Kia Seltos 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 19 Sep 2026, price 8 Sep 2026
Kia Seltos
From $31,250
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
110kW
6.9 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
468L
Skoda Karoq
From $44,490
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
110kW
6.6 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
521L
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Price Breakdown
The Kia Seltos starts from $31,250 before on-road costs, while the Skoda Karoq opens at $44,490. That makes the Kia Seltos the more affordable entry point by $13,240.
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. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $34,375 and $48,939 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Seltos features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Skoda Karoq gets a 8-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Skoda Karoq counters with power tailgate, Canton audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia Seltos uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 180Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.2 seconds.
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.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Seltos measures 4,385mm long on a 2,630mm wheelbase, 5mm 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 468L in the Kia Seltos and 521L in the Skoda Karoq, giving the Skoda Karoq a 53L advantage.
For towing, the Skoda Karoq leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,100kg. That 400kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
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
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Kia Seltos and $1,881/year for the Skoda Karoq. That is a $86 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Karoq.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Seltos) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Karoq). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Seltos if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Skoda Karoq if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Skoda Karoq takes 3 of 4 key spec categories. The Skoda Karoq will save you roughly $86 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Skoda Karoq has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia Seltos and Skoda Karoq?
The Kia Seltos is the cheapest at $31,250 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Skoda Karoq by $13,240.
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?
None of Kia Seltos and Skoda Karoq carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
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.
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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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