Skoda Karoq vs Audi SQ8
What's the difference?

Skoda Karoq

$24,990 - $49,990

2024 price

View pricing & specs

Audi SQ8

—

2025 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2024 Skoda Karoq

2025 Audi SQ8

By James Cleary

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Twin Turbo V8, 4.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.5L/100km (combined)

11.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Refinement
Value
Practicality

Understated but elegant looks
Gusty engine that delivers serious power
Comfortably fits a large family

Dislikes

Dated interior
Non-linear power delivery
Needs premium unleaded

Never hits any thrilling notes
Technology is harder than it needs to be
Internal storage could be better

2024 Skoda Karoq Summary

Typically appealing to those seeking quality engineering and tech without feeling the need to make a boastful badge statement, Skoda is a low-key, ultra-confident brand.

On sale here since 2018, the Skoda Karoq is a comparatively small fish in one of the most hotly contested segments in the Australian new-car market, namely medium SUVs, the leading trio consisting of the Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Outlander.

To increase its appeal against these and other high-profile contenders Skoda Australia has introduced a new entry-level Karoq designed to hit the Goldilocks zone between attractive standard specification and sharp pricing. CarsGuide was invited to its local launch.

View full pricing & specs

2025 Audi SQ8 Summary

The Audi SQ8 has had a mid-life refresh but this upper large SUV still offers luxury with its powerful V8 engine that fans know and love, as well as the features you would expect in a top model.

It competes against the Mercedes-AMG GLE and Porsche Cayenne but we’re family testing the SQ8 to see how it handles domestic life.

Keep reading to see what we’ve discovered.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Skoda Karoq 2025 Audi SQ8

Verdict

This new entry-level Karoq gives the already accomplished mid-size SUV an even sharper value-for-money edge. On top of that it's space efficient, hugely practical and economical. Safety's up to speed, the ownership package is solid and it's a quiet, refined drive. Before joining the RAV4 queue, we'd suggest giving this Skoda some serious thought.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

The Audi SQ8 isn’t your typical performance SUV. It’s more refined and less flashy. The tech can be more complicated than it needs to be and if you’re wanting that V8 soundscape, you won’t find it here.

However, the handling and on road experience are superb plus you can comfortably haul the family around and look good doing it.

Skoda Karoq vs Audi SQ8 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Skoda Karoq vs Audi SQ8
What's the difference?