Skoda Karoq 2024 Review

The eponymous 2024 Skoda Karoq is the new entry-level model in the Czech brand’s mid-size SUV range and starts from $39,990 drive-away.

That’s sharp pricing for a European import – especially one with Volkswagen underpinnings – and could steal sales from emergent Chinese budget brands.

The cheapest mid-size SUVs in Australia at present are made by Chinese and Korean brands, the MG HS (from $29,990 drive-away under its most recent price cuts) and SsangYong Korando (from $30,990 drive-away).

But unlike those vehicles you get a smooth and efficient Volkswagen-developed 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine (110kW/250Nm) that elevates the drive experience and pumps through an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels.

Equipment levels are also reasonably good. Top of the list are 18-inch alloy wheels and impressive automatic LED headlights on the outside, while cabin features include a 10.25-inch touch-screen infotainment display and 8.0-inch digital instrument panel.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are in there, as is dual-zone climate control, push-button engine start and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, so it certainly doesn’t feel like a stripped-out budget car.

Safety systems include autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with vehicle, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. Seven airbags are also fitted.

Now getting towards the end of its current lifecycle, the Skoda Karoq has lost its five-star ANCAP safety rating awarded in 2017 because the testing protocols back then are too far removed from the more stringent assessment conducted today.

But, overall, there’s a lot to like about this neatly-engineered European mid-size SUV. It’s not the most modern-looking vehicle from the outside but as grandma used to say, don’t judge a book by its cover.

There are three major plus points for the 2024 Skoda Karoq – the first is its seven-year warranty, the second is its fun-to-drive nature and the third is its sharp pricing.

The seven-year warranty is two years longer than most of the top sellers in the segment, such as the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4, and is backed up with competitive capped-price service costs, roughly $392 per annum over seven years.

It’s no surprise the Karoq is a fun-to-drive SUV, Volkswagen Group genetics aligning it closely with highly-regarded vehicles like the Volkswagen Tiguan.

It steers through roundabouts and corners predictably, is quiet and composed at nominal (urban) speeds and is easy to park, thanks to its smallish stature.

Finally, the sharp pricing is one of the Skoda Karoq’s biggest drawcards and will justifiably entice new customers into the fold.

The 2024 Skoda Karoq is slightly shorter than most of its rivals, such as the Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage, which means the back seat and cargo space isn’t quite as generous.

It also misses out on a number of key features the $5500-more-expensive Karoq Style gets, such as satellite navigation, a powered tailgate, wireless phone charger and tinted windows.

But in terms of the equipment list the lack of the versatile VarioFlex rear seats is the biggest omission, their folding and tumbling configuration sorely missed.

As far as European mid-size SUVs go, you’ll struggle to find a better deal than a new 2024 Skoda Karoq.

The sub-$40K, drive-away, no more to pay price is hugely appealing, and when digging a little deeper it turns out that this slightly stripped-back Karoq is no cheap and nasty rattle-trap.

It is one of the older SUVs in its class, but several updates over the years have kept it relevant and in terms of its powertrain and chassis, the formula has been refined and improved, culminating in a very competent SUV that is fit for purpose.

2024 Skoda Karoq at a glance:
Price: $39,990 (drive-away)
Available: Now
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 110kW/250Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 147g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Unrated