Skoda Kodiaq vs. Karoq: which is better?
Skoda is well-known for its slick SUVs, but which comes out on top: the Skoda Kodiaq or Karoq?
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The Skoda Kodiaq vs. Karoq showdown is a real family affair.
The Kodiaq is a fan-favourite SUV among motorists who need seven seats and plenty of space.
Its sibling, the Skoda Karoq, arrived on the scene in 2017 to replace the Yeti, offering a sleeker look.
Both are impressively kitted-out and timelessly styled, so either will suit your needs for the long term.
They both tick boxes across the board, but which used Skoda SUV is best suited to you?
Skoda Kodiaq vs. Karoq
Our guide will answer:
Which model has the better styling?
Is the Karoq or Kodiaq better to drive?
Does the Karoq or Kodiaq have better tech?
Is the Karoq or Kodiaq more reliable?
What are the Karoq or Kodiaq dimensions?
Skoda Kodiaq vs. Karoq: styling
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The Kodiaq is obviously chunkier than the Karoq, as the latter is only available as a five-seater.
This doesn’t change the intimidating nature of the car – both SUVs are rugged but classic, and have a real road presence.
Much of the styling across the two cars is the same. The grilles at the front are the same shape and the rears are also similar, but the Kodiaq feels bulkier for obvious reasons.
This doesn’t mean that a used Kodiaq will look sluggish and too hefty – it's still sleek and streamlined.
Having said that, so is the Karoq, so you’ll likely have to base your design preferences on the tiny details and personal preference.
Skoda Kodiaq vs. Karoq: what are they like to drive?
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Both SUVs have a range of petrol and diesel engines on offer, but the smaller Karoq will usually always be the most efficient due to the size difference.
Both cars are available with four-wheel drive.
The Karoq offers 1.0-litre, 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines, as well as 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre diesels. The diesel options are the most efficient choice.
You can choose from a large range of petrol and diesel models with the Kodiaq, with the 2.0-litre TDI 150 auto setup achieving up to 52.3mpg.
Both SUVs are comfortable and easy to drive, despite the large size.
The DSG automatic gearbox is a nice touch to the range – it’s smooth and a dream to live with.
Skoda Kodiaq vs. Karoq: interior and technology
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The interiors of both these cars are pretty similar, using many of the same controls and both offering impressive quality.
In 2020, the Karoq, Kodiaq and Skoda Superb were given an upgraded infotainment system that uses wireless SmartLink technology and the ‘Laura’ digital voice assistant.
Two large screens sit across the dash in both models – an easy-to-use infotainment screen and a digital instrument cluster behind the wheel.
Both models are available with a panoramic sunroof that pairs especially well with the smaller Karoq, really opening up the space with lots of light.
Read our Skoda Kodiaq review
Skoda Kodiaq vs. Karoq: boot space and practicality
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As the Kodiaq is a seven-seater, it does have less space in the boot.
With five seats in place, you’ll have a 735-litre space that can extend to a 2,005-litre loading area with all the seats folded.
Even with all seven seats in place, you’ll still have a 270-litre boot that’s seriously class-leading. Five-seat versions of this SUV get 835 litres of boot space.
The Skoda Karoq offers up to 521 litres of boot space with all of its five seats in place, but this can increase to 1,630 litres if you fold the seats down.
There’s the option for Varioflex seats that slide and create between 479 litres and 588 litres of space.
Both models offer plenty of space in the cabin as well, with comfortable seating even in the rear.
Skoda Kodiaq vs. Karoq: reliability and safety
The Kodiaq and Karoq both received a five-star Euro NCAP rating when they were most recently crash-tested, making them an ideal option for a dependable family car.
Both models have previously scored well on consumer reliability surveys and have positive reviews from their drivers.
Built on tried-and-tested VW Group platforms, you can be sure that the brand is confident in the build.
As a brand, Skoda has a positive reputation when it comes to reliability, so these are set to be SUVs that you can depend on.
Skoda Kodiaq vs. Karoq dimensions
The seven-seated Skoda Kodiaq is 4,699mm long, 2,087mm wide (with wing mirrors included) and 1,686mm tall.
Slightly smaller in five-seater form, the Skoda Karoq is 4,382mm long, 1,841mm wide and up to 1,612mm tall.
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Used Skoda Karoq vs. used Skoda Kodiaq: which should you buy?
The deciding factor between a used Skoda Karoq and a used Skoda Kodiaq will likely be the size.
Sure, you can get the Kodiaq as a five-seater, but most people will opt for the seven-seat model.
If you’re in the market for a large family SUV but can’t be swayed by an MPV, the Kodiaq is likely the one to pick.
The Karoq is an impressive SUV in its own right and offers a massive boot, so you won’t be short on space.
If you’re a busy family or an active motorist who might need space for sports equipment or hobbies, it’s also a practical choice.