Comparison · family SUVs

Mazda CX-5 vs Skoda Karoq: which is more reliable?

The Mazda CX-5 and Skoda Karoq are very close at the MOT: scores of 103 and 105. Pick on the condition and history of the actual car. Based on 117,344 real MOT tests in 2024.

Mazda CX-5

103Above average
MOT tests65,280

Skoda Karoq

105Above average
MOT tests52,064

By age

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

Age at testMazda CX-5Skoda Karoq
3–5 years
102About average
104Above average
6–9 years
104Above average
108Above average
10–14 years
102Above average
–
15+ years––

Year by year

Share that passed first time, same registration year.

YearMazda CX-5Skoda Karoq
202189.2%89.2%
202088.2%89.5%
201986.7%90.0%
201885.9%88.9%

Problem areas

Failure items per 100 tests.

AreaMazda CX-5Skoda Karoq
Tyres4.44.7
Suspension6.01.7
Brakes5.22.0
Lights & electrics3.62.4
Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.31.2
Steering2.60.1
Emissions & leaks1.90.4
Seat belts & airbags0.30.4

Mazda CX-5: top failures

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.6%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.0%
  3. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.8%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.5%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.4%
  6. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%

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 Mazda CX-5 or the Skoda Karoq?

The Mazda CX-5 and Skoda Karoq are very close at the MOT: scores of 103 and 105. Pick on the condition and history of the actual car.

Which years of the Mazda CX-5 and Skoda Karoq can be compared?

Both were tested for 4 registration years (2018–2021). The Mazda CX-5 had the higher pass rate in 1 of them and the Skoda Karoq in 3.

What fails most on each?

Mazda CX-5: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. 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.