Volvo XC40 vs Skoda Karoq
What's the difference?

Volvo XC40

$36,990 - $55,990

2024 price

View pricing & specs

Skoda Karoq

$24,990 - $49,990

2024 price

View pricing & specs

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2024 Volvo XC40

2024 Skoda Karoq

By Emily Agar

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Electric range

485 km

6.5L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

19.4 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

82.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Cute kerb-side presence
Decent cabin space for class
Good driving range and energy consumption

Refinement
Value
Practicality

Dislikes

Ride comfort isn't there on long journeys
Loud cabin at higher speeds
Interior trims don't match grade level

Dated interior
Non-linear power delivery
Needs premium unleaded

2024 Volvo XC40 Summary

The XC40 Recharge Twin Motor is the flagship model for the segment leading small electric SUV from Volvo.

Well positioned in terms of price, specifications and driving range, it continues to prove itself a fierce rival to the Mercedes-Benz EQA, Lexus UX and newcomer BMW iX1.

But does it bring its A-game to every attribute buyers in the small electric SUV segment demand? In this review, we put it to test to find out.

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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

Deep dive comparison

2024 Volvo XC40 2024 Skoda Karoq

Verdict

The Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Motor is a cute small electric SUV that offers a decent specs list and a sweet urban driving experience. It’s not the nicest ride on a longer journey but it does have a decent range to be able to tackle one, if needed. I didn’t love the interior design but there’s lots the XC40 gets right.

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.

Volvo XC40 vs Skoda Karoq What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volvo XC40 vs Skoda Karoq
What's the difference?