There is an opinion that once you buy a car from the most famous Czech brand, you remain a fan for decades. You change models, sedan to crossover, front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive, but still part with your favorite brand.
From this point of view, the question of which is better than the Skoda Karok or Octavia may indeed be relevant. In other cases, cars do not often become competitors. Speaking in metaphors, they are like two brothers, with different talents and abilities, but equally loved by their parents.
Exterior
The front end of Skoda cars is not much different from each other. The signature radiator grille in the shape of a smile, with vertical blades, always attracts the eye. But at the same time, the Octavia’s hood is more sloping than that of the Karoka, with precisely defined lines.
The station wagon's headlights have changed significantly. They have become thinner, more accurate, and give the car some audacity and predatoryness. The crossover also boasts modern LED lights, emphasizing its solid appearance.
There are more differences in the rear of the cars and it’s not just about the shape of the body. The headlights on the updated Octavia are almost triangular, while on the Karoq they resemble a large crystal. As a result, the appearance of the first car is as sporty as possible; it exudes activity and power. The second one is calmer, more respectable and self-confident.
It is important to note: The Skoda Octavia has two body styles – liftback and station wagon, while the Karok is available only as a compact crossover.
Interior
If you decide whether to choose a Skoda Octavia or a Karok based on the interior equipment of the cabins, the competition will become ambiguous. Czech cars are generally not particularly chic when it comes to interior design, and in the case of the station wagon, it was completely boring and old-fashioned. Everything changed when the car underwent restyling. The neat front panel smoothly flows into a stylish multimedia system, and underneath there is bright but unobtrusive lighting throughout the cabin.
The city SUV looked more impressive compared to its brother in its old design, even with its rustic hard plastic in the cabin and a rather weak multimedia system. Now, volumetric air ducts have become noticeable air ducts that frankly spoil the interior. In the updated Octavia they are neatly hidden due to their horizontal shape.
There is enough free space in both cars. From the first day of its existence, the station wagon was famous for its good capacity, and the crossover does not lag behind it thanks to its shape and the system of transformation of the luggage compartment. As a result, a whole family of five can comfortably fit there, and they can also take a lot of things with them in the trunk.
Technical data
If you are choosing between a Skoda Octavia or a Toyota Corolla, a table with data for each of them is something you need to pay attention to.
Compare the volume and power of the engine, pay attention to fuel consumption; However, if the car is used, the consumption may be significantly higher than indicated. However, if this is the case, then what you have in front of you is most likely not a very good car.
| Model | Skoda Octavia | Toyota Corolla |
| Engine capacity | 1.4 and 1.8 l | 1.4 and 1.6 l |
| Power | 140. 180 l. With. | 97, 124 l. With. |
| Consumption | 6–10 liters | 7–9 liters |
Safety and additional options are somewhat similar: both cars have good brakes and additional features that differ little in the basic configuration.
Therefore, when choosing a car, you should pay attention to the technical condition of a particular car, and not to the brand as a whole.
Specifications
Regardless of which car of the Czech brand is being considered: the Skoda Octavia liftback or the Karok crossover, or maybe other models, you need to remember that they are produced with German precision, pickiness, and scrupulousness.
The main components: engines, transmissions, even the wheelbase - are inherited from the Volkswagen concern, known for its reliability. Therefore, both competitors can be called hardy, safe, and durable.
Naturally, cars produced at the same factories have many similar features and characteristics, but there are also some interesting differences that can affect the final choice of car when purchasing. Let's consider them in as much detail as possible.
Dimensions
Based on this indicator, the comparison is expected: the liftback is longer than its competitor, the crossover is taller, the width of both cars is approximately the same. Given the classes, this is as it should be. Although there are still a couple of unpleasant moments, if you look at the dimensions in more detail:
- Car body length – 4382 mm, Octavia – 4689 mm
- The height of the first is 1603-1607 mm, the second is 1485 mm. The slight difference is due to tire size.
- The wheelbase width is 1841 and 1829 mm, respectively.
- The ground clearance is 160 mm for the Karoka and 142 mm for the Octavia.
The latter figure upsets car enthusiasts who prefer crossovers. On the one hand, they buy an SUV, albeit a compact one, hoping that they will be able to drive not only on city streets. On the other hand, the ground clearance does not reach that of most competitors in the class. What can I say, even the Octavia in some of its early modifications had a higher ground clearance, while remaining a station wagon.
It is important to note: Initially, the Octavia’s luggage compartment volume is larger than that of its brother: 578 liters versus 500, but with the presence of the transformation system, the Karok easily breaks this record, including with the seats folded.
Engines
Comparison of power units among competitors is also interesting and here’s why. There are two engine options for the Skoda Karoq: with a volume of 1.4 liters and a power of 150 hp. and with a volume of 1.6 liters and a power of 110 hp.
The first one is completely new, produced at a Russian plant only since 2021 and is still a dark horse. The second one is familiar to car enthusiasts from the Volkswagen Polo model. It is simple and reliable, economical, although it likes to “eat” excess oil. But the service life is at least 250 thousand kilometers, so some shortcomings are forgiven.
The updated Skoda Octavia also comes with two types of engines. The first is with a volume of 1.4 liters and the same power of 150 hp. – overall not bad, but has its own characteristics. For example, failure of the wastegate actuator rod often occurs; it is also famous for its oil burn.
The second engine has a volume of 1.6 liters and a power of 110 hp. - and this is the same engine that we already wrote about above. Yes, yes, the Czech manufacturer uses the same power unit, time-tested by other car models, for the crossover and station wagon.
Transmissions
Comparison of gearboxes in cars is also ambiguous. The Skoda Octavia's choice of options after restyling was greatly reduced, which could not go unnoticed. Today they look something like this:
- The 1.4-liter engine can be equipped with a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic transmission.
- Included with the 1.6-liter is only a five-speed manual.
In previous modifications there were also robotic boxes, but more powerful power units were provided for them. As for endurance, auto experts, as before, prefer the classic automatic transmission.
The Skoda Karok has a slightly more interesting choice. There are 3 checkpoint options available for buyers:
- Five-speed manual transmission complete with a 110-horsepower engine.
- Eight-speed automatic for 150-horsepower with front-wheel drive.
- Six-speed robot for all-wheel drive models.
The crossover's mechanical and automatic gearboxes are considered reliable. Car enthusiasts have some questions about the robotic one. For example, they absolutely cannot tolerate slipping and are very picky about the quality of the transmission fluid.
Suspension
In general, there is no need to choose between pendants. Budget Skoda models are equipped with a traditional MacPherson strut in the front and an improved torsion beam in the rear. For the manufacturer, this is a reliable, inexpensive suspension option; for the owners, it is a guarantee of swallowing potholes on Russian roads and a fairly comfortable ride, although without softness.
It's a pleasure to maintain such a suspension. Repairing it will not be costly from an economic point of view or difficult for any garage service. Strong, durable, resistant to the blows of fate - these are precisely the qualities that Russian car enthusiasts expect from their cars.
Important to note: For all-wheel drive Karoq trims, the rear suspension is replaced with an independent multi-link.
Comparison of general characteristics of Toyota Camry and Skoda Octavia
Toyota Camry
The reputation of Camry in our country has status significance. For many, this is the ultimate dream of owning such a class of car; according to some, it does not reach the business class. But nevertheless, the price for a used two or three year old Camry is not much different from a new one.
The new generation Toyota Camry has become defiantly bold and aggressive in the good sense of these words, compared to its predecessors. Specialists worked to improve the controls, strengthened the body, solved problems with the steering wheel, developed a completely different suspension and moved the center of gravity of the car.
Now this is a completely new car, not a trace remains of its former dull appearance.
Camry is available in three engine options with volumes of 2l, 2.5l and 3.5l. If the first two engines are well-known and widely used, the last one has undergone a slight modernization and has become more powerful and dynamic.
The interior of the car has been refinished. The central dashboard no longer imitates the false pathos of natural wood and leather. The console is made in a harmonious style with the upholstery, and the signals on the instruments have become more readable.
The interior of the salon is the integrity of design solutions. On the central panel there is a large multimedia sensitive screen that reproduces an all-round view from four cameras. Thanks to the View through the hood function, the driver will be able to park even in very limited areas.
Options and prices
The Czech brand doesn’t have many modifications and special series. There are only three options in the Octavius and Karkov lines: Active, Ambition, Style. The starting price of the most budget station wagon is 1.5 million rubles, the top one is about 1.8 million.
The price category of the crossover is approximately the same. Unless for the most inflated configuration you will have to pay more - almost 2 million. But both cars have good occupancy rates, even in inexpensive models.
What to choose
Connoisseurs of practical and attractive city SUVs may disagree with this, but the Skoda Octavia has managed to become a real competitor for its new brother. Already known from previous generations, the spaciousness, reliability, and efficiency are now complemented by a bright sporty appearance, which raises the stakes of the liftback in the eyes of experts and car enthusiasts.
The Karok is also good-looking, judging by the reviews, there is nothing to complain about from a technical point of view, but is it worth overpaying for it if the height is only a nominal indicator, and the cross-country ability is not so different from the cross-country ability of its opponent? It's up to you to decide.
Reviews
Marina, 42 years old (Novosibirsk)
Became the owner of a Skoda Karok less than six months ago. Today I can note that it is quite nimble, dynamic, and easy to operate. The interior is spacious, but at the same time the car itself is compact; I have never had any problems finding a parking space. I read the paragraph in the instructions about placing things in the trunk, and now it seems super convenient to me! Each thing has its own pre-prepared place, as a woman, this cannot but rejoice. But what I couldn’t figure out was the poorly opening tailgate (it works every other time). The manual didn't help find the problem, so I made an appointment with the dealer and let's see what the problem is.
Vladimir, 45 years old (Kazan)
The Skoda Octavia has become one of the most popular cars on the market for a reason. Really comfortable, roomy, economical, but the engine power, for me personally, was not enough. You look at her: athletic, dynamic, bright. But this is self-deception! For me, the generations that had two-liter engines were much luckier than the owners of restyled models.
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Gregor Gregor
“The author, I believe, really wanted or needed to find more advantages in the Elantra and more disadvantages in the Octavia. Continuation of the comment..." about the test drive of Hyundai Elantra, Skoda Octavia
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“Guys, first buy a car, drive it, take a photo, and then you will know where the golf7 is and what kind of golf is in the photo, but it’s much more expensive than talking about what you don’t care about, show-off is great power, but only for visitors” about the test drive of Audi A3, Mazda 3, KIA Cerato, Skoda Octavia, Volkswagen Golf
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