Hyundai Inster vs Skoda Karoq
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 28 Aug 2026, price 8 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$37,500RRP
- no option data for this car
$44,490RRP
- with the Hyundai Inster's standard kit: $44,490 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Inster starts from $37,500 before on-road costs, while the Skoda Karoq opens at $44,490. That makes the Hyundai Inster the more affordable entry point by $6,990.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. Estimated driveaway prices sit around $35,990 for the Hyundai Inster and $46,990 for the Skoda Karoq.
The Hyundai Inster currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Skoda Karoq does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Hyundai Inster
- REC-006635 · published 18 Jun 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the shaft in the three-way valve may break and lead to a coolant leak.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2026
- REC-006394 · published 30 Jul 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the retaining studs under the driver’s seat may not have a safety sealing cap installed during assembly.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
Skoda Karoq
- REC-001199 · published 8 Jul 2019In some instances, the front driver air bag may not inflate to its fullest capacity fast enough when required.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2018
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
42kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 120kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 120kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Inster features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Skoda Karoq gets a 8-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Inster stands out with Apple CarPlay and V2L — features our data doesn't list for the Skoda Karoq. The Skoda Karoq counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, power tailgate, Canton audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Inster uses a Electric producing 71.1kW and 147Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed to a FWD layout.
The Skoda Karoq responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a 8 speed automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
The Skoda Karoq has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 71.1kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Inster measures 3,825mm long on a 2,580mm wheelbase, 565mm shorter than the Skoda Karoq at 4,390mm (2,638mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Skoda Karoq generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 280L in the Hyundai Inster and 521L in the Skoda Karoq, giving the Skoda Karoq a 241L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.2m to 10.6m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Inster) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Karoq). The Skoda Karoq has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Inster if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Skoda Karoq if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Hyundai Inster: Top CarSorted Score, 73 vs 72
The Hyundai Inster comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (73 vs 72), taking 2 of 5 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Hyundai Inster ahead by 17), practicality (Skoda Karoq ahead by 14), safety (Hyundai Inster ahead by 11). If boot space matters, the Skoda Karoq has a clear edge. The Skoda Karoq adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai Inster and Skoda Karoq?
The Hyundai Inster is the cheapest at $37,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Skoda Karoq by $6,990.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Skoda Karoq uses the least fuel at 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Hyundai Inster holds a 4-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Skoda Karoq, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Skoda Karoq has the largest boot at 521L with the seats up (1,630L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Skoda Karoq has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Skoda Karoq has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Skoda Karoq makes the most power at 110kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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