According to reports from Autocar and Auto-Mania.cz, Škoda is actively developing a second-generation Škoda Karoq slated for a 2028 release, reversing earlier plans to phase out the internal-combustion SUV in favor of battery-electric models. The upcoming vehicle is engineered to utilize electrified internal-combustion engines on the MQB Evo platform, maintaining a presence in the competitive compact SUV segment alongside the electric Škoda Elroq.
Why Škoda Reversed Course on the Karoq Successor
Market realities forced a strategy shift at the Mladá Boleslav automaker. While the battery-electric Škoda Elroq has emerged as Europe’s second-best-selling electric vehicle—a development Škoda’s head of brand Klaus Zellmer admitted caught the company by surprise—it has not completely replaced consumer demand for traditional combustion and hybrid formats, according to Autocar. Consequently, management greenlit a second generation for the Karoq, which has been a volume pillar since its 2017 debut. Last year alone, Škoda sold over 102,000 units globally, with numerous units delivered in the Czech market alone, securing third place overall domestically.
Platform Sharing and Electrified Powertrain Options
The new Karoq will be built on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB Evo platform, according to Autocar, placing it alongside related models such as the Škoda Superb, Škoda Kodiaq, and the Volkswagen T-Roc. Head of technical development Johannes Neft, cited by Auto-Mania.cz, noted that leaning on existing architecture allows the company to move quickly while accommodating strict emissions standards. Škoda’s head of brand Klaus Zellmer confirmed to Autocar that the model will feature a plug-in hybrid variant with an electric range exceeding 100 kilometers, mirroring technology found in the larger Kodiaq. That system pairs a 1.5-litre TSI engine with a dual-clutch six-speed transmission containing an integrated electric motor, generating a combined system output of 150 kW and utilizing a 25.7 kWh battery pack. Additionally, reports from Garáž.cz indicate conventional petrol options including 1.0 TSI, 1.5 TSI, 2.0 TSI, and 2.0 TDI units will remain part of the lineup.
Rapid Development Cycles to Combat Competitors
To stay competitive against aggressive pricing from rival brands like Hyundai, Kia, and rising Chinese manufacturers, Škoda is fast-tracking the project, according to Auto-Mania.cz. Johannes Neft described the second-generation Karoq as one of the fastest-developed models in the history of the brand and the broader Volkswagen Group. The engineering timeline is compressed to roughly three years—about a year faster than traditional vehicle development cycles at the firm. Sales and marketing chief Martin Jahn outlined the commercial rationale earlier this year, stating to Autocar: “Vozy se spalovacími motory budeme provozovat tak dlouho, dokud je budou zákazníci chtít, dokud to bude legálně možné a dokud to pro nás bude finančně životaschopné.”
Pro Tip: Understanding MQB Evo Flexibility
Using the MQB Evo architecture enables automakers to share expensive core components—like electronic architecture and axle assemblies—across multiple body styles. This drastically cuts down research and development expenditures while leaving capital free for rolling out hybrid and plug-in hybrid modules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the next-generation Škoda Karoq be fully electric?
No. According to Autocar, the role of a pure battery-electric compact SUV is already filled by the Škoda Elroq. The second-generation Karoq will stick to electrified internal-combustion engines, including full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid configurations.
When will the second-generation Škoda Karoq launch?
Industry reports from Auto-Mania.cz point to an anticipated arrival around 2028, reflecting a compressed three-year development window designed to match the pace of emerging market competitors.
What platform will power the new Karoq?
Autocar confirms the vehicle will sit on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB Evo platform, sharing mechanical foundations with models like the Škoda Kodiaq, Škoda Superb, and Volkswagen T-Roc.
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