Comparison · family SUVs

BMW X1 vs Skoda Karoq: which is more reliable?

The BMW X1 does better at the MOT, with a score of 108 against 105 for the Skoda Karoq, comparing each with cars of the same age. Based on 151,127 real MOT tests in 2024.

BMW X1

108Above average
MOT tests99,063

Skoda Karoq

105Above average
MOT tests52,064

By age

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

Age at testBMW X1Skoda Karoq
3–5 years
104Above average
104Above average
6–9 years
108Well above average
108Above average
10–14 years
111Well above average
–
15+ years––

Year by year

Share that passed first time, same registration year.

YearBMW X1Skoda Karoq
202189.1%89.2%
202090.7%89.5%
201989.7%90.0%
201887.0%88.9%

Problem areas

Failure items per 100 tests.

AreaBMW X1Skoda Karoq
Tyres7.04.7
Lights & electrics5.12.4
Brakes3.82.0
Suspension4.01.7
Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.81.2
Emissions & leaks1.00.4
Body & chassis0.90.1
Seat belts & airbags0.20.4

BMW X1: top failures

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.2%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.9%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.7%
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.4%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.1%
  6. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.8%

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 BMW X1 or the Skoda Karoq?

The BMW X1 does better at the MOT, with a score of 108 against 105 for the Skoda Karoq, comparing each with cars of the same age.

Which years of the BMW X1 and Skoda Karoq can be compared?

Both were tested for 4 registration years (2018–2021). The BMW X1 had the higher pass rate in 1 of them and the Skoda Karoq in 3.

What fails most on each?

BMW X1: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn. 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.