New Skoda Kamiq vs Kia Stonic vs Volkswagen T-Roc: verdict
The new Skoda Kamiq small SUV promises to slot easily into buyers’ lives – but can it do so better than its Kia and Volkswagen rivals?...
Our verdict
The Stonic is first to drop out of the running. It’s a decent car, with a zippy engine and agile handling, plus it gives you lots of toys and a long warranty. But it falls down heavily on practicality and is the crudest to drive.
The Kamiq is a much more consistent scorer; in fact, it’s exceptional in a few areas. It’s comfortable, at least with the optional adaptive suspension fitted, plus it has the most impressive interior finish, the most rear space and a fine safety rating. It’s a shame that it’s not a bit better equipped, and if you’re after an SUV for a high driving position, it’s definitely not for you.
That leaves the T-Roc as the winner.True, it’s not the cheapest if you’re buying on finance, but in other respects it’s a competitive car to buy and run and pays you back in other ways. It’s the quietest and most sophisticated to drive and generally comfortable. It also delivers if you need practical family transport and, perhaps most importantly, feels like a proper SUV, rather than a hatchback on tiny stilts.
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here
1st – Volkswagen T-Roc - 5 stars
For Quietest cruiser; highest and best driving position; biggest boot; best resale values
Against So-so interior quality; most expensive on PCP finance; least agile handling
Recommended options Adjustable lumbar support (£70), rear-view camera (£185); blindspot monitors (£345)
Read our full Volkswagen T-Roc review
Find a great Volkswagen T-Roc deal
2nd – Skoda Kamiq - 4 stars
For Classiest interior; most passenger space; comfiest ride; best fuel economy
Against The least SUV-like to sit in; fewest luxuries; most expensive to lease
Recommended options Adjustable boot floor (£155), keyless entry (£215), door edge protectors (£175)
Read our full Skoda Kamiq review
Find a great Skoda Kamiq deal
3rd – Kia Stonic - 3 stars
For Best in-gear punch; most agile handling; loads of equipment; cheapest to buy for cash or on finance
Against Dearest to run; firmest ride; least comfy driving position; least practical; weakest safety ratings
Recommended options Metallic paint (£565)
Read our full Kia Stonic review
Find a great Kia Stonic deal
Specifications: Kia Stonic 1.0 T-GDi 118 4
- Engine size 3cyl, 998cc, turbo, petrol
- List price £20,625
- Target Price £19,288
- Power 118bhp @ 6000rpm
- Torque 125lb ft @ 1500-4000rpm
- Gearbox 6-spd manual
- 0-60mph 10.1sec
- Top speed 114mph
- Gov't fuel economy 46.3mpg
- Test MPG 40.0mpg
- CO2 emissions 130g/km
Specifications: Skoda Kamiq 1.0 TSI 115 SE L
- Engine size 3cyl, 999cc, turbo, petrol
- List price £21,980
- Target Price £21,557
- Power 113bhp @ 5000-5500rpm
- Torque 148lb ft @ 2000-3500rpm
- Gearbox 6-spd manual
- 0-60mph 9.6sec
- Top speed 120mph
- Gov't fuel economy 47.1mpg
- Test MPG 45.8mpg
- CO2 emissions 116g/km
Specifications: Volkswagen T-Roc
- Engine size 3cyl, 999cc, turbo, petrol
- List price £22,555
- Target Price £21,416
- Power 113bhp @ 5000rpm
- Torque 148lb ft @ 2000-3500rpm
- Gearbox 6-spd manual
- 0-60mph 10.2sec
- Top speed 116mph
- Gov't fuel economy 45.3mpg
- Test MPG 43.2mph
- CO2 emissions 123g/km
Best small SUVs 2023
Thinking of buying a new small SUV? Then make sure you read our rundown of the top 10 cars in this booming sector – plus, find out which ones we'd avoid
