Volkswagen Tiguan vs Skoda Karoq: Used Car Comparison

Today, the UK is dominated by SUVs due to their popularity. It comes as no surprise, what with consumers enjoying the higher driving position, chunky looks, enhanced practicality, and sheer choice of them available on the market.

Two brands known for their reputation, and their fantastic range of SUVs are Volkswagen and Skoda. Volkswagen has a solid history of building a range of excellent cars, suitable for many different lifestyles, whilst the Skoda brand was once the subject of many jokes, but that changed after being bought by VW in 1991, and now is a widely respected brand.

So, when looking at their mid-sized SUVs, is the Karoq just a cheaper version of the Tiguan, or is there much more to it?

Contents

• Introduction and Design
• Versions and Performance
• Interior and Technology
• Practicality
• Value and Final Thoughts

Introduction and Design

Volkswagen's Tiguan has been around since 2007 and is now in its third generation, which we see here, coming along in 2024.

Skoda's Karoq (pictured above) has been on sale since 2017, and is still in its first generation, although it was facelifted in 2021, giving it a new front end, and digital instrument cluster. This helped in keeping the car competitive, as many manufacturers had new digitised interiors around this time.

The VW has a more premium, sophisticated presence, which is portrayed in the overall style. The Skoda Kodiaq is technically an eight-year-old design, albeit with a facelift four years ago; however, it still looks neat and tidy, especially in enhanced trim levels.

You could therefore say the Tiguan has a slight advantage being a much newer car, as the previous version was a lot more similar to the Karoq. However, the Karoq may appear less sophisticated in its style, but it could also be seen as simpler, and cleaner to some.

Versions and Performance

In terms of the Tiguan (pictured above), there's an entry-level standard 1.5-litre TSI petrol model with 128bhp, along with a 'Life' model, which can also be had with 147bhp. The latter is quicker, taking 8.8 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 62mph, rather than over 10 seconds in the 128bhp variant, with both able to return around 45mpg.

The 2.0-litre TSI petrol, often found in the R-Line models will appeal to those who like a little more pace from their SUV. These models of course take inspiration from VW R models, with more dynamic staying, just with smaller, more economical engines. With 201bhp and 261bhp variants available, 0 to 62mph times are 6.9 seconds and 5.7 seconds respectively. Economy is around 32mpg to 34mpg.

There's also a PHEV version called the eHybrid in R-Line trim, with 272bhp. Despite having the most power, 0 to 62mph takes 7.2 seconds, although it can offer up to 77 miles of electric range, and between 640 and 715mpg.

The same 1.5-litre TSI with 147bhp can be found in the Karoq in SE, Edition and Sportline models to name a few, with 0 to 62mph taking 8.4/8.6 seconds, making it marginally quicker than the Tiguan.

A 187bhp Sportline trim is the fastest and most performance-focused in the Karoq, from its 2.0-litre TSI petrol, allowing for 0 to 62mph in 6.8 seconds.

Interior and Technology

Both interiors are typically VW group, offering decent ergonomic layouts, with quality feeling materials and presentations. Essentially, the Karoq (pictured above) feels like an older version of the Tiguan's interior, which makes sense.

The second-generation Tiguan is much more similar to the Karoq, whilst this third-generation Tiguan showcases a more 'iPad-like' dashboard which many manufacturers seem to have adopted in their recent models.

It will come down to personal preference, but the Karoq seems more reserved and less gimmicky, whilst the Tiguan may be more modern, it could be seen as too intense for some.

Both cars offer typical VW group technology with the likes of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with multiple safety features to ensure driving easy and stress-free as can be.

Practicality

Both cars offer fine practicality, which is what you'd expect from a medium-sized SUV. Both offer plenty of cabin space, with seating for five (including the driver).

The Tiguan's boot is a massive 652 litres, which is reduced to 490 litres in the PHEV versions.

Skoda's Karoq boot size beats the PHEV versions with 520 litres on offer, but can't match up to like-for-like.

The Tiguan's larger presence (pictured above) is seen a little more in the cabin, too. Either way, both cars can fold their rear seats for large loading spaces, ideal for family life. The Tiguan offers a massive 1,650 litres of space or 1,486 litres in the PHEV variant. As for the Karoq, there is an impressive 1,630 litres, meaning it only falls short of the Tiguan by 20 litres, which will be hard to notice in the grand scheme of things.

Value and Final Thoughts

So, was the battle already won with the Tiguan being newer? Not really. Although it is indeed a newer car, the Skoda Karoq (pictured above) is still a VW group car, so is therefore very similar in its presentation, being textbook in its neat, tidy and refined character.

And, due to the Karoq having been out since 2017, albeit with an update in 2021, it can be purchased for a much more affordable price when buying used when compared to the Tiguan, for what is essentially a very similar package, just not as 'polished' perhaps.

Of course, some buyers will want the latest tech, design and extra space the Tiguan offers but both cars are simply really good medium-sized SUVs, which would both be great companions to family life.

Find your perfect used car at Evans Halshaw

Whether you’ve decided on a Volkswagen Tiguan or Skoda Karoq, or want to browse more used cars, we can help you find the right one. Explore our selection of used vehicles and discover your next used car today.

Also, if you found this comparison helpful, check out our blog section for more buying guides and expert advice on choosing your next car.