carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $23,660–$27,614 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Skoda Octavia at 7.6/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.2/10. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.2/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.2/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.2/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.5/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $23,660–$27,614, 29 MPG, seating 5, the Skoda Octavia sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The 7.9/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Skoda Octavia is a solid, well-rounded sedan that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Skoda Octavia ranks #494 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 62% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $23,660 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 14%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Skoda Octavia scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.6 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.8/10 | $26,780 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.8/10 | $26,000 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.7/10 | $25,220 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.6/10 | $24,440 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $23,660 | |
| 2020 | 7.6/10 | $22,880 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.5/10 | $22,100 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.5/10 | $21,320 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.5/10 | $20,540 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.4/10 | $19,760 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.4/10 | $18,980 | Read review → |
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Skoda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
