Skoda Karoq 110 TSI Sportline FWD 2025 Review

The 2025 Skoda Karoq range covers just three models: The flagship 140TSI Sportline which is equipped with a 140kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine and an AWD driveline with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and is priced, before on-road costs (ORCs), at $55,090.

Under that are two 1.4-litre 110TSI front-drive turbo versions, both with an eight-speed conventional torque converter auto: the entry-level Select model at $38,490 pre-ORCs, and the more generously-equipped 110TSI Sportline – reviewed here – which is bound to be the volume seller and sits in the middle of the Karoq range with a pre-ORCs price of $44,490.

The Karoq’s 1.4-litre 110TSI engine, also employed in the similarly-sized Volkswagen Tiguan, produces 110kW and 150Nm of torque and employs on-the-run two-cylinder deactivation to help return a claimed fuel consumption of 6.6L/100km, along with a reasonably swift zero to 100km/h acceleration time of 9.2 seconds.

The 110TSI Karoq’s conventional eight-speed auto distributes the reasonably modest power and torque outputs smoothly, quietly and efficiently, the only real deficit in the whole driveline being the requirement for 95 RON fuel.

Inside, the 110TSI Karoq Sportline greets passengers with a refined Euro air: There’s quality stitched-cloth seat covering, rear air vents, adjustable front-seat height, lumbar support and heating (not in the base Select model though) but there’s no cooling, or any sort of power adjustment. The Karoq Sportline’s standard equipment reflects its above-entry level status with a powered tailgate.

Neither 110 TSI Sportline nor Select-spec Karoq get imbedded GPS, although there is Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity – the former wireless – with wireless smartphone charging. The Sportline audio system’s eight speakers are capable of doing a workmanlike job and the climate-control is a two-zone system supplemented by a heated, multifunction steering wheel.

The 110TSI Sportline Karoq’s wheels are upsized from 18-inch on the Select model to a more imposing 19-inch and wear meatier 225/40 tyres. Sportline external identifiers include those bigger wheels, plus more discreet touches such as a rear diffuser and a black-painted grille. The spare wheel is a simple, compact space-saver that sits below the boot floor.

The Skoda Karoq currently lacks a safety score but that doesn’t mean its credentials are lower than the fourth-gen model which was rated with five stars under previous ANCAP safety protocols.

Adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) in forward and reverse, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, active-shadowing LED headlights, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, driver attention detection, post collision braking, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera and tyre pressure monitoring are all part of what is a comprehensive package.

The seven-airbag count includes a driver’s kneebag but unfortunately does not include a front centre bag to help prevent front passengers from coming into contact in a side-on crash.

Undoubtedly the Skoda Karoq’s charm lies in its no-nonsense European identity.

It combines outstandingly good use of space – particularly in terms of its luggage-carrying ability where it scored major points with us – and is dynamically balanced with a good ride/handling compromise and zippy performance from the combination of a smooth eight-speed auto gearbox and an economical 1.4-litre turbo-petrol powerplant.

Although it’s currently unrated by ANCAP and its AEB system is low-speed only, its safety-tech rollcall covers most bases.

Really, there’s little not to like about the Skoda Karoq Sportline.

Undoubtedly many will find the styling slightly bland by comparison with some of its more flamboyant rivals, but the Karoq’s straight-to-the-point design is tasteful, practical and unlikely to age quickly. And the Sportline model’s 19-inch wheels do give it some degree of on-the-road attitude.

Welded-on Skoda customers will miss some of the simply clever features such as the tucked away umbrellas, clipped-on torches and pop-out door-protectors found elsewhere in the Czech car-maker’s range. But, back in the boot there are some handy touches such as sliding hooks and other knick-knacks that are designed to secure the luggage.

Frankly, the Skoda Karoq 110 TSI Sportline deserves to sit much higher than it does in the VFACTS sales rankings.

Spacious for passengers and voluminous in its ability to carry luggage, generously equipped, dynamically competent and competitively priced, this Czech import is worthy of consideration by all buyers in the mid-size SUV segment.

As a credible mid-class Euro SUV, it stacks up.

2025 Skoda Karoq 110 TSI Sportline FWD at a glance:
Price: $44,490 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 110kW/250Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.6L/100km
CO2: 149g/km
Safety rating: Unrated

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