SEAT Ateca Review

How much does it cost?

Seat has slimmed down its Ateca line-up of late, reducing the number of engines in a bid to help keep prices down. It’s why, at just under £30,000, it remains competitively priced, particularly when you consider the amount of equipment which comes as standard. Opt for a higher-spec car and prices do creep up, but all Ateca models remain firmly under £40,000.

Switch to the used market and there are plenty of savings to be found. On AA Cars, there are 2025 model-year Ateca cars in premium FR trim for £32,999 - a considerable saving on the £33,620 you’ll pay for a brand-new model and particularly impressive given the example we found had travelled just 100 miles since leaving the dealer. Increase that mileage and Ateca prices tumble; we found an FR-grade Ateca with 4,243 miles on the clock for £27,500.

Engine and performance

Overview

As mentioned, Seat has slimmed down its range of engines available with the latest Ateca. While this SUV did launch with diesel engines, that has been removed, so you’ll need to opt for a used version if you’re after this setup. Instead, new Atecas are available with either 1.0- or 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engines in a range of power outputs, with the highest-performance cars producing 148bhp.

There’s also the option of either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, giving buyers more options. Currently, there are no hybrid versions of the Ateca available - it’s petrol power alone.

Out on the road

Like many other SUVs and crossovers, the Seat Ateca offers, first and foremost, a raised view of the road ahead, giving added confidence to the person behind the wheel. Visibility all-round is pretty good, too, and you’ve got large wing mirrors to help when reversing or checking behind you. The Ateca also has quite a chunky, square design, so it feels easy to park.

All of the engine options available offer a good level of refinement and aren’t too vocal, even when you’re accelerating hard. The six-speed manual gearbox is good, too, though we’d imagine that most people will opt for the DSG automatic. This particular ‘box is good, too, though it can suffer from some ‘lag’ when you’re pulling away from a standstill; press the accelerator and there’s a momentary pause before the car moves forward.

Ride and handling

Seat has always been known as the sportier of the Volkswagen Group and that’s certainly the case with the Ateca. Against rivals, the Ateca does sit on the firmer end of things, but it’s not enough to make the car too uncomfortable overall. In fact, it helps the Ateca to deliver excellent cornering characteristics without too much bodyroll. While the ride can feel firmer at lower speeds, choosing an Ateca on smaller alloy wheels could be a good option for drivers after the comfiest experience possible.

The handling is neat, too, and though it can feel quite light, this does add a sense of agility to the Ateca’s driving experience. Around town, the Ateca is a breeze to pilot and thanks to plenty of sensors and cameras, you’ve got a decent level of assistance when it comes to parking this SUV, too.

Interior and features

Interiors

As with much of the Ateca’s design, the interior is focused on being family-friendly. There’s plenty of space throughout and it’s all brought together with a pleasantly solid approach. As a result, the Ateca’s interior feels as though it’ll withstand plenty of use, which will be a particular plus-point for busy families. The cabin of the Ateca has a chunky, no-nonsense feel to it, with big rotary dials for the heating and ventilation controls.

All cars get a large infotainment screen, too, as well as plenty of power points for keeping devices topped up. While there aren’t many colour options for the interior - leaving it to feel slightly subdued - at least you get some silver elements to help spruce things up a little.

Boot space and practicality

The Ateca should prove to be more than practical enough for most people. Its upright design means that there’s plenty of headroom on offer for everyone onboard, with rear-seat passengers getting a good level of legroom as well. It’s just a shame that a significant transmission hump in the back eats into spaciousness, and will make it more of a squeeze for three to sit alongside one another in the rear.

Boot-wise, the Ateca is right on course for the segment. With 510 litres, it’s larger than many rival offerings and thanks to its square design, it’s easy to access as well. There’s a useful storage pocket to the left-hand side, too, while a ‘ski hatch’ is available on nearly all models and helps to make loading longer items much easier.

Features

All Ateca cars get a good level of equipment and it’s all integrated nicely so that it’s easy to use. The infotainment system, for instance, isn’t the largest compared with some cutting-edge models, but it’s simple to operate and you get smartphone mirroring systems, so accessing some key apps is a breeze.

Entry-level SE cars benefit from a leather sports steering wheel with multifunction controls, too, allowing you to operate the radio, change the volume or toggle through different information screens between the main instrument binnacle without taking your eyes off the road.

Trim and colour options

The Ateca’s current range of trim levels is easy to decipher. There are SE, SE Technology, FR Line and FR Technology grades to choose from, with SE grades bringing a comfier feel, while FR give the Ateca a sportier edge. SE cars introduce an eight-inch digital cockpit alongside a large central infotainment screen, as well as full link smartphone integration.

Move to SE Technology and a wireless smartphone charger is added as well as keyless entry. You also get 18-inch performance machine alloy wheels for a more upmarket appearance.

FR Line is where things start to get sportier. It introduces a dynamic FR body kit, as well as an integrated rear spoiler. An electric tailgate with virtual pedal is also introduced at this grade, meaning you only need to wave your foot under the bumper of the car and the boot will open automatically - it’s great for when you’ve got an armful of shopping.

Finally, there’s FR Black Edition, which takes the standard FR grade and adds a series of black-coloured elements for a stealthier appearance. You also get a top-view camera for easier parking, as well as 19-inch alloy wheels.

There’s a good spread of colours to choose from, too, with blues and reds providing a pleasant contrast to the greys and blacks.

Safety and reliability

The Seat Ateca sits on a tried-and-tested platform which is shared with a variety of models within the Volkswagen Group. Likewise, its engines don’t break new ground in terms of technology or design and should prove to be pretty reliable as a result. Some older models can suffer from a juddering automatic gearbox which can either be solved via a simple service, or - a costlier option - a new clutch. Make sure that any car you’re testing out with an automatic gearbox shifts smoothly and easily.

The Ateca also does well in terms of safety equipment. The latest models get autonomous emergency braking, rain-sensing wipers and traffic sign recognition. Plus, Seat’s Connect system brings an emergency call feature which can alert the authorities in the event of a collision. Each new car comes with 10 years of this service as standard.

MPG, emissions and tax

With the current crop of engines, the Seat Ateca won’t be costly to run. Regular 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol versions will achieve over 46mpg while the more powerful 1.5-litre unit will manage up to 45.3mpg, or slightly less in those cars equipped with an automatic gearbox. That 1.0-litre engine is the least-emitting model, too, with CO2 emissions of 138g/km. Nearly all Ateca cars will attract the standard £195 12-month road tax cost, though certain models made before 2017 are accompanied by a £35 yearly road tax charge, making them the go-to options for those on a budget.

As mentioned earlier, the Ateca was launched with a diesel option and while these aren’t available on new Atecas, they could be a good choice for some drivers. At present, there aren’t any hybrid or plug-in hybrid Ateca variants available.