Comparison · family SUVs

Kia Sportage vs Skoda Karoq: which is more reliable?

The Skoda Karoq does better at the MOT, with a score of 105 against 98 for the Kia Sportage, comparing each with cars of the same age. Based on 324,266 real MOT tests in 2024.

Kia Sportage

98About average
MOT tests272,202

Skoda Karoq

105Above average
MOT tests52,064

By age

MOT Rank score for each age group (100 = an average car that age).

Age at testKia SportageSkoda Karoq
3–5 years
97Below average
104Above average
6–9 years
100About average
108Above average
10–14 years
97Below average
–
15+ years
89Well below average
–

Year by year

Share that passed first time, same registration year.

YearKia SportageSkoda Karoq
202184.5%89.2%
202084.6%89.5%
201983.4%90.0%
201882.8%88.9%

Problem areas

Failure items per 100 tests.

AreaKia SportageSkoda Karoq
Brakes12.72.0
Tyres6.94.7
Lights & electrics6.42.4
Suspension5.91.7
Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.91.2
Emissions & leaks2.00.4
Steering2.20.1
Body & chassis0.90.1

Kia Sportage: top failures

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.3%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.3%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.0%
  4. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.5%
  5. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.2%
  6. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.0%

Skoda Karoq: top failures

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.8%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.1%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.0%
  4. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak0.9%
  5. Headlamp aim: too high0.7%
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.6%

Questions

Which is more reliable, the Kia Sportage or the Skoda Karoq?

The Skoda Karoq does better at the MOT, with a score of 105 against 98 for the Kia Sportage, comparing each with cars of the same age.

Which years of the Kia Sportage and Skoda Karoq can be compared?

Both were tested for 4 registration years (2018–2021). The Kia Sportage had the higher pass rate in 0 of them and the Skoda Karoq in 4.

What fails most on each?

Kia Sportage: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. Skoda Karoq: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick.