Compare performance (354 HP vs 190 HP), boot space and price (50,600 £ vs 29,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLB or Skoda Karoq?
All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.
In the booming SUV market, choosing the right vehicle can be a daunting task. Today, we're pitting the Mercedes-Benz GLB against the Skoda Karoq to see which SUV emerges as the victor in terms of performance, innovation, and practicality. Both vehicles promise much, but let's delve into the technicalities to find out which SUV suits your needs the best.
The Mercedes GLB offers a variety of engine types, including petrol MHEV and diesel, with a broad power range from 150 HP to an impressive 320 HP. It features an advanced dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing a smooth shifting experience. With options for both front-wheel and all-wheel drives, the GLB can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in as little as 5.5 seconds, depending on the variant, and reach a top speed of up to 250 km/h.
On the other hand, the Skoda Karoq offers petrol and diesel engines, with a power range between 115 HP and 190 HP. Skoda also provides both manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions. The Karoq achieves a top speed of up to 221 km/h and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in about 7 seconds for its more powerful models. Both SUVs provide refined driving experiences, but the Mercedes GLB edges ahead with its more robust powertrain options.
When it comes to fuel consumption, the Skoda Karoq demonstrates commendable efficiency with figures ranging between 4.9 to 7.6 L/100km, depending on the engine configuration. The Karoq also boasts lower CO2 emissions starting at 129 g/km. The Mercedes GLB, while offering a richer performance, has fuel consumption figures ranging from 5.6 to 9 L/100km and CO2 emissions from 146 to 204 g/km.
For the environmentally conscious driver, the Karoq stands out with its better fuel efficiency and lower emissions compared to the more performance-oriented GLB.
Both SUVs accommodate five passengers comfortably, offering a luxurious drive. The Mercedes GLB, with its slightly larger body length of up to 4650 mm, provides a marginally more spacious interior. Its trunk capacity ranges up to 570 L. Skoda Karoq possesses a trunk capacity of 521 L, sufficient for most family needs.
In terms of comfort and luxury, Mercedes-Benz’s premium badge stands for quality with higher-end materials and innovative tech features, including advanced infotainment systems. Skoda also offers a well-designed cabin with ample features, although it leans more towards functionality than the luxury found in the Mercedes.
The commanding presence of the Mercedes GLB is evident in its larger dimensions, with a wheelbase that extends its stance on the road. The GLB’s height and width further contribute to its imposing aura. Conversely, the Skoda Karoq presents itself as a more compact choice in the SUV segment, making it an ideal urban companion with easier maneuverability thanks to its slightly smaller size.
Your choice between the Mercedes GLB and Skoda Karoq ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities. If you're seeking higher performance, driving luxury, and a more dominant road presence, the Mercedes GLB is a fitting choice. However, if you're more inclined towards efficiency, lower emissions, and more pragmatic features with an advantageous price point, the Skoda Karoq provides a compelling package.
In this competitive head-to-head, both SUVs showcase their own merits, ensuring that whatever choice you make, you step into a vehicle that fits your lifestyle and desires.
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 is clearly cheaper – starting at 29,100 £ , while the Mercedes GLB costs 50,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 21,530 £.
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 Mercedes GLB offers substantially more power – delivering 354 HP compared to 190 HP. That’s roughly 164 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLB is visibly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.5 s, while the Skoda Karoq takes 7 s. That’s about 1.5 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLB delivers visibly more torque with 515 Nm compared to 360 Nm. That’s about 155 Nm more.
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 terms of curb weight, Skoda Karoq is significantly lighter – 1,380 kg compared to 2,200 kg. The difference is around 820 kg.
Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLB offers barely more boot space – 540 L compared to 521 L. That’s a difference of about 19 L.
When it comes to payload, the Skoda Karoq carries barely more – 549 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 49 kg.
The Mercedes GLB is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.
The Mercedes GLB is a practical compact SUV that mixes boxy, family-friendly space with premium German polish, making it an appealing choice for buyers who want usefulness without pretension. It drives with a confident, composed feel and somehow manages to look both rugged and refined — the grown-up SUV that still likes to have fun.
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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.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
50,600 - 62,400 £
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Price
29,100 - 41,700 £
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Consumption L/100km
-
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Consumption L/100km
4.9 - 7.6 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
15.8 - 15.9 kWh/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
614 - 631 km
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Electric Range
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
0 g/km
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co2
128 - 173 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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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
-
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Doors
5
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Curb weight
2,200 - 2,280 kg
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Curb weight
1,380 - 1,655 kg
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Trunk capacity
540 L
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Trunk capacity
521 L
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Length
-
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Length
4,390 mm
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Width
1,861 mm
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Width
1,841 mm
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Height
-
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Height
1,624 mm
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
1,630 L
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Payload
500 kg
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Payload
456 - 549 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Electric
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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
Reduction Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
272 - 354 HP
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Power HP
115 - 190 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.5 - 7.4 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
7 - 11.2 s
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Max Speed
-
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Max Speed
192 - 210 km/h
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Torque
335 - 515 Nm
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Torque
200 - 360 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
-
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Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
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Power kW
200 - 260 kW
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Power kW
85 - 140 kW
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Engine capacity
-
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Engine capacity
999 - 1,984 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2026
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Model Year
2025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
A
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F
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Brand
Mercedes-Benz
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Brand
Skoda
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
España