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Skoda Karoq vs Volkswagen Golf

What's the difference?

VS
Skoda Karoq
Skoda Karoq

$34,888 - $64,460

2023 price

Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Golf

$35,898 - $97,990

2023 price

Summary

2023 Skoda Karoq
2023 Volkswagen Golf
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 1.4L

Turbo 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded Petrol

-
Fuel Efficiency
6.5L/100km (combined)

7.0L/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

  • Too much road noise
  • Annoying touchscreen
  • Pricey
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 Volkswagen Golf Summary

In a world where hatchbacks are being cancelled left, right and centre, it was super refreshing to get into the Volkswagen Golf GTI hot-hatch recently.

I’d driven other Mk 8 Golf models including the R flagship wagon, but this was my go in the car I’d long considered to be the best Golf for the money.

But with prices continuously cruising north - this car is now a $54,990 prospect before on-road costs - does it still make dollars and sense? And what’s it like to live with in the daily grind?

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Skoda Karoq 2023 Volkswagen Golf

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