The New Škoda Karoq Is Confirmed: What We Know About a Possible PHEV

Škoda will not discontinue the Karoq after the arrival of the electric Elroq. A successor to the compact crossover is already in development, with its presentation planned for around the turn of 2027 and 2028. At the same time, Škoda CEO Klaus Zellmer has indicated that a plug-in hybrid could join the lineup. However, there is still a clear gap between the confirmed next generation and a production-ready Karoq PHEV.

The essentials in 20 seconds

• Škoda itself has confirmed the new-generation Karoq.

• The official presentation target is around the turn of 2027 and 2028.

• A PHEV looks likely, but its specifications and even the decision to launch one have not been announced.

• Prices, sales markets, trim levels and the production start date remain undisclosed.

Four dates that explain the situation

On 18 May 2017, Škoda held the world premiere of the first Karoq in Stockholm. The model became the brand’s second SUV after the Kodiaq and established itself in the compact crossover segment over the following years.

On 30 November 2021, the manufacturer unveiled the updated Karoq. The crossover received revised styling, improved aerodynamics, new electronic systems and a revised engine range, but remained within the first generation.

On 16 July 2026, Škoda announced that the one-millionth Karoq had been built at its plant in Kvasiny. In the same official statement, the company explicitly confirmed that work on the successor was continuing and that it would be shown around the turn of 2027 and 2028.

On 10 September 2026, Autocar published an interview with Škoda CEO Klaus Zellmer. The brand chief explained that the Elroq had not fully replaced demand for the Karoq and pointed to the Kodiaq’s powertrains as a possible reference for the next-generation compact SUV.

What is confirmed and what remains speculation

Why Škoda is keeping the Karoq alongside the electric Elroq

In 2023, Škoda described the future Elroq as a fully electric alternative to the Karoq. The two models are similar in size and serve a comparable role in the lineup, so it was assumed that the electric vehicle could attract a significant share of the compact crossover’s audience.

The Elroq has indeed proved popular: according to Škoda, it was Europe’s second-best-selling electric vehicle in 2025. However, that has not eliminated demand for cars with internal-combustion engines. In his Autocar interview, Zellmer acknowledged that the Elroq had not replaced the entire market the brand is targeting. The company is therefore preparing another Karoq rather than moving the whole segment to electric power.

For buyers, this means the lineup will not simply replace the old model with a new one; it will be divided by powertrain type. The Elroq will remain a battery-electric vehicle, while the next Karoq is expected to support a different type of use. The manufacturer has not yet said exactly which petrol and hybrid versions will be offered.

What the Kodiaq comments suggest about a possible Karoq PHEV

Zellmer told Autocar that the new Karoq’s powertrains would be comparable with those used in the Kodiaq. He also mentioned strong demand for the brand’s plug-in hybrids and an electric range of more than 100 km as a suitable benchmark for the Karoq successor. This is a strong hint at a PHEV, but it is not a final specification.

The production Kodiaq iV uses a plug-in hybrid system that combines a 1.5 TSI engine with an electric motor. Total system output is 150 kW, with power sent to the front wheels through a six-speed DSG. Its 25.7 kWh battery provides more than 100 km of range on the WLTP cycle. The system supports AC charging at up to 11 kW as well as DC fast charging.

How to interpret the “more than 100 km” figure

This is a Kodiaq iV specification, not a promised range figure for the new Karoq. The smaller model could have a different battery, weight, aerodynamics, output and hybrid-system calibration. The Kodiaq’s figures cannot yet be transferred to a future Karoq specification sheet.

Why Škoda is not revealing the specifications yet

More than a year remains before the stated presentation window. At this stage, the manufacturer has confirmed the project itself and an approximate premiere period, but it may still be finalising the powertrain lineup, drive versions and target markets. Even a direct reference to a PHEV by the company’s CEO does not replace a technical press release or certification data.

The current Karoq, meanwhile, remains in production. In different markets, it is offered with 1.0, 1.4, 1.5 and 2.0 TSI petrol engines, as well as a 2.0 TDI diesel. Output ranges from 85 to 140 kW, with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive available. The market and exact range of modifications depend on the country.

The millionth vehicle built on 16 July 2026 was a 1.5 TSI version with 110 kW of output, finished in Graphite Grey. According to the brand’s official statistics, 73% of Karoq buyers choose an automatic transmission, while 27% choose a manual. Germany, the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom remain the model’s largest markets.

What still needs to be known before sales begin

The next Karoq is no longer just a rumour, but it is too early to make a purchase decision. Before the full announcement, Škoda still needs to reveal several key details:

1. the exact premiere date and production start;

2. the complete list of petrol, hybrid and possible diesel versions;

3. the battery capacity and certified electric range of the PHEV version, if one is launched;

4. the availability of all-wheel drive with the different powertrains;

5. the dimensions, boot capacity and permitted towing weight;

6. sales markets, trim levels and prices.

As of 11 September 2026, the key fact is certain: the Karoq will have a successor. A PHEV is a logical addition to the Škoda lineup and has received public support from the company’s CEO, but it should still be treated as a likely scenario rather than an announced version.