Škoda Karoq review: what the car critics say
The Karoq balances comfort with sportiness and is as comfortable and fun as ever

In its new incarnation, the Škoda Karoq is as comfortable and fun as ever. Outside, the family car has been given subtle aerodynamic tweaks which reduce drag by 9%, saving a mile or two per gallon, said The Daily Telegraph. Inside, there are more changes, including new materials: you can opt for an eco version made from recycled plastic bottles. As before, there are three petrol engines and two diesels, but no hybrids.
The Karoq comes in three trim levels with lots of practical features as standard, said Autocar. It has an airy cabin with room for three adults in the back, loads of useful storage, and 500 litres of boot space, extending to 1,810 if you remove the VarioFlex back seats. The 8in infotainment touchscreen is easy to use, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and there are still physical buttons for the air con, thankfully.
With light steering but plenty of grip, the Karoq balances comfort with sportiness; it’s a pleasure to drive, with good visibility, said What Car?. Suspension is good over ruts and bumps around town, and the ride is even better on motorways. The manual gearbox is light and easy to use, and if you opt for the dual-clutch automatic, the gear changes are smooth – but it can be jerky when setting off from a standstill.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
In pictures: Škoda Karoq
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
AI workslop is muddying the American workplace
The explainer Using AI may create more work for others
-
Japan poised to get first woman prime minister
Speed Read The ruling Liberal Democratic Party elected former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi
-
The 5 best mob movies of all time
The Week Recommends If you don’t like a good gangster flick, just fuhgeddaboudit
-
Mustardy beans and hazelnuts recipe
The Week Recommends Nod to French classic offers zingy, fresh taste
-
Susie Dent picks her favourite books
The Week Recommends The lexicographer and etymologist shares works by Jane Goodall, Noel Streatfeild and Madeleine Pelling
-
6 incredible homes under $1 million
Feature Featuring a home in the National Historic Landmark District of Virginia and a renovated mid-century modern house in Washington
-
The Harder They Come: ‘triumphant’ adaptation of cinema classic
The Week Recommends ‘Uniformly excellent’ cast follow an aspiring musician facing the ‘corruption’ of Kingston, Jamaica
-
House of Guinness: ‘rip-roaring’ Dublin brewing dynasty period drama
The Week Recommends The Irish series mixes the family tangles of ‘Downton’ and ‘Succession’ for a ‘dark’ and ‘quaffable’ watch
-
Dead of Winter: a ‘kick-ass’ hostage thriller
The Week Recommends Emma Thompson plays against type in suspenseful Minnesota-set hair-raiser ‘ringing with gunshots’
-
A Booker shortlist for grown-ups?
Talking Point Dominated by middle-aged authors, this year’s list is a return to ‘good old-fashioned literary fiction’
-
Fractured France: an ‘informative and funny’ enquiry
The Week Recommends Andrew Hussey's work is a blend of ‘memoir, travelogue and personal confession’