Skoda Karoq vs Suzuki S-Cross

The Skoda Karoq starts from $44,490 before on-road costs, while the Suzuki S-Cross opens at $43,490. That makes the Suzuki S-Cross 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 $48,939 and $47,839 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.

The Skoda Karoq features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Suzuki S-Cross gets a 9-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Skoda Karoq stands out with Canton audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Suzuki S-Cross. The Suzuki S-Cross counters with wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Skoda Karoq gets cloth upholstery while the Suzuki S-Cross offers synthetic leather.

The Skoda Karoq uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a 8 speed automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.2 seconds.

The Suzuki S-Cross responds with a Petrol making 103kW and 220Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.

The Skoda Karoq has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 103kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Skoda Karoq is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Skoda Karoq measures 4,390mm long on a 2,638mm wheelbase, 85mm longer than the Suzuki S-Cross at 4,305mm (2,600mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Skoda Karoq generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 521L in the Skoda Karoq and 430L in the Suzuki S-Cross, giving the Skoda Karoq a 91L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1630L vs 1230L.

For towing, the Suzuki S-Cross leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,881/year for the Skoda Karoq and $1,682/year for the Suzuki S-Cross. That is a $199 annual difference in favour of the Suzuki S-Cross.

Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Karoq) vs 3 years / 100,000km (Suzuki S-Cross). The Skoda Karoq has longer coverage.