and comfortable, with manually adjustable lumbar support to keep longer journeys from taking their toll.

The raised driving position is a real highlight.

Narrow windscreen pillars, large side windows and slim rear pillars combine to make the Karoq one of the easiest small SUVs to see out of. Pulling out of junctions, changing lanes and reversing into tight spaces are all considerably less stressful than in many rivals.

The boot comes in at a whopping 588 litres; a big boot for all life can throw at you.

And then there are the little things.

SKODA's 'Simply Clever' touches are the kind of details that make you smile — an umbrella tucked away under the passenger seat, an ice scraper hidden in the fuel cap lid.

Small gestures, but genuinely thoughtful ones.

The 2022 facelift tidied things up further.

Analogue dials made way for a standard eight-inch digital display, a new two-spoke steering wheel arrived borrowing cues from the Octavia, and interior materials got a noticeable upgrade.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now supported too, along with two USB-C ports in the front centre console.

Built to cruise

Put your foot down and the SKODA Karoq delivers a composed, confidence-inspiring drive — falling perfectly between comfort and sportiness.

And we'll happily repeat ourselves here: It's a dream to drive. It handles well, soaks up bumps with ease and always feels planted and sure-footed. The steering is light and accurate, letting you glide from corner to corner without ever feeling like hard work.

It may not be as sporty as the SEAT Ateca, but it's not trying to be. It knows exactly what it is, and it does it brilliantly.

The 1.5 TSI 150PS is the sweet spot in the range. Responsive, refined and smooth, it'll get from 0–62mph in just under 9.0 seconds — not the quickest in class, but more than adequate for everyday driving.

If you're considering the diesel, be aware it can get a little grumbly under hard acceleration. The petrol variant is the smoother choice.

The Sportline Edition adds Dynamic Chassis Control, letting you stiffen or soften the suspension to suit your mood. The manual gearbox is light and easy to use, though automatic versions can be a touch jerky when pulling away in stop-start traffic.

Road and wind noise are well suppressed throughout, making the Karoq a genuinely relaxing long-distance companion.

What's good, and what's not

The SKODA Karoq is an all-round great SUV, but it does still have its flaws.

The good bits:

• Composed, comfortable drive
• Raised driving position and slim pillars make it one of the easiest small SUVs to see out of
• 521-litre boot — one of the biggest in class
• Simply Clever touches — umbrella, ice scraper, thoughtful details throughout
• Dynamic Chassis Control on Sportline
• Clean, intuitive dashboard — nothing takes long to find
• Facelift sharpened up the styling and improved the tech considerably
• Competes with the VW Tiguan mechanically but at a lower price point

The not-so-good bits:

• Not as sporty as the SEAT Ateca — if you want driving thrills, look elsewhere
• Diesel can be grumbly under hard acceleration
• Automatic gearbox can be jerky pulling away in stop-start traffic
• No hybrid or electric option in the range
• Three adults across the rear bench is a squeeze

What's the verdict?

Overall, the SKODA Karoq is composed, practical and reliable. It doesn't shout about itself — but it doesn't need to.

It's genuinely one of the best all-rounders in its class, especially when you factor in that massive boot.

The facelift made a good car even better, and it continues to hit that sweet spot between the Volkswagen Tiguan and SEAT Ateca — more affordable than one, more comfortable than the other.

Top 5 reasons to consider the SKODA Karoq:

1. One of the biggest boots in class — 521 litres with seats up
2. Composed, comfortable drive that eats up motorway miles
3. Simply Clever details that make everyday life that little bit easier
4. Facelift brought sharper styling and updated tech
5. Serious car for the money — competes with cars costing considerably more

Would we recommend leasing a SKODA Karoq?

Absolutely. The SKODA Karoq is ideal for families, commuters and long-distance drivers alike — it's the kind of car that just gets on with it, day in, day out.

Comfort, space and seriously good value. What's not to love?