Toyota C-HR 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 Toyota C-HR starts from $38,990 before on-road costs, while the Skoda Karoq opens at $40,990. That makes the Toyota C-HR the more affordable entry point by $2,000.
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 $42,889 and $45,089 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota C-HR by roughly $2,135 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota C-HR and Skoda Karoq hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Toyota C-HR and 93% for the Skoda Karoq.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Toyota C-HR and 6 in the Skoda Karoq.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota C-HR features a 10.5-inch touchscreen, while the Skoda Karoq gets a 9.2-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Toyota C-HR stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Skoda Karoq. The Skoda Karoq counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota C-HR uses a Petrol producing 112kW and 188Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 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 Toyota C-HR has the clear power advantage at 112kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota C-HR is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota C-HR measures 4,360mm long on a 2,640mm wheelbase, 22mm shorter than the Skoda Karoq at 4,382mm (2,638mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota C-HR generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 318L in the Toyota C-HR and 521L in the Skoda Karoq, giving the Skoda Karoq a 203L advantage.
For towing, the Skoda Karoq leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 11.0m
Based on 10.4m 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 $1,340/year for the Toyota C-HR and $1,767/year for the Skoda Karoq. That is a $427 annual difference in favour of the Toyota C-HR.
Estimated annual total: $1,340 (Toyota C-HR) vs $1,767 (Skoda Karoq). The Toyota C-HR saves you roughly $427 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota C-HR) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Skoda Karoq). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota C-HR if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Skoda Karoq if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota C-HR takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Toyota C-HR will save you roughly $427 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, Toyota C-HR and Skoda Karoq?
The Toyota C-HR is the cheapest at $38,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Skoda Karoq by $2,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota C-HR uses the least fuel at 4.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota C-HR 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 Skoda Karoq has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota C-HR makes the most power at 112kW. The Toyota C-HR is quickest to 100km/h in 8.2s.
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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