@ Kia Corporation
@ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard
VS

Kia Niro vs Skoda Karoq – Differences & prices compared

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Kia Niro or Skoda Karoq fits your lifestyle better.

Niro @ Kia Corporation

Kia Niro vs. Skoda Karoq: Battle of the Compact SUVs

In the ever-growing SUV market, the Kia Niro and Skoda Karoq have emerged as two popular choices, each offering unique qualities that cater to different drivers’ preferences. Both models are 2024 editions, bringing with them the latest in automotive innovation and technological advancements. We pit them against each other in terms of technical prowess, efficiency, and usability to help you decide which one might be your next ride.

Karoq @ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard

Engine Options and Performance

The Kia Niro is offered with hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, providing a sustainable choice for eco-conscious drivers. With power outputs of 129 HP to 171 HP and torque of 265 Nm, the Niro assures a balanced performance. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h between 11.3 and 10.4 seconds, with a maximum speed capped at 161 km/h. The dual-clutch automatic transmission ensures a smooth ride, making it well-suited for urban environments.

On the other hand, the Skoda Karoq caters to a broader audience with its petrol and diesel engines. Engine choices range from 115 HP to 190 HP, providing more power if needed. The Karoq can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 7.0 seconds when paired with its more powerful engines, achieving a top speed of up to 221 km/h. Whether opting for the manual gearbox or the dual-clutch automatic, drivers have flexible options in terms of transmission.

Niro @ Kia Corporation

Efficiency and Environmental Impact

The Kia Niro stands out with its remarkable fuel efficiency, boasting consumption figures between 4.4 to 1.0 L/100km and CO2 emissions as low as 19 g/km in the plug-in hybrid model. The pure-electric range of up to 65 kilometers on the plug-in hybrid model reduces the reliance on fuel, offering a greener alternative.

Skoda Karoq's variants show a wider consumption range from 4.9 to 7.6 L/100km, with CO2 emissions from 129 to 174 g/km. Although less focused on pure electric driving, the Karoq’s varied fuel types allow for broader geographical usability, especially in areas with limited EV infrastructure.

Karoq @ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard

Dimensions and Utility

Both the Kia Niro and Skoda Karoq provide ample space for passengers and cargo. The Niro offers a trunk capacity ranging from 348 to 451 liters, depending on the hybrid system configuration, while supporting a payload capacity of 466 kg.

The Skoda Karoq scores higher in terms of cargo space with a trunk capacity of 521 liters and can accommodate up to 573 kg of payload, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing utility and space in their vehicle.

Niro @ Kia Corporation

Comfort and Features

The Kia Niro features a sleek design and is equipped with advanced driver assistance systems and infotainment options that enhance driving pleasure and safety.

The Skoda Karoq, prioritizing comfort, provides a spacious cabin and boasts modern conveniences, including a comprehensive infotainment system and supportive seating arrangements, ensuring a relaxing journey for all occupants.

Karoq @ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard

Conclusion

Choosing between the Kia Niro and Skoda Karoq ultimately comes down to your individual needs. If you prioritize fuel efficiency and lower emissions, the Kia Niro's hybrid technology is unmatched. However, if power and space are more important, the Skoda Karoq might be the better choice. Both vehicles bring their brand's unique strengths to the forefront, ensuring that buying either would be a rewarding decision for the modern SUV enthusiast.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Niro @ Kia Corporation

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Skoda Karoq has a slight advantage in terms of price – it starts at 29100 £, while the Kia Niro costs 29100 £. That’s a price difference of around 52 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Kia Niro manages with 2.40 L and is therefore decisively more efficient than the Skoda Karoq with 4.90 L. The difference is about 2.50 L per 100 km.

Karoq @ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Skoda Karoq has a hardly perceptible edge – offering 190 HP compared to 180 HP. That’s roughly 10 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Skoda Karoq is decisively quicker – completing the sprint in 7 s, while the Kia Niro takes 9.90 s. That’s about 2.90 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Skoda Karoq performs a bit better – reaching 221 km/h, while the Kia Niro tops out at 185 km/h. The difference is around 36 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Skoda Karoq pulls evident stronger with 360 Nm compared to 265 Nm. That’s about 95 Nm difference.

Niro @ Kia Corporation

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Skoda Karoq is barely noticeable lighter – 1380 kg compared to 1474 kg. The difference is around 94 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Skoda Karoq offers a bit more room – 521 L compared to 451 L. That’s a difference of about 70 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Skoda Karoq performs somewhat better – up to 1630 L, which is about 185 L more than the Kia Niro.

When it comes to payload, Skoda Karoq to a small extent takes the win – 549 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 83 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Kia Niro proves to be secures victory with a clear margin and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Kia Niro is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £29,100
Niro @ Kia Corporation

Kia Niro

  • Engine Type : Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 138 - 180 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.4 - 4.9 L
  • Electric Range : 57 - 62 km

Kia Niro

5 (1)
rate

The Kia Niro blends clever packaging and modern styling into a compact crossover that’s refreshingly sensible for daily life. It’s comfortable, economical and packed with user‑friendly tech, so if you want a fuss‑free family car with a touch of green credibility, the Niro is worth a test drive.

details

Skoda Karoq

5 (1)
rate

The Skoda Karoq is a smart, unfussy compact SUV that blends roomy practicality with a pleasantly composed driving character. It won’t turn heads at a car meet, but it will make daily life easier with clever storage, sensible ergonomics and a reassuringly grown-up ride.

details
Kia Niro
Skoda Karoq
Niro @ Kia Corporation
Karoq @ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard

Costs and Consumption

Price
29100 - 38600 £
Price
29100 - 41700 £
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 4.9 L
Consumption L/100km
4.9 - 7.6 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
57 - 62 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
1.3 - 11.1 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
53 - 111 g/km
co2
128 - 173 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
37 - 42 L
Fuel tank capacity
50 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1474 - 1594 kg
Curb weight
1380 - 1655 kg
Trunk capacity
348 - 451 L
Trunk capacity
521 L
Length
4420 mm
Length
4384 - 4390 mm
Width
1825 mm
Width
1841 mm
Height
1545 mm
Height
1624 - 1629 mm
Max trunk capacity
1342 - 1445 L
Max trunk capacity
1630 L
Payload
466 kg
Payload
456 - 549 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
138 - 180 HP
Power HP
115 - 190 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.9 - 11.4 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 - 11.2 s
Max Speed
170 - 185 km/h
Max Speed
192 - 221 km/h
Torque
265 Nm
Torque
200 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
102 - 132 kW
Power kW
85 - 140 kW
Engine capacity
1580 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1984 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F
Brand
Kia
Brand
Skoda
Is the Kia Niro offered with different drivetrains?

The Kia Niro is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.