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Skoda Karoq vs Subaru Outback

What's the difference?

VS
Skoda Karoq
Skoda Karoq

$34,888 - $64,460

2023 price

Subaru Outback
Subaru Outback

$41,990 - $62,999

2023 price

Summary

2023 Skoda Karoq
2023 Subaru Outback
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 1.4L

Flat 4, 2.4L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
6.5L/100km (combined)

9.0L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Interior starting to look dated, generic
  • Far too many safety features only options
  • 1.4L engine in Style can struggle up hills

  • Thirsty engine
  • Missing 360-degree view camera
  • Water-resistant trim on seats
2023 Skoda Karoq Summary

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?

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2023 Subaru Outback Summary

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.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Skoda Karoq 2023 Subaru Outback

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