Name: SEAT Leon (2020 – present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: SEAT Leon
Rating: 71.0

Summary

The SEAT Leon is a mid-sized family car that’s based on the current Mk 8 Volkswagen Golf and other cars in the Volkswagen family, like the new Audi A3 and Skoda Octavia.

The current Leon was launched in summer 2020, replacing the previous model that had been on sale since 2012. As before, it is available as either a five-door hatchback or an estate. A plug-in hybrid powertrain joined the usual petrol and diesel options shortly after launch.

The new SEAT Leon is considered more refined although somewhat less sporty than the previous model. It’s also no longer considered quite the value-for-money choice that the previous model was. The plug-in hybrid version has received particular praise, but you need to be able to charge it daily to get value for the additional asking price.

As of January 2025, the SEAT Leon has a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 71%. It scores top marks for its low average CO2 emissions (helped by the plug-in hybrid models), while its safety rating and running costs are also good. The only downside is that reliability has been sub-par.

Key specifications

Body style: Five-door hatch and estate
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £23,335 on-road

Launched: Summer 2020
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert+

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual FR
“There’s no two ways about it – the new SEAT Leon is a brilliant car. It looks great, it’s practical, it’s quiet and comfortable to drive, and comes packed full of kit. The down side? The Volkswagen Golf does all of those things, and the extra cash won’t be too offensive when divided across the monthly payments of a finance deal.”
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Auto Express+

Score: 8 / 10
“The SEAT Leon offers the tech and driving experience of the VW Golf, but for a lower price.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol (mild hybrid) automatic estate
Score: 8 / 10
“Like the hatchback, the new SEAT Leon Estate is an evolutionary update of its predecessor. The estate easily passes muster on practicality and is even fun to drive in some cases, but it’s neither as refined nor as premium-feeling as its Skoda Octavia Estate sibling.”
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Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid FR hatchback
Score: 8 / 10
“With price on its side, the SEAT Leon instantly becomes one of our favourite plug-in hybrid family cars. Also available as an ST estate, this new Leon e-Hybrid could well be the consummate all-rounder.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual FR hatchback
Score: 8 / 10
“Existing Leon owners will find plenty to like on the new-generation car. But dynamically not a lot has changed here, and that means much of the car’s appeal will come down to how much cheaper it is than a Golf. With that in mind, sporty FR trim has never been our sweet spot in any SEAT range, and there’s not really anything on the new Leon that’s going to change our mind on that.”
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Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“Always wanted a Volkswagen Golf or Audi A3 but thought they were a bit pricey for your budget? Here’s the answer – say ‘Hola!’ to the SEAT Leon, possibly the best all-rounder in the family hatchback market.”
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Business Car+

Model reviewed: E-Hybrid FR
Score: 8 / 10
“The SEAT Leon E-Hybrid has much to recommend it, particularly for those seeking to minimise their tax liability while having a great-looking hatch on their driveway.
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual FR
Score: 6 / 10
“Overall it’s a polished effort from SEAT, which manages to feel distinctive and good value.”
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Car+

Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid hatchback
Score: 6 / 10
“In terms of driver enjoyment the relatively heavy and automatic SEAT Leon leaves a bit to be desired in comparison with other warm hatches, but as a family-hauler capable of 40 miles of pure electric driving, it offers a brilliant turn of pace that will leave a few people surprised and delighted.”
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Car Keys+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Seat Leon is a seriously accomplished all-rounder. It’s quiet, comfortable and spacious, while good levels of standard equipment mean that you’re not feeling short-changed regardless of the specification you opt for.”
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Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.2 / 10
“New technology narrows the gap between the SEAT Leon and the latest VW Golf.” (Andy Goodwin)
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Carwow+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The SEAT Leon gets many of the good bits from the latest Volkswagen Golf, yet it’s cheaper to buy. But from a brand that’s supposed to be sporty, the Leon is not as fun to drive as you might hope.”
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Company Car Today+

Model reviewed: PHEV
“The lower trim levels of the Seat Leon PHEV make the most sense for corporate drivers, thanks to the big BiK advantage of the extra mile or two of range as well as the lower price tag for a decent level of equipment. It’s also an attractive car, to look at and from behind the wheel.”
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Model reviewed: Estate
The Seat Leon estate is sensible and good-looking and offers practicality and well-controlled running costs.”
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Daily Mirror+

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual FR hatchback
Score: 10 / 10
“The SEAT’s quality is very close to the VW’s but, even if you ignore the cost saving, the new Leon’s styling wins it for me and the fact it is a great car to drive.”
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Discover EV+

Model reviewed: plug-in hybrid hatchback E-Hybrid FR
Score: 7 / 10
“Introduction of hybrid technology adds extra appeal to the new Leon as it mixes SEAT’s two core values: dynamics and efficiency.”
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Evo+

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual FR
Score: 7 / 10
“An impressive spread of abilities was always on the call sheet, but the balanced chassis and impressive calibration take the package further.”
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Heycar+

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“The SEAT Leon is a stylish family hatch that will appeal to buyers looking for something a little sportier than a Volkswagen Golf. It’s great to drive, comes with a wide range of efficient engines and the interior is leagues ahead of the old model.”
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Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 7 / 10
“The SEAT Leon Estate manages to be both sporty and practical, with a touch of premium-ness chucked in for good measure. It’s not going to break the bank, either, with competitive list prices and a range of efficient petrol and hybrid engines.”
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Honest John+

Model reviewed: Range overview
“SEAT is looking to build on the sales success of the Leon with a new generation of its popular family hatchback.”
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Motoring Research+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Spanish Volkswagen Golf is now prettier than the German one. It’s certainly sportier-looking, with a more focused interior. Otherwise, beneath the surface, it’s identical. Pretty compelling, given how you’re paying thousands less for the privilege. The SEAT Leon is the perfect family hatch for those who think the latest Volkswagen Golf just a bit… awkward-looking.”
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Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.2 / 10
“Sporty SEAT packed with the latest tech”
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The Sun+

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual FR
“The new SEAT Leon is a cheaper, more youthful version of the Golf. Just don’t have it in Magnetic Grey because it’s D-U-L-L.”
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The Sunday Times+

Score: 8 / 10
“The SEAT Leon is cheaper and more practical than an SUV.”
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The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual FR hatchback
Score: 8 / 10
“A fine blend of ride and handling, combined with a pleasingly understated interior. The bodywork isn’t the most distinctive, but it’s handsome enough. What mars this car, like so many of its contemporaries in the VW Group stable, is its confusing and distracting touchscreen.”
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Spain’s strongest attempt to out-Golf the Golf yet. A stylish, well-equipped and cheaper version of its German cousin.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2020
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 92%
Child protection: 88%
Vulnerable road users: 71%
Safety assist: 80%

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: 2.0-litre diesel automatic estate

Overall score: 3 stars
Date tested: February 2021
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 6.7 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 6.5 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 3.6 / 10

The SEAT Leon 2.0-litre diesel automatic estate received a three-star rating from Green NCAP in February 2021. Green NCAP said: “The Leon greatly impresses in this fourth-generation 2.0-litre diesel form. Equipped with the latest emissions abatement technology – three-way catalyst, selective catalytic reduction and a diesel particulate filter – the car scores well in all three areas of Green NCAP’s assessment.

“Pollutant emissions are very well controlled and energy efficiency is high, helped, no doubt, by the well-matched seven speed automatic gearbox with which the test car was equipped. Emissions of N₂O reduce performance for greenhouse gas emissions to a relatively low index of 3.6/10 but the Leon emerges from Green NCAP’s tests with a solid and very creditable three-star rating.”

This rating only applies to the 2.0-litre diesel (TDI) automatic estate version of the SEAT Leon, and does not imply similar ratings for other engine and gearbox combinations in the range (although there will be no significant difference between saloon and hatchback body styles).

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 209
Average repair cost: £798.16
Last updated: January 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

As of January 2024, the SEAT Leon has a reliability rating of 56%, which is below average according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, Motorway. The Leon’s rating applies to both the current model and earlier (pre-2020) models.

To date, the average repair cost for a Leon is about £800, which is fairly high for this class of car. It’s also considerably more than the cost of a used car warranty, so that’s worth considering.

Engine repairs are the most common and most expensive faults, clocking in at an average of more than £1,300 to date. Gearbox repairs are also about £1,200 on average.