Used Skoda Yeti 2009-2017 review

As one of the first small family SUVs to hit the market, the Skoda Yeti needed to stand out from the crowd. Chunky, Tonka-toy looks, blistered wheel arches, oversized roof rails and lower-body cladding ensured this was the case, and then there was the name: that of a large, hairy abominable snowman.

Fortunately, there is nothing abominable about this extremely practical and immensely likeable car.

Engines and performance: There’s certainly nothing monstrous under the bonnet of a Yeti. The small 103bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine (later uprated to 109bhp) is perfectly pleasant; the larger 158bhp 1.8 is smooth and the later 148bhp 1.4 turbo is an even better bet for its blend of performance and economy. You can even have a 103bhp 1.6-litre diesel that's laughably inexpensive to run, or a bigger 2.0-litre diesel in either 108, 138 or 168bhp forms.

A 2013 facelift saw Skoda trim its engine lineup, with a 109bhp 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine and a 2.0-litre TDI diesel in two guises producing 108bhp and 148bhp respectively, the only options available.

Ride and handling: The Yeti is surprisingly enjoyable to drive, not least thanks to having plenty of traction. It moves around quite nicely with any of the engines under its bonnet, and none of them are especially raucous. The 2.0 TDI versions are particularly punchy and frugal, and at their best employed in the rough-and-tumble ideal of the four-wheel-drive versions.

The consequences of its height, though, are a rather firm ride and a bit of wind noise at speed, which is something that doesn’t trouble rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai. The steering, unlike that of most modern Skoda models, is quite heavy and can make parking more of a chore than it ought to be.

As mentioned, the Yeti was facelifted in 2013, bringing new front and rear bumpers and introducing two model variations: Yeti and Yeti Outdoor. The move aimed to offer buyers a choice based on how they use their car; the standard Yeti for those for don’t need off-road capability and Yeti Outdoor –with different bumpers that increase the approach and departure angles to make it more capable on rough terrain – for those who do. This was similar to the choice offered by the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Interior and practicality: Being quite wide and tall, the Yeti has a generous amount of space inside for five passengers. Just like its contemporaries, the rear seats can slide back and forth to increase rear leg room or boot space. Combine this with the Yeti’s boxy shape and versatility is a strong suit; you'll have no problem fitting a pushchair in there and it's more accommodating than rivals like the Suzuki Vitara. The raised ride height and large window area afford the driver great all-round visibility, while the driver’s seat has plenty of adjustment and will suit all sizes.

Trims and equipment: There were initially four trim levels to choose from – S, SE, Monte Carlo and SE L. Opt for the entry-level model and you will get 17in alloy wheels, parking sensors, heated front seats, heated windscreen and a touchscreen infotainment system complete with sat-nav, a DAB radio, and Bluetooth connectivity as standard. Upgrade to the range-topping SE L Drive model and you'll find unique 17in alloy wheels, silver roof rails, textile floor mats and a full leather upholstery.

With the facelift, these were cut to two core trims from the four that used to be available. They are SE Drive and SE L Drive. For those who want a more premium-feeling Yeti, keep an eye out for a Laurin & Klement model. These are rare, but they come with features such as leather upholstery, heated front seats and a panoramic sunroof.

Facelift: We've already covered a few points about the Yeti's facelift in 2013, but along with the areas we've already mentioned, the car was given a new, more conservative front end and a revised interior. A lot of people ask why the Yeti was never replaced, but it was – the sober-suited but equally competent Skoda Karoq succeeded it in 2017.

"Values for low-mileage Yetis are surprisingly high for a car of this age. I don't think this is a surprise, though, because people who buy them love them and often trade their cars in for another." – George Hill, Used Cars Writer

If you're interested in buying a used Yeti, or any of the other cars mentioned here, search on our used car pages here.

Early Yeti models with relatively high mileage can be found for £3000 or less, but if you want to limit the mileage to below 60,000, be prepared to spend more than £8000. If you want a later 2016 or 2017 example with similar mileage, have a budget of at least £10,000. Later cars with around 20,000 miles are becoming a rare, but this means prices for these start from around £15,000.

Check the value of a used Skoda Yeti with What Car? Valuations

MPG

Certain petrol-powered Yetis are not quite as economical as you might like, with the 1.8 TSI performing the worst at 35.3mpg (under the NEDC fuel tests that were prevalent at the time) and costing £395 per year in road tax. The most frugal is the front-wheel drive 1.2 TSI: early 103bhp examples consume fuel at a rate of 44.1mpg and cost £215 per year to tax, while later 109bhp versions are a little more cost-efficient at 51.4mpg and £165 per year in tax.

Diesel Yetis are generally much more economical, although the worst performing version is the four-wheel-drive DSG 2.0 TDI 138bhp model (43.4mpg and £265 road tax). The more popular two-wheel drive 2.0 TDI 109bhp manages better mpg at 52.3mpg, but still costs £265 a year to tax. The 1.6-litre Greenline model has the best fuel economy and cheapest road tax, sipping fuel at a rate of 61.4mpg and only costing £35 per year in tax.

Road tax

It’s worth noting that any car registered after 1 April 2017 will cost £195 per year to tax due to updated regulations that applied after that date. Those registered before that date, and the majority were, will be charged an annual VED rate depending on the rules applicable at the time (see MPG section above).

Servicing

Helpfully, Skoda offers fixed price servicing: a simple oil and filter change costs £99, a more in depth interim service every 12 months or 10,000 miles costs £169, while the full 24 month or 20,000 mile major service is £279.

Insurance

The Yeti offers lower insurance groups than most rivals, which means it should cost less to insure.

Reliability

According to real-world owner feedback from the What Car? Reliability Survey, the Yeti is typically a sturdy and dependable choice, though early 1.2 TSI petrol models are prone to expensive timing chain issues. While the car's build quality is generally praised, some owners reported minor faults like failing exhaust sensors and rust on the sills. Dealer support is often helpful, but a documented service history remains essential for a trouble-free experience.

To find out more about Skoda Yeti reliability, head to our dedicated reliability page.

Engine

If you only need a car for short trips in town, then the 1.2 TSI petrol Yeti is more than up to the job and, thanks to its power-boosting turbo, can cope with the odd longer journey, too. You won’t find one in four-wheel-drive form, but most people won’t need that.

If you plan to frequently carry a car full of passengers, the 2.0 TDI will be your best option. Even the least powerful 108bhp version is fine, with plenty of low-down torque for relaxed progress. However, that version is quite loud at most speeds, only really settling down when the car is in sixth gear on the motorway. If you’re prepared to spend a bit more money, later 148bhp versions are a bit better in this regard.

If you live in or near the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London, but want a diesel, make sure your car is fitted with an engine that complies with Euro 6 emissions regulations. These were mandated from September 2015, so choosing a car on a 65-plate or newer will be compliant.

Specification

E trim Yetis have a few luxuries, such as air-con and electric front windows, but, if you can afford it, go for either S or SE: both are much better equipped. S trim adds alloy wheels, front fog lights and electric rear windows; SE cars also have dual-zone climate control, parking sensors and a CD changer. Elegance modes add adjustable lumbar support, heated front seats and leather upholstery.

Our favourite Skoda Yeti: 2.0 TDI SE

The Dacia Duster has a similar utilitarian feel to the Yeti. It has an interior that feels a bit cheaper, but this makes it hardwearing and practical for any outdoor pursuits. The four-wheel drive models are surprisingly capable in the rough stuff, while the interior is reasonably spacious. It's not the most comfortable option for driving on the road, though.

The Nissan Qashqai has a well-made interior that feels quite classy – especially the facelifted version – and offers SUV-fanciers the raised ride height they desire. It doesn’t offer much more interior space than a traditional family hatchback, however, and you pay for its raised suspension and comfortable ride with a fair bit of roll through the corners.

The Yeti's replacement, the Skoda Karoq, might not be as distinctive, but it's still very capable. If anything, it's the better car, with improved driving dynamics, more efficient engines and a practical interior. The interior itself is more modern, too, but you won't be paying a huge premium to get one over a Yeti.

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If you're interested in buying a used Yeti, or any of the other cars mentioned here, search on our used car pages here.