Two cars, one duel: Mazda CX-5 meets Skoda Karoq.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!
The Mazda CX-5 arrives with a sense of occasion — sculpted lines and a posture that suggests it wants to be driven, not just parked outside the supermarket. The Skoda Karoq, by contrast, trades drama for sensible confidence: upright, tidy, and subtly clever in its proportions. Both make a strong first impression, but they signal very different priorities to prospective buyers.
Behind the wheel the Mazda leans into a more engaging character, with steering and suspension that invite a spirited route rather than mere point A to B commuting. The Karoq favours composure and predictability, rewarding calm inputs and offering a reassuring, uncomplicated driving experience that’s easy to live with every day. If you value involvement, you’ll notice it; if you prize low-stress confidence, the Karoq delivers.
Inside, the Mazda aims for a premium, driver-focused ambience with materials and ergonomics that feel considered and slightly upscale for the segment. The Karoq counters with a bright, practical cabin that makes clever use of space and sensible storage — everything has a place and feels easy to reach. Both are comfortable, but they appeal to different tastes: one leans towards refinement, the other toward functional comfort.
When it comes to family duties, the Mazda is more likely to impress with flexible load-lugging and a straightforward approach to carrying larger items, while the Karoq scores points for smart stowage, visibility, and everyday convenience features that make school runs and shopping trips less of a hassle. Rear-seat comfort and accessibility are strong suits for both, yet the Karoq’s pragmatic layout feels designed around real-world family needs. Buyers who juggle kids, dogs and weekend hobbies will find useful strengths in each car.
The Karoq tends to appeal to the pragmatic buyer who wants predictable running costs and an easy-to-live-with companion that doesn’t demand fuss. The Mazda, while still sensible, leans a bit more toward style and driving pleasure — owners who value those traits should expect to enjoy the car in daily use. Servicing, insurance and overall ownership feel are both reasonable, so choice comes down to whether emotional appeal or practical thrift wins your heart.
If visual appeal is high on your checklist the Mazda’s design holds more theatrical currency and will attract looks at the lights; it feels like a car that was styled with intent. The Karoq, meanwhile, is the understated team player: less flashy but broadly appealing, comfortable in any driveway and unlikely to date quickly. Tasteful versus pragmatic sums up the divide — pick the one that matches your personality.
Both cars offer compelling reasons to be on your shortlist depending on whether you prioritise engagement, practicality, or day-to-day sensibility — and that choice is exactly what makes this comparison interesting. Keep reading to see which model Walks away with the DriveDuel Champion badge afterwards.
Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.
Skoda Karoq has a minimal advantage in terms of price – it starts at 29100 £, while the Mazda CX-5 costs 30000 £. That’s a price difference of around 918 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Skoda Karoq manages with 4.90 L and is therefore clearly more efficient than the Mazda CX-5 with 7 L. The difference is about 2.10 L per 100 km.
Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.
When it comes to engine power, the Skoda Karoq has a evident edge – offering 190 HP compared to 141 HP. That’s roughly 49 HP more horsepower.
In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Skoda Karoq is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 7 s, while the Mazda CX-5 takes 10.50 s. That’s about 3.50 s faster.
In terms of top speed, the Skoda Karoq performs somewhat better – reaching 221 km/h, while the Mazda CX-5 tops out at 195 km/h. The difference is around 26 km/h.
There’s also a difference in torque: Skoda Karoq pulls evident stronger with 360 Nm compared to 238 Nm. That’s about 122 Nm difference.
Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In curb weight, Skoda Karoq is slightly lighter – 1380 kg compared to 1629 kg. The difference is around 249 kg.
In terms of boot space, the Mazda CX-5 offers somewhat more room – 583 L compared to 521 L. That’s a difference of about 62 L.
In maximum load capacity, the Mazda CX-5 performs a bit better – up to 2019 L, which is about 389 L more than the Skoda Karoq.
Overall, the Skoda Karoq shows itself to be dominates this comparison and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.
@ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard
The Mazda CX-5 blends elegant, athletic styling with a surprisingly engaging driving character, turning routine trips into small, satisfying adventures. Inside it feels thoughtfully built and comfortable, offering sensible practicality and a premium feel that punches above its price.
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@ Mazda Motor Corporation
@ Mazda Motor Corporation
@ Mazda Motor Corporation
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
@ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard
@ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard
@ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard
@ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard
@ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard
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@ Mazda Motor Corporation
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@ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
30000 £
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Price
29100 - 41700 £
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Consumption L/100km
7 L
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Consumption L/100km
4.9 - 7.6 L
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
-
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Electric Range
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
157 g/km
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co2
128 - 173 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
56 L
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Fuel tank capacity
50 - 55 L
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Dimensions and Body |
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|---|---|
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Body Type
SUV
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Body Type
SUV
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
5
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Doors
5
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Curb weight
1629 kg
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Curb weight
1380 - 1655 kg
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Trunk capacity
583 L
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Trunk capacity
521 L
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Length
4690 mm
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Length
4384 - 4390 mm
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Width
1860 mm
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Width
1841 mm
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Height
1695 mm
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Height
1624 - 1629 mm
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Max trunk capacity
2019 L
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Max trunk capacity
1630 L
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Payload
-
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Payload
456 - 549 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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|---|---|
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
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Engine Type
Petrol, Diesel
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
141 HP
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Power HP
115 - 190 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.50 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 - 11.2 s
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Max Speed
195 km/h
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Max Speed
192 - 221 km/h
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Torque
238 Nm
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Torque
200 - 360 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
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Power kW
104 kW
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Power kW
85 - 140 kW
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Engine capacity
2488 cm3
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Engine capacity
999 - 1984 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2025
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Model Year
2025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
F
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F
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Brand
Mazda
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Brand
Skoda
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The Mazda CX-5 is offered with 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.
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