More features but higher prices for 2022 Skoda Karoq! Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan SUV rival gets fresh look, more gear

Skoda’s refreshed Karoq medium SUV is set to hit showrooms from late next month with a fresh design and more standard gear than the outgoing model.

The Czech brand has retained the two-grade line-up for the mid-life facelift, offering just the front-wheel drive Style 110TSI and the flagship all-wheel drive 140TSI Sportline 4x4.

While pricing has increased on both variants, Skoda Australia says the refreshed Karoq has gained $4300 worth of additional value compared to the outgoing version, while the Sportline has $4100 of extra value.

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Pricing for the Karoq Style is up from $39,990 (all prices are drive-away) to $42,990, while the Sportline has risen from $46,990 to $49,990.

The Style is in line with its mechanical twin, the Volkswagen Tiguan Life which is priced at $42,690 before on-road costs. The Sportline is now very close to the price of the Toyota RAV4 Edge AWD petrol that starts from $50,200.

As reported, the Karoq has been restyled as part of the makeover, with a new front bumper and wider lower air intake, new headlight design, and split daytime running lights, as well as an extended tailgate spoiler and redesigned slimline tail-lights at the rear.

The engine choices remain the same too, with the Style continuing on with the 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine, driving the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, good for a fuel use figure of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres.

Sportline uses a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine offering 140kW320Nm with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto, all-wheel drive and a consumption figure of 6.9L/100km.

Standard gear in the Style includes 18-inch alloy wheels (up from 17s), LED headlights, keyless entry and start, front and rear parking sensors, power tailgate, heated and power-folding and exterior mirrors, dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with digital radio, and a digital instrument cluster.

Safety wise it comes with auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, manoeuvre braking assist, multi-collision brake, seven airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system and driver attention alert.

Stepping up to the Sportline adds sports seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, full Matrix LED headlights with adaptive high beam, fog lights with a cornering function, stainless steel pedals, and black styling flourishes.

Depending on the grade, options include a Tech Pack, Premium Pack and Travel Pack, while side steps ($1200) and a panoramic sunroof ($1900) are also available.