Skoda Kodiaq vs Skoda Karoq: A Comprehensive Comparison

In short: The Skoda Karoq is the better choice if you’re looking for a more compact, slightly more affordable and city-friendly SUV. The Skoda Kodiaq is the better fit if you need more space, up to 7 seats and maximum versatility for family life or leisure. Both offer strong value for money and typical Skoda practicality – but clearly differ in size, space and everyday use.

Skoda has become synonymous with high build quality and excellent value for money. Its “Simply Clever” philosophy delivers: you get exceptionally well-built cars for less. And as part of the Volkswagen Group, models like the Karoq and Kodiaq benefit from modern technology, solid driving dynamics and smart everyday solutions. It’s no surprise Skoda regularly ranks among the best-selling brands in Switzerland.

Two of its most popular SUVs are the Skoda Karoq and the Skoda Kodiaq. At first glance, they look similar – even their names sound almost identical. But in everyday use, they follow very different concepts: compact and flexible vs. large and максимально practical.

In this comparison, we answer the key questions:
Which model is more practical for everyday life? Do you really need 7 seats? Which offers more space and comfort? Which drives better in the city or on long journeys? And which is the smarter long-term choice for your budget?

Gowago shows you. So you can quickly figure out whether the Skoda Karoq or the Skoda Kodiaq better fits your lifestyle, your budget and your daily needs. Let’s go.

• Skoda Kodiaq vs Skoda Karoq: The Main Differences
• Practicality
• Equipment
• Interior
• Performance and Driving Experience
• Costs of Ownership
• Conclusion

Skoda Kodiaq vs Skoda Karoq: The Main Differences

When it comes to choosing between the Skoda Kodiaq and the Skoda Karoq, it’s all about what you value most in a car. These two siblings might share the same DNA, but they cater to different needs. The Kodiaq is the bigger, bolder brother – a full-sized SUV that’s all about space and versatility. It stretches 4.6 meters in length and stands taller and wider than the Karoq. With its imposing size, the Kodiaq offers seven seats, making it ideal for larger families or anyone who regularly chauffeurs a small army of passengers.

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On the other hand, the Karoq, introduced a year after the Kodiaq, is a more compact option. It’s about 40 cm shorter and 10 cm narrower and lower, slotting neatly into the compact SUV category. If you don’t need the third row of seats and prefer something easier to park and maneuver around tight city streets, the Karoq is likely more your speed. But don’t let its smaller stature fool you – it’s still a capable and well-rounded SUV with a strong road presence.

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Design-wise, both cars have that unmistakable Skoda style. They share similar grilles and headlight shapes, along with the same bold side creases and rugged lower body cladding. The choice between the two really comes down to whether you need the extra space and seating or prefer the convenience of a smaller, more agile vehicle.

Practicality

The Kodiaq is built for those who need to transport a lot of people or gear regularly. With all seven seats in place, you still get a decent amount of boot space, perfect for a shopping trip or a few school bags. Fold the third row down, and you’ve got 720 liters of space, enough for a couple of large suitcases or a pram. Fold all the rear seats down, and you’re looking at a whopping 2,065 liters. Whether it’s a family road trip or a DIY project that requires some serious hauling, the Kodiaq is up to the task.

The Karoq, while smaller, still offers 588 liters of boot space with the rear seats up, which is more than enough for a weekly shop or a set of golf clubs. If you need more room, the seats can be folded down or even removed entirely, giving you up to 1,810 liters of space. While it doesn’t have the extra seats of the Kodiaq, the Karoq’s flexible seating options and ample boot space make it a versatile choice for smaller families or those who don’t need the extra capacity all the time.

Equipment

Both the Kodiaq and the Karoq are packed with features that make them great value for money, but the level of equipment can vary depending on the trim level you choose. Skoda is known for its ‘Simply Clever’ solutions, and both SUVs come with plenty of these thoughtful touches that make daily driving a little easier. For example, both models offer options like a foot-activated electric tailgate, which is a godsend when your hands are full, and door edge protectors that pop out to prevent dings in tight parking spaces.

In terms of tech, both cars come with Skoda’s latest infotainment system, which includes an eight-inch touchscreen as standard. It’s intuitive and easy to use, with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to keep you connected on the go. You’ll also find features like DAB radio, Bluetooth, and multiple USB ports for charging your devices. Higher-spec models offer upgrades like a larger 9.2-inch display, wireless phone charging, and even a Canton sound system for audiophiles.

When it comes to safety, both the Kodiaq and the Karoq are well-equipped. They both earned five-star ratings in Euro NCAP crash tests, so you can drive with confidence knowing that your family is well protected. Standard safety features include things like autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. If you opt for one of the higher trims, you can also get extras like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system that makes parking in tight spaces a breeze.

Interior

Step inside either the Kodiaq or the Karoq, and you’ll be greeted by a well-thought-out interior that’s both functional and comfortable. Both cars share many of the same design elements, including high-quality materials and a clean, uncluttered dashboard layout. Soft-touch surfaces cover most of the main touchpoints, giving the cabin a premium feel, though you might notice that some of the plastics lower down are a bit harder and scratchier.

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The Kodiaq’s interior feels more spacious, thanks in part to its larger size and bigger windows that let in plenty of light. The optional panoramic sunroof can make the cabin feel even airier, which is a nice touch on sunny days. The Karoq, while smaller, still offers a comfortable and inviting interior. It’s a bit darker inside due to the smaller windows, but opting for the sunroof helps to brighten things up.

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Performance and Driving Experience

Neither the Kodiaq nor the Karoq is going to set your heart racing on a twisty back road, but that’s not really the point of these cars. They’re designed to be comfortable, practical, and safe – and they deliver on all counts. The Kodiaq’s extra size and weight give it a reassuringly solid feel on the road, and the raised driving position offers a commanding view of the road ahead. It’s a great car for long motorway journeys, where it cruises along effortlessly, soaking up bumps and imperfections with ease.

The Karoq, being smaller and lighter, feels a bit more agile and easier to maneuver in tight spaces. It’s a great car for urban driving, where its compact size and responsive steering make it easy to navigate through traffic and squeeze into tight parking spots. The ride is comfortable, though you might notice a bit more road noise and harsher impacts from potholes compared to the Kodiaq.

Costs of Ownership

When it comes to costs, both the Skoda Kodiaq and Karoq are rather affordable, especially considering that they are a VW Tiguan, Audi Q3 or Q5 underneath.

Leasing Price on gowago.ch:

Skoda Kodiaq:
New starting at CHF 530 / month
Used starting at CHF 430 / month

Skoda Karoq:
New starting at CHF 435 / month
Used starting at CHF 355 / month

When it comes to costs, the Kodiaq is inevitably going to be the more expensive option. It’s a bigger car with more features, and that’s reflected in its price tag. The Karoq, being smaller and less feature-packed, is more affordable.

When it comes to running costs, the Karoq uses for its 1.0-litre petrol engine from 7.5 l / 100km, while the 2.0-litre diesel can achieve up to 6.7 l / 100km.

The Kodiaq’s 1.5-litre petrol manages 6.0 l / 100km and the 2.0-litre diesel achieving up to 6.1 l / 100km.

Conclusion

So, which Skoda SUV should you choose? The answer depends on your needs. If you’ve got a large family, regularly need to transport a lot of stuff, or just prefer the extra space and versatility, the Kodiaq is the obvious choice. It’s a big, comfortable SUV that’s perfect for long journeys and offers plenty of room for everyone and everything. Plus, with its higher-end trims and luxurious options, it can feel like a much more expensive car than it actually is.

If you don’t need the extra seats and prefer something more compact and easier to handle around town, the Karoq is a fantastic option. It’s more affordable, cheaper to run, and still offers plenty of space and features for most families. It might not have the same presence as the Kodiaq, but it’s a well-rounded SUV that does everything you need it to without breaking the bank.

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