Name: SEAT Ateca (2016 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: SEAT Ateca
Rating: 74

SEAT Ateca (2016 – present) | Expert Rating

Summary

The SEAT Ateca is a medium-sized SUV/crossover. It shares a lot of its mechanical bits with the Volkswagen Tiguan, Skoda Karoq and Audi Q2. It was launched in 2016, with a facelifted updated model replacing it in the spring of 2021.

The Ateca has received positive scores from most of the UK motoring media (basically everyone except Jeremy Clarkson), and has won a large number of awards since it was launched.

The SEAT Ateca has received particular praise for its value for money compared to the more expensive Volkswagen Tiguan, as well as being spacious and practical. However, criticisms have been directed at some of the smaller engines being a bit underpowered and too much of the best equipment only being available on the top-spec models or at additional cost.

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As of December 2021, the SEAT Ateca has an Expert Rating of 74%, which is very competitive with other mainstream mid-size SUVs at a similar price point.

More SEAT ratings, reviews, news and features

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £23,670 on-road

Launched: Summer 2016
Last updated: Spring 2021
Replacement due: TBA

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Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8.4 / 10
“Strong pricing and extensive equipment make the Ateca a competitive proposition, though you need to go up the grades to get the best combination of equipment and value.”
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Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Four years on, the SEAT Ateca still stands out as a capable all-rounder in the compact SUV class. It’s comfortable, fun to drive and decently practical. And, with this latest raft of styling and technology updates, it remains an attractive option for family buyers.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic Xperience
Score: 8 / 10
“The SEAT Ateca was already a perfectly practical crossover with a respectable degree of dynamism and this latest round of updates does nothing to diminish that.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 9 / 10
“SEAT has produced an SUV we both like for the sake of useful comparison and admire full stop. With a family in tow, we’d not only choose it over a Nissan Qashqai but would also be inclined to buy it ahead of a SEAT Leon. Which really says it all.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic FR
Score: 7 / 10
“Detuned GTI engine lends plenty of pace and polish, but the sporty Ateca’s ride and steering don’t distinguish the car as well.”
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Business Car

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic Xperience
Score: 8 / 10
“The SEAT Ateca is one of the most enjoyable family SUVs to own and drive, but a test drive is essential to identify the sweetest model. It could make the difference between merely excellent and truly exceptional.”
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Car

Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol manual Xcellence
Score: 8 / 10
“For our money, the 2.0-litre diesel engine in either 150hp or 190hp tune felt like a more natural bedfellow, providing you do the miles to justify it.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel manual
Score: 8 / 10
“SEAT may have arrived later than ideal at the SUV party but the Ateca’s more memorable – and more fun – than most in this segment.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8.6 / 10
“The SEAT Ateca is an affordable, practical and desirable SUV that makes a great alternative to a Renault Kadjar or Nissan Qashqai.”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The SEAT Ateca is a practical family SUV that’s quite fun to drive, although it can be a touch uncomfy on bumpy roads and the interior isn’t as posh as the VW Tiguan’s.”
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Daily Mail

Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol manual FR
Score: 10 / 10
“It’s a car that looks good but is without compromise, and offers a better compromise between sharp looks and sprightly feel even than the acclaimed Audi Q2.”
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Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic FR
Score: 8 / 10
“Let’s be frank, the styling isn’t out of the ordinary and it does look like a lot of the SUV crossovers on the market. But like everything else about this car, it looks smart and sophisticated without ever going over the top.”
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Evo

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“We’d still opt for one of SEAT’s wide range of Leon models over the Ateca – physics, and indeed styling is on their side – but if you’re in the market for a small SUV then the Spanish car is probably one of your better options right now.”
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Fleetworld

“Improved specifications, plus affordable pricing and running costs, mark this facelifted SEAT Ateca out in this busy area of the market.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Ateca is an easy crossover to recommend – helped by the fact it represents a lot of car for the money. Inside it feels more spacious than the competition yet is impressively refined and easy to drive. If you want a good quality crossover – look no further.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8.6 / 10
“SEAT’s mid-range SUV is sharp to drive and look at”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: FR 2.0-litre petrol automatic
“Overall, the SEAT Ateca deserves a place on your SUV shopping list and if you’re after a sporty vibe then the FR is a good bet.”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: 2020
Score: 8 / 10
“The SEAT Ateca offers great handling and value for money.”
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Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol manual Xcellence
“Just buy a Golf.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Been around for a few years. Still among the best of its ilk, but look at the new Leon Estate before you buy.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The SEAT Ateca isn’t just great to drive and attractive to look at, it’s also impressively spacious, well equipped and competitively priced. Put simply, if you’re looking for a family SUV that’s also capable of putting a smile on your face, the Ateca needs to be very high on your shopping list.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: Range overview
“The sharply styled SEAT Ateca is a credible alternative to the closely related VW Tiguan. There are a few minor differences: it’s not quite as spacious nor as nicely finished. Overall, however, the Ateca is a well-equipped and likeable mid-size SUV that’s worth closer consideration.”
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