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It’s easy to forget about the Skoda Karoq. It’s not that it’s a particularly forgettable model - it’s really not - it’s more that people just don’t know it exists.
That might be due to the fact that Skoda Australia did not do any promotional or marketing activities for the Karoq when it arrived back in 2018, because, at the time, it didn’t have adequate supply.
The company didn’t want to over-promise and under-deliver given the lack of available stock.
From 2020, the global pandemic has made the supply situation even worse so the Karoq has remained something of a hidden gem in the segment.
This mid-life facelift and slowly improving supply could ensure the Karoq gets a little more attention, but fighting for the limelight against the likes of the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, new Nissan X-Trail, not to mention its Volkswagen Tiguan sibling, could prove challenging.
Does the Karoq deserve to be added to more shopping lists for buyers looking for a mid-size family SUV?
Is it a station wagon or an SUV? It's kinda both. The new Outback AWD Sport XT has the AWD capabilities of an SUV but the concise handling of a station wagon and it's a wonderful combo for a family car.
The Sport XT is one of the two models Subaru is offering with a new turbo-petrol engine (hurrah) and it sits second from the top in the line-up but how does it stack up after a week with my family of three? Check it out below.
This update hasn’t exactly transformed the Karoq, but arguably, it didn’t need that much of a change to begin with.
The two Karoq grades should appeal to very different buyers. The flexibility, packaging and space of the 110TSI give it ammunition against regular medium SUV rivals, while the 140TSI Sportline offers ripping performance in a more visually appealing package - it just lacks some of the practicality of the Style.
Either way, the Karoq deserves way more attention than it’s been given in Australia since its 2018 launch. This update goes some way to fixing that - as long as Skoda can sort out its supply issues.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.
The Subaru Outback AWD Sport XT has been a great car for my family this week. It was popular with everyone and for good reason. It has loads of space, it's easy to handle and now has the grunt under the bonnet to satisfy me as a driver. However, you are paying for that grunt with the thirsty engine and that could become tiresome with the rising costs of fuel. At this price point, I also didn't love the weird-feeling material on the seats but it still impressed with its practicality and the safety features.
My son enjoyed being in this and loved the green accents and cool 'army' green colour. It was also a great height for him to get in and out of unassisted.
The changes Skoda has made to the Karoq’s design as part of the mid-life update are best described as subtle.
It gains a new front bumper and wider lower air intake, new headlight design, and split daytime running lights, as well as an extended tailgate spoiler and redesigned slimline tail-lights at the rear, capped off by new alloy wheel designs.
The Karoq is probably the most conservative looking Skoda you can buy, and while the refresh has certainly sharpened up the SUV’s design, it hasn’t elevated it.
Compared with the modern exterior design of rivals like the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage twins, the upcoming new-gen Nissan X-Trail or even the Peugeot 3008, the Karoq looks a little too conventional.
In saying that, fans of understated design will likely appreciate Skoda’s measured approach.
Very little has changed inside and the interior design is functional, but somewhat generic.
Subaru has been pushing for sharper robust shapes lately and this is no different. It's a large car being 4870mm long and 1875mm wide but it still feels like a station wagon with that 1670mm height!
Everything is proportional and well sculpted with a long nose being complemented by sharper accents, like the rear tail-lights that jut out.
There are some areas of interest, like the green accents on the roof rails and black plastic body moulding, that tie in nicely with the contrasting green stitching of the interior trim.
The interior is pleasing to look at with the two-tone synthetic leather trim throughout, tapered cutaways in the dash and doors, plus stacks of soft touchpoints.
The only thing I don't really like is the 'water-resistant' material in the middle of the seats. It feels very synthetic and I wonder how it will wear over time.
Overall, it's a very handsome car, inside and out.
As Skoda points out, the Karoq has smaller exterior dimensions than rivals like the Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage and Honda CR-V, but, for the most part, it has more interior occupant space in the front and rear rows, and more luggage space, than those models.
That’s down to clever packaging - something Skoda does very well.
In the 110TSI Style, the Karoq has excellent storage in the front doors for tall and wide drink bottles, as well as extra space in the door cavity for the useful Skoda rubbish bin.
There’s a handy storage compartment with a lid on the top of the dash, while the central storage bin can be covered by moving the armrest back or forth. It has a wireless charging pad with a sliding cover and a pair of USB-C ports.
The central multimedia display is good and functions well, and all of the controls and stalks are well positioned. 'Virtual Cockpit' is one of the best digital instrument displays there is. The cabin design might not wow you, but it’s hard to fault the functionality of the Karoq.
In the second row, there’s loads of space for three, with ample toe, leg and headroom, and decent bottle storage in the doors. While the Style might lack the rear ski port and centre rear armrest of the Sportline, it has a much more useful trick up its sleeve.
It comes standard with Skoda’s 'Varioflex' rear seating, which folds 40/20/40. Each separate seat can be folded, lowered or raised, tumbled forward to greatly enhance cargo space, or removed from the car completely. It’s like Honda’s 'Magic Seats', and it’s a brilliant addition that sets it apart from its rivals - aside from Honda.
The Sportline swaps the Varioflex seats for regular sports seats that, in the rear, fold 60/40. The front seats in the Sportline offer incredible support, and the flat-bottom perforated leather steering wheel adds to the sporty vibe.
With a 588-litre boot (with all seats in place), the Karoq 110TSI Style has more space than the CX-5, Sportage, CR-V and the Toyota RAV4, but it can’t match the 615-litre capacity of its VW Tiguan sibling.
But the 140TSI Sportline has less cargo space, dropping to 521L and 1630 with rear seats folded. Both models come standard with a myriad of luggage nets and tie down hooks.
I love how roomy the interior is. Taller occupants will be singing its praises (from both rows).
The 213mm ground clearance also makes this the perfect height to get in and out of, for my six-year old all the way to my 72-year old father. No grunts or complaints were heard this week!
Individual storage is great with a large glove box, middle console with a shallow shelf, two cupholders and drink bottle holders in the first and second rows plus double-sleeved map pockets in the second row.
Boot storage is good with 522L of capacity and a level load space – perfect for sliding in a pram or luggage.
There's no underfloor storage because of the full-size spare tyre but there are little pockets on the side of the wheel arches for smaller items. You can bump up the storage to 1783L when the back row is folded flat.
Considering Subaru's sponsorship of the ski fields, I was surprised that the back row only has a 60/40 split fold configuration and not a 40/20/40, which would allow for internal stowage of longer gear… like skis. However, you do get strengthened roof racks with anchor points for bigger gear.
The amenities in each row are pretty good, too. The rear seats enjoy directional air vents, USB ports, reading lights and heated outboard seats.
I enjoyed using the tech this week, it's easy to use and looks good. My favourite combo.
The 11.6-inch touchscreen multimedia system has built-in satellite navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It was ridiculously easy to connect my iPhone and I like the Bluetooth connectivity, too.
There is a USB-A and USB-C port and (unusually) an 'aux' port in the front row, but backseat passengers can also stay charged up with two USB-A ports. There are two 12-volt sockets for other charging options but basically, you're sorted with outlets.
The updated Karoq comes with more standard gear compared with the model it replaces, and a price increase.
As with the pre-facelifted model, the Karoq is available in just two model grades. The range kicks off with the front-wheel drive 110TSI Style priced at $42,990 drive-away, while the flagship remains the all-wheel drive 140TSI Sportline 4x4 at $49,990. Both variants are $3000 more expensive than before.
Skoda Australia says the updated Karoq 110TSI Style includes about $4500 worth of extra gear over its predecessor, which represents $1500 of better value when taking into account the price increase.
Some of the new standard kit includes 18-inch alloy wheels (up from 17s), LED headlights, front parking sensors (it already had rear sensors), a hands-free power tailgate, power-folding and heated exterior mirrors, a rear spoiler, extended pedestrian protection for the autonomous emergency braking system, driving profile selection, digital radio, wireless phone charging and luggage nets.
Other standard gear includes rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, ‘virtual cockpit’ digital instrument cluster, 8.0-inch multimedia screen with wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
You can option the Style grade with a panoramic sunroof ($1900), side steps ($1200), a 'Tech Pack' ($5900) that adds a larger 9.2-inch central screen with gesture control, Matrix LED headlights, auto parking, lane assist, traffic jam assist and more, or a 'Premium Pack' ($10,900) that includes leather-appointed seats, power front seats, front and rear heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and more.
Stepping up to the Sportline 4x4 will net you sports seats throughout, larger 19-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, fog lights, a black body kit, stainless steel pedal covers, a sports steering wheel and of course, a beefier turbocharged engine.
The additions to the Sportline amount to $4100, making for $1100 of extra value, according to Skoda’s calculations.
The Sportline can also be optioned with packs including a 'Leather Seats Pack' ($3200) and 'Premium Pack' ($5900).
Skoda’s pricing puts the 110TSI Style in the crosshairs of other medium SUVs like the Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport ($40,690, before on-road costs) or the Kia Sportage 2.0 SX+ ($41,500, BOC).
The Sportline lines up against the Toyota RAV4 Edge petrol AWD ($50,200, BOC) and the mechanically related Volkswagen Tiguan 132TSI Life AWD ($46,690, BOC).
The Skoda’s standard features list could be described as generous without being over the top. While it outpaces a few rivals for tech and in-car features, it lacks some of the safety gear standard on those models. More on that in a bit.
The Sport XT will cost you $52,190, before on road costs, but you get a lot of features fitted as standard, which makes it feel like you're getting your money's worth.
Some of those features include, electric heated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, powered tailgate, dual-zone climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, 18-inch alloy wheels, a full-size spare tyre and a large 11.6-inch touchscreen multimedia system.
And that's just a 'few' of the features! Even the entry-grade has great specs, if you didn't want the extra power from the turbo-engine.
Two powertrains are on offer in the Karoq, starting with the 110TSI Style’s 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, driving the front wheels via an eight-speed torque-convertor automatic transmission.
This is the same powertrain found in many a VW Group product, including entry-level versions of the Golf, and it pumps out 110kW at 6000rpm and 250Nm at 1500-3500rpm. Skoda says it can cover 0-100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
Under the bonnet of the 140TSI Sportline 4x4 is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, delivering 140kW at 6000rpm and 320Nm at 1500-4100rpm, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
A version of that engine is found in the Tiguan and the Golf GTI. The Sportline can do 0-100km/h in seven seconds. It also gains a multi-link rear suspension set-up for sportier handling.
Our model has the new 2.4-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol 'boxer' engine with a maximum output of 183 kilowatts and 350 Newton metres of torque. That's a big step up in power from the previous non-turbo engine.
The continuously variable auto transmission is relatively smooth and the combo means this handles open-road and urban conditions well.
Fuel consumption in the 110TSI Style is rated at 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle, and it emits 147g/km of CO2. It has a 50-litre fuel tank.
The 140TSI Sportline consumes 6.6L/100km of fuel and emits 152g/km of CO2. It has a larger 55-litre fuel tank. Both Karoq grades require a minimum 95 RON premium fuel.
The official combined fuel cycle figure is 9.0L/100km. Real world testing saw my figure at 9.6L/100km but that was after heavy open-road driving this week.
Unfortunately, it's thirsty and urban-dwellers will feel that the most at the bowser, but the upside is getting the extra grunt from the turbo.
The Outback has a relatively small 63L fuel tank for its size and only takes premium fuel (95 or higher).
The two Karoq variants have quite different driving characteristics and will likely appeal to different buyers.
On the road, the 110TSI Style is competent, acceleration is adequate but it will not set any hearts racing. The 1.4-litre engine is rowdy when pushed, particularly up hills, but remains composed around town.
The ride is firm and you will feel and hear potholes and large ruts in the cabin. It lacks the supple ride of a RAV4.
The Sportline ups the fun factor considerably, with the punchy 2.0-litre turbo and seven-speed dual-clutch combo ensuring smooth yet engaging acceleration and performance.
When it comes to dynamic driving, the Karoq Sportline shines, proving that it’s more than just a family hauler - it’s a warmed up SUV that would give a few hot hatches a run for their money.
And that becomes clear the second you hit a twisty section of road. The Sportline handles like a much smaller car and gives the Karoq yet another selling point that many of its rivals can’t match - genuinely engaging dynamics.
But the compromise here is, again, the ride quality. The suspension has an even firmer setting than in the 110TSI Style, unsurprising given the performance bent. But those road corrugations will make themselves known.
Ultimately, however, it’s something you can get used to. I spent a few months with a pre-facelifted Karoq Sportline in 2020, and found the ride quality around town more than fine for day-to-day driving.
I thoroughly enjoyed driving this. The engine is powerful enough to easily handle winding mountain roads, always a plus in a big family car, but the pick up is also good and you can zip across traffic or overtake when needed.
The cabin is delightfully quiet and the suspension creates a smooth ride without being floaty.
The tight 11m turning circle and accurate steering means cornering feels concise and controlled.
It's pretty easy to manoeuvre this around but you'll miss having front parking sensors in a tight car park because the nose is deceptively long.
I like how crisp the image is from the reversing camera but it's disappointing that it doesn't have a 360-degree view camera for where this Sport XT sits in the model range.
The Karoq was tested by crash safety authority ANCAP back in 2017 and was awarded a maximum five-star rating.
Given the Karoq’s age, it is not fitted with a front centre airbag to help avoid injury between the driver and passenger in a side impact.
Standard safety gear on the 110TSI Style includes adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, manoeuvre braking assist, multi-collision braking, seven airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system and driver fatigue detection.
Unfortunately items like lane keeping aid, traffic jam assist, rear cross-traffic alert and blind spot monitor are only available as part of an options pack or as individual options. In the 110TSI Style the latter two aren’t available, even as options.
Given the standard safety gear offered on most, if not all, variants of more affordable medium-SUV alternatives like the aforementioned Sportage and Tucson, it’s odd these features are not standard at this price point.
The safety features are well-stocked in this and it has items I always like to see on a family car, like LED daytime running lights, automatic emergency braking, rear emergency braking, lane departure alert, lane keeping aid, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors, but not front parking sensors, which you'll miss.
A highlight is the 'Driver Monitoring System' which is a fantastic feature.
The system literally watches you and scans your face for signs of drowsiness and distraction. If it detects them, it will sound an alert and a pop up comes on in the instrument panel.
I tested the sensitivity a lot this week and couldn't stump it. Thumbs up.
The Outback has seven airbags, but it is missing the newer front centre airbag, which is a shame.
It's been awarded a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing done recently in 2021.
There are ISOFIX child seat mounts on the outboard rear seats and three top tether child seat anchors.
The back seat is wide enough that, with the right seats, you should be able to fit three side-by-side.
There is enough room for front occupants when a 0-4 rearward facing child seat is installed.
The Karoq comes with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.
The servicing schedule is every 12 months or 15,000 kilometres, whichever occurs first, which average for the class.
Capped-price servicing packs for the Karoq cost $1500 for five years, or $2100 for seven years, both averaging $300 per service, which is pretty good.
Skoda has also just launched service and maintenance subscription plans that allow owners to pay a monthly fee to cover servicing and some parts costs.
Skodas are covered by an initial one year of free roadside assist, but if you continue servicing your Karoq with a Skoda dealer, it will be topped up by a year for a maximum of nine years.
On-going costs are always something to consider and the Outback comes with a five-year/unlimited km warranty, which is standard for the market.
You can choose either a three- or five-year capped-priced servicing plan, the services average on the more expensive side at $515 annually on the five-year plan.
Servicing intervals are pretty good at every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.