LDV D90 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.
Price Breakdown
The LDV D90 starts from $39,990 before on-road costs, while the Skoda Karoq opens at $40,990. That makes the LDV D90 the more affordable entry point by $1,000.
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 $43,989 and $45,089 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Skoda Karoq by roughly $4,135 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the LDV D90 and Skoda Karoq hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Skoda Karoq packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 2 in the LDV D90.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the LDV D90 and 6 in the Skoda Karoq.
Feature Showdown
The LDV D90 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-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.
Interior trim differs: the LDV D90 gets leatherette upholstery while the Skoda Karoq offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The LDV D90 uses a Petrol Turbo producing 184kW and 410Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.5 seconds.
The Skoda Karoq responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds.
The LDV D90 has the clear power advantage at 184kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Skoda Karoq is 1.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The LDV D90 measures 5,046mm long on a 2,950mm wheelbase, 664mm longer than the Skoda Karoq at 4,382mm (2,638mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the LDV D90 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 343L in the LDV D90 and 521L in the Skoda Karoq, giving the Skoda Karoq a 178L advantage. The LDV D90 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the LDV D90 leads with a 3,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 12.0m
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,594/year for the LDV D90 and $1,767/year for the Skoda Karoq. That is a $827 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Karoq.
Estimated annual total: $2,594 (LDV D90) vs $1,767 (Skoda Karoq). The Skoda Karoq saves you roughly $827 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 200,000km (LDV D90) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Karoq). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the LDV D90 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer LDV's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Skoda Karoq if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The LDV D90 and Skoda Karoq trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Skoda Karoq will save you roughly $827 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, LDV D90 and Skoda Karoq?
The LDV D90 is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Skoda Karoq by $1,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Skoda Karoq uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — LDV D90 and Skoda Karoq all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Skoda Karoq has the largest boot at 521L.
Which can tow the most?
The LDV D90 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The LDV D90 makes the most power at 184kW. The Skoda Karoq is quickest to 100km/h in 8.6s.
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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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