And when the two stand next to each other – sorry for Mladá Boleslav – we spontaneously think of a conservative and an arsonist. So purely optical.
The facelift on the Karoq is essentially limited to the wider radiator grille, which is now hexagonal in its basic form, with vertical double ribs and new light units that are narrower at the front and smaller overall at the rear. Fine work on the air intake and on the roof edge spoiler lower the drag coefficient to 0.30. That’s it.
Only connoisseurs notice the latest facelift for the Skoda Karoq, while the current Hyundai Tucson is noticeable to everyone.
On the other hand, the still fresh Korean looks almost wild, looks much more confidently into the car world with a large grill and interestingly staged headlights. The looks so clearly belong to the Tucson, but what about the points?
They offer: Hyundai bigger, Skoda more flexible
The Tucson consistently converts its eleven centimeters more length into space advantage. Both at the front and at the back, it offers that touch more air that makes the guests smile even more relaxed.
Although the atmosphere in the Karoq is by no means bad, there is noticeably less freedom of movement in the rear, especially for long legs – despite the longitudinally sliding bench seat.
The virtual cockpit of the Karoq no longer costs any extra with the facelift. The Columbus infotainment system with a screen diagonal of 9.2 inches costs 1290 euros extra.
However, it will prove to be a good investment the next time you move, because it can also be completely expanded. Although there is no double floor and there is always a step in the luggage compartment, it then swallows up to 1810 liters – the Tucson, which is flatter towards the rear, already reports that the luggage compartment is fully occupied at 1725 liters.
And we just sit a bit more comfortably in the Czech. The front cushions offer a firmer support and support better, at the back we enjoy 15 millimeters more seat height above the floor.
Engine type/cylinder
installation position
Valves/camshaft drive
displacement
Power at 1/min
Torque at 1/min
suspension
tire size/tyre type
transmission
All-wheel drive/power distribution v:h
terrain reduction
traction aids
Brakes front/rear
trunk volume
Trailer load braked/unbraked
drawbar load
top speed
speed at 130 km/h
pass-by noise
standard consumption; Standard CO2 emissions
Tank capacity/fuel type
SCR catalytic converter/AdBlue tank content
At first glance, the pilot is offered the usual modern cockpit: digital instruments, large touch monitor, no volume control. As always, the differences are in the details.
The automatic air conditioning and seat heating/ventilation can also be changed by voice command – albeit rather roughly and not always at the first attempt.
As with the Skoda, materials in the Tucson are good in the field of vision, and then noticeably simpler underneath.
Skoda still relies on manual rotary controls for the climate, with “Okay Laura” you can only select navigation destinations or radio stations, statements like “I’m hungry” lead to a list of restaurants, as with the Hyundai.
When navigating the Skoda shows clear advantages. A large, zoomable map guides you in the instrument display, and those who prefer to use their smartphone can connect it wirelessly (while driving).
How they drive: Skoda always at the top
The well-known and popular 2.0 TDI also delivers a convincing performance in the Karoq. Yes, like the Tucson, it sounds a lot like a taxi, especially when cold, but otherwise there is little to complain about.
Acceleration 0-50km/h
0-100km/h
0-130km/h
0-160km/h
0-200km/h
Intermediate sprint 60-100 km/h
80-120km/h
trunk length
Trunk width/height
Turning circle left/right
Braking distance from 100 km/h cold
from 100 km/h warm
Interior noise at 50 km/h
at 100km/h
at 130/160 km/h
saving consumption
Test consumption Average of the 155 km test lap (deviation from the WLTP specification)
sports consumption
CO2 (test consumption)
Range (test consumption)
The 150 hp ensure more than decent performance – and a huge lead over the 14 hp weaker Hyundai. With its 1.6 liter, it is more comfortable and cannot keep up, especially on the freeway, but despite the 48-volt mild hybrid, it consumes 0.4 liters more than the Czech.
Both show great composure in everyday life thanks to the seven-speed double clutch and all-wheel drive, and with careful ESP tactics nothing can burn even in the limit area.
When braking, the Tucson is half a class snappier, stands 1.6 meters earlier with cold discs and 0.5 meters earlier than the Karoq with a warm system. But the Skoda knows how to implement steering corrections with better feedback.
You can’t go wrong with these two compact SUVs.
However, the soft suspension of the Skoda swallows nasty road errors even more casually, albeit with clearly noticeable body movements.
They cost: Hyundai top only with the guarantee
The Koreans trust their Tucson for a full five years, Skoda its Karoq only two – why actually? Apart from that, Hyundai has no advantages here, the Czech Skoda is even cheaper when it comes to purchase and tax/insurance. Who needs bright makeup?
1. Skoda Karoq 2.0 TDI 4×4: 638 points
2. Hyundai Tucson 1.6 CRDi: 615 points
