Subaru Crosstrek 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 Subaru Crosstrek starts from $36,490 before on-road costs, while the Skoda Karoq opens at $40,990. That makes the Subaru Crosstrek the more affordable entry point by $4,500.
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 $40,139 and $45,089 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Skoda Karoq by roughly $2,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Crosstrek and Skoda Karoq hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Subaru Crosstrek and 93% for the Skoda Karoq.
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 5 in the Subaru Crosstrek.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Subaru Crosstrek and 6 in the Skoda Karoq.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Crosstrek features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the Skoda Karoq gets a 9.2-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Crosstrek stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate 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 Subaru Crosstrek uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 196Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.9 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 Subaru Crosstrek has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Skoda Karoq is 2.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Crosstrek measures 4,495mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 113mm longer than the Skoda Karoq at 4,382mm (2,638mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Crosstrek generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 559L in the Subaru Crosstrek and 521L in the Skoda Karoq, giving the Subaru Crosstrek a 38L 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.
10.8m to 11.0m
Based on 10.8m 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 $2,195/year for the Subaru Crosstrek and $1,767/year for the Skoda Karoq. That is a $428 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Karoq.
Estimated annual total: $2,195 (Subaru Crosstrek) vs $1,767 (Skoda Karoq). The Skoda Karoq saves you roughly $428 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Crosstrek) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Karoq). The Skoda Karoq has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Crosstrek if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Skoda Karoq if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Skoda Karoq takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Skoda Karoq will save you roughly $428 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Crosstrek 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, Subaru Crosstrek and Skoda Karoq?
The Subaru Crosstrek is the cheapest at $36,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Skoda Karoq by $4,500.
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 — Subaru Crosstrek 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 Subaru Crosstrek has the largest boot at 559L.
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 / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Crosstrek makes the most power at 115kW. The Skoda Karoq is quickest to 100km/h in 8.6s.
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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