Used Skoda Yeti 2009-2017 review
The Yeti was a huge success for Skoda, and used ones are a great buy if you're looking for a practical, rugged SUV.
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What's the used Skoda Yeti like?
Ownership cost
Our recommendations
Alternatives
Reliability
George Hill
Updated: 26 January 2026
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What's the used Skoda Yeti like?
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.
Overview
The Skoda Yeti is a highly regarded small SUV that blends practicality with charm. Its unique design, spacious interior and versatile seating make it a family favourite. With a range of efficient engines and good reliability ratings, it remains a compelling choice. Just be wary of pricing, because it's popularity among used car buyers means prices for low-mileage examples are steep.
Pros
- Fun to drive for an SUV
- Spacious interior for passengers and luggage
- Economical diesel engines
Cons
- Too much wind and road noise at high speeds
- Ride is jittery on poorer road surfaces
- Removable rear seats are fiddly
Used cars available now
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Skoda Yeti
1.2 TSI Elegance DSG Euro 5 5dr
£900
Skoda Yeti
2.0 TDI SE 4WD Euro 5 5dr
£1,950
Skoda Yeti
2.0 TDI S 4WD Euro 5 5dr
£1,999
Skoda Yeti
2.0 TDI Elegance 4WD Euro 5 5dr
£2,295
Skoda Yeti
2.0 TDI Elegance Euro 5 5dr
£2,481
Skoda Yeti
1.6 TDI GreenLine II SE Outdoor Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr
£2,490
Skoda Yeti
2.0 TDI SE Euro 5 5dr
£2,495
Skoda Yeti
1.6 TDI GreenLine II S Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr
£2,777
Skoda Yeti
2.0 TDI Elegance 4WD Euro 5 5dr
£2,799
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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"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.
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Tips & Advice
How to test drive a car
There’s no substitute for a test drive in a new car. Take it on a variety of roads and surfaces to ensure it measures up.
Will the car fit your needs?
As part of the test drive, fill the car with regularly-carried luggage, and make sure the family can get comfy before you buy
Ownership cost
What used Skoda Yeti will I get for my budget?
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
How much does cost to run a Skoda Yeti?
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.
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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.
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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.
Tips & Advice
Organise your motoring life
Whether you need to keep tabs on your insurance renewal, sort breakdown cover, or book a service, My What Car? has you covered
Never miss a motoring date
Remembering to arrange insurance, book a service or buy breakdown cover can be a pain. Fortunately, My What Car? is here to help
Can I buy a car with cash?
Paying cash isn’t always an easy way to a new car – and you may not be able to get the big discounts you might expect
Protect your investment
GAP insurance allows you to get the full price for your car if it’s stolen or written off, but only a quarter of Brits buy it
Reduce your car finance bills
Refinancing your car effectively means taking out one loan to pay off another, which could help reduce your monthly payments, or reduce your finance term
What is hire purchase?
Hire purchase allows you to make monthly payments to buy your next car – although these will be higher than with a PCP
What is PCP finance?
Low monthly payments are key to the appeal of Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) agreements. But are there downsides?
Our recommendations
Which used Skoda Yeti should I buy?
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.
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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.
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Our favourite Skoda Yeti: 2.0 TDI SE
Tips & Advice
Avoid ULEZ and clean-air zone fines
If you regularly drive into a clean air zone, you’ll want to ensure your next car is compliant to avoid costly fines
Alternatives
What alternatives should I consider to a used Skoda Yeti?
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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For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? Newsletter here
If you're interested in buying a used Yeti, or any of the other cars mentioned here, search on our used car pages here.
Skoda Yeti owner reviews
Sort by: Most Recent Star rating
Gail
Skoda Yeti petrol
Likes: Value, Reliability, Servicing
May 19, 2026 5:00 PM
Great versatile car. Good handling in all weathers. Deceptively roomy, rear seats can be removed for massive boot space. Pleasure to drive
john
Skoda Yeti diesel
Likes: Value, Reliability, Servicing, Running costs
Apr 29, 2026 10:07 PM
Skoda yeti 2014 pre face lift. This car has just reached 200k miles with no reliabilty issues whatsoever. Was serviced by a Skoda dealer up to 150k mule then independent who rund Skoda Taxi fleet. The car still drives well and is comfortable to go on a long drive
Jeffrey
Skoda Yeti petrol
Likes: Value, Reliability, Servicing, Running costs
Mar 11, 2026 8:03 PM
Excellent runabout - reliable, economical, relatively quiet. Enormous load carrying capacity
Will
Skoda Yeti 2.0 diesel hatchback
Likes: Value, Reliability, Servicing, Running costs
Jun 17, 2025 2:28 PM
The Yeti is a reliable SUV. It is small enough to park and manoeuvre easily. The 150bhp diesel engine delivers a good amount of power whether driving in urban or motorway conditions. The vehicle is enjoyable to drive and is capable towing a trailer easily. Passenger space is excellent and with the addition of a dog guard, the boot will hold a considerable amount of luggage.
How reliable is the Skoda Yeti Outdoor ?
Reliability rating: 84.3%
Skoda Yeti Outdoor
Read reliability
Used cars available now
In partnership with
Skoda Yeti
1.2 TSI Elegance DSG Euro 5 5dr
£900
Skoda Yeti
2.0 TDI SE 4WD Euro 5 5dr
£1,950
Skoda Yeti
2.0 TDI S 4WD Euro 5 5dr
£1,999
Skoda Yeti
2.0 TDI Elegance 4WD Euro 5 5dr
£2,295
Skoda Yeti
2.0 TDI Elegance Euro 5 5dr
£2,481
Skoda Yeti
1.6 TDI GreenLine II SE Outdoor Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr
£2,490
Skoda Yeti
2.0 TDI SE Euro 5 5dr
£2,495
Skoda Yeti
1.6 TDI GreenLine II S Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr
£2,777
Skoda Yeti
2.0 TDI Elegance 4WD Euro 5 5dr
£2,799
See all available cars
About the writer
Name: George Hill
Title: Used car writer
Follow George Hill on
George Hill first joined the What Car? team as a staff writer in 2021, before becoming a used car writer in 2024 and a reviewer in 2026. In his current role he writes new car reviews for What Car? magazine and whatcar.com.
If you follow What Car? on social media, you might see him presenting the odd video on new cars too.
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