Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Verdict
Compact SUV with a large boot (521 L) and 5 stars Euro NCAP in 2017, generally judged solid. The points to watch are the dry-clutch DSG7 gearbox (jerks reported on the 1.5 TSI), the electronics and, on the diesels, the emissions systems (particulate filter, AdBlue). Also check the 2018-2019 seat recalls by serial number.
- Reliability
- 4.0/5
- Indicative prices
- €16,000 – €32,700
- Monthly cost
- €471
- Euro NCAP
- 5/5
Which version to choose
Versions to favour: 1.0 TSI 116.
1.0 TSI 116
✓ RecommendedPetrol · Manual · 116 hp · 5.8 L/100 km · 131 g CO₂/km · Crit'Air 1
Turbo three-cylinder, 6-speed manual gearbox: entry level, without the DSG gearbox problems reported on the 1.5.
Engine: Volkswagen 1.0 TSI (EA211)
Verdict on this engine: Excellent choice
1.0 TSI 116 DSG7
Petrol · Automatic · 116 hp · Crit'Air 1
The same 1.0 TSI paired with the DSG7 dual-clutch gearbox.
Engine: Volkswagen 1.0 TSI (EA211)
Verdict on this engine: Excellent choice
1.5 TSI 150 DSG7
Petrol · Automatic · 150 hp · Crit'Air 1
1.5 TSI with 150 hp and DSG7 gearbox; this is the combination for which gearbox jerks are most often reported.
Engine: Volkswagen 1.5 TSI / eTSI (EA211 evo)
Verdict on this engine: Excellent choice
1.6 TDI 115
Diesel · Manual · 115 hp · Crit'Air 2
Launch diesel, tested by Euro NCAP in 2017 (Ambition version).
Engine: Volkswagen 1.6 TDI (EA288)
Verdict on this engine: Buy with care
2.0 TDI 150 4x4
Diesel · Manual · 150 hp · Crit'Air 2
All-wheel-drive version announced at the French launch (L'Argus).
Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 TDI (EA288 and EA288 evo)
Verdict on this engine: Buy with care
Market prices
€16,000 – €32,700
Indicative range: 2018 to 2026, yearly medians of 1307 online listings collected by iAutos (years with at least 3 listings).
Collected on 20 October 2026 from the sources below. Our own survey of listings, by year and mileage, will refine it.
Known faults
DSG7 gearbox jerks (1.5 TSI)
Severity 2/3 · CostlyAutodoc reports irregular gear changes and jerks on the DSG gearbox from 30,000 to 50,000 km, especially with the 1.5 TSI. What Car? describes the dry-clutch DQ200 DSG gearbox of the 1.5 TSI as the least reliable element of the transmission; a German garage cites mechatronics repairs up to 5,000 euros. Neglected gearbox maintenance accelerates wear.
- Versions
- 1.5 TSI 150 DSG7
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Diesel emissions: particulate filter and AdBlue
Severity 2/3 · CostlyWhat Car? reports costly out-of-warranty particulate filter repairs on diesel Karoqs. CarChecker notes that the 2.0 TDI engine itself is proven and that the trouble comes mainly from the emissions systems (particulate filter, EGR, AdBlue), especially when used on short trips; one owner reports a recurring particulate filter warning light.
- Versions
- 1.6 TDI 115, 2.0 TDI 150 4x4
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Electronics: screen, electric tailgate, locking
Severity 1/3 · AnnoyingOwners report freezing or restarting of the multimedia screen, Bluetooth dropouts, and faults with the electric tailgate or central locking ("key not recognised" message). What Car? notes that most infotainment problems are resolved with a software update at the dealer.
- Versions
- 1.0 TSI 116, 1.0 TSI 116 DSG7, 1.5 TSI 150 DSG7, 1.6 TDI 115, 2.0 TDI 150 4x4
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Seat safety recalls (2018-2019 series)
Manufacturer recallTwo documented recalls concern limited series: a head restraint that may be missing on the rear centre seat (cars built from 18 April to 26 June 2018, UK recall) and a possible crack in the frame of the front left seat (series built in early February 2019). Only cars from these series are concerned: check the serial number with a Škoda dealer.
Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).
- Versions
- 1.0 TSI 116, 1.0 TSI 116 DSG7, 1.5 TSI 150 DSG7, 1.6 TDI 115, 2.0 TDI 150 4x4
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Sources
- Recall: Skoda Karoq (2018) injury, seats — Car-recalls.eu (new tab)
- Skoda, like Audi and VW, recalls the Octavia and Karoq models due to faulty headrests (week 7/19) — Car-Recalls.eu (new tab)
- SKODA KAROQ (2019) - POSSIBLE CRACK ON THE LEFT FRONT SEAT — Car Recalls UK (new tab)
- Skoda Karoq Recalls: Safety and Technical Recalls — AutoInsider (new tab)
Manufacturer recalls
See the official list on RappelConso (new tab) (French government recall site: category “Automobiles et moyens de déplacement”, search “Škoda Karoq”). A dealer for the brand can also check, using the vehicle identification number (VIN), that recalls have been carried out.
Real monthly cost
Fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation, excluding finance. Move the slider to match your mileage. How it is calculated
| Fuel or electricity | €143 |
|---|---|
| Insurance | €48 |
| Maintenance | €50 |
| Depreciation | €230 |
| Total per month | €471 |
⚠ Estimates to treat with caution
- Maintenance: published servicing price plus an estimated allowance for tyres and brakes.
- Depreciation estimated at 12% of the median price a year, as no year-by-year valuation is usable.
Calculation details (12,000 km a year)
- Fuel (petrol)€143
1.0 TSI 116 version: combined consumption of 5.8 L/100 km, increased by 15% for real-world driving, at 2.14 €/L, for 1,000 km a month.
5.8 × 1.15 × 2.14 € × 10 = €143
Petrol price (SP95-E10): French national average on 7 October 2026.
- Insurance€48
Average monthly premium published for this model by insurance comparison sites (comprehensive cover when stated). Your premium depends on your profile.
- Maintenance€50
Servicing and wear parts (tyres, brakes) for 12,000 km a year, per month.
- Depreciation€230
Value lost in a year by a typical example, from the valuation gap between two years, per month.
Inspection checklist
Škoda Karoq I — inspection checklist
Things to check
- Note the serial number and ask a Škoda dealer which recalls have been carried out (rear centre head restraint, front left seat).
- 1.5 TSI DSG7: test drive in slow traffic and when cold; the slightest jolt or a gearbox warning light justifies asking for the gearbox service history.
- Test the multimedia screen, Bluetooth, the electric tailgate and the central locking.
- Diesel: ask whether the car has mostly been driven on the road or in town, and whether there have been particulate filter or AdBlue warning lights.
- Check the tyres and shock absorbers, the main reasons for failing the UK MOT according to What Car?.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have the manufacturer's recalls been carried out? Do you have the dealer's proof?
- If it has a DSG gearbox: has it been serviced, and has it shown jerks?
- For a diesel: what was the car used for (road or short trips), and has there been any work on the particulate filter or AdBlue?
Test-drive tip: read the fault codes
A warning light that is off proves nothing: a fault may have been cleared just before the viewing. A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, plugged in under the steering wheel and read on your phone, shows stored codes and whether all emissions readiness tests have run since the last reset.
Electric or hybrid equivalent
No direct electric or hybrid equivalent in our guides. Simulate combustion vs electric cost
Alternatives
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Škoda Kamiq
I · since 2019
- Price
- €14,300 – €23,000
- Reliability
- 4/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Volkswagen Tiguan
II · 2016–2024
- Price
- €16,000 – €36,000
- Reliability
- 4/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Nissan Qashqai
II · 2014–2021
- Price
- €9,000 – €18,490
- Reliability
- 3/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel
Photo: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Peugeot 3008
II · 2016–2023
- Price
- €7,980 – €17,294
- Reliability
- 3/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Renault Kadjar
I · 2015–2022
- Price
- €9,240 – €17,544
- Reliability
- 3/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel
Before you buy: check and equip
Check the history
Before paying, check the administrative status (lien, objection, declared claims) and the mileage recorded at the roadworthiness test.
Read fault codes
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Parts and maintenance
Compare prices of parts for the Škoda Karoq I (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.
Insure the car
Insurance prices vary widely from one model to another: get a quote before signing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Euro NCAP rating of the Škoda Karoq?
5 stars in November 2017, on a 1.6 diesel Ambition version, with 93% for adult protection and 58% for safety assist. Euro NCAP states that this assessment expired on 1 January 2024.
What is the Karoq's boot capacity?
521 litres, up to 1,630 litres with the rear seat folded. With the optional VarioFlex sliding rear seat, 479 to 588 litres.
Is the Karoq's DSG gearbox reliable?
Jerks are reported on the 1.5 TSI's DSG7 gearbox from 30,000 to 50,000 km according to Autodoc, and What Car? judges it the least reliable element of this version. Test drive it and check the gearbox's servicing.
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