SEAT Ateca Test Drive Review: Still a Smart SUV Choice?
The SEAT Ateca has been a strong contender in the compact SUV market for years, but with newer, more electrified rivals entering the scene, is it still worth your attention in 2025? After a realistic UK-style test drive covering city streets, A-roads, and motorway cruising, here’s how it holds up today.
SEAT Ateca: What you Need to Know
The SEAT Ateca is a compact SUV designed to offer a balance of practicality, comfort, and enjoyable driving dynamics. First introduced in 2016, it was SEAT’s first SUV and quickly became one of the brand’s most popular models. Built using Volkswagen Group technology, it shares components with cars like the Volkswagen Tiguan, which contributes to its solid build quality and reliable performance.
The Ateca is known for its spacious interior, with a generous boot capacity of around 510 litres, making it well suited for families and everyday use. It typically comes with efficient petrol engines and modern infotainment systems, although it lacks hybrid or fully electric options in its current lineup. Overall, the SEAT Ateca stands out as a practical, well-rounded SUV that also offers a slightly sportier driving feel than many of its rivals.
Ateca First Impressions: Clean, Sporty & Practical
The Ateca doesn’t scream for attention, but it has a sharp, sporty design, especially in trims like FR. It’s built on the Volkswagen Group platform, which means solid build quality and a familiar, no-nonsense layout inside.
Step inside, and everything feels intuitive. You get a large infotainment screen (up to 9.2 inches), clear controls, and a driver-focused layout that prioritises usability over flashiness.
On the Road: What’s the SEAT Ateca Like?
This where the Ateca really stands out.
The Positives:
- Engaging to Drive - Compared to many SUVs, it feels surprisingly agile and fun.
- Good Visibility - Makes town driving and parking easy.
- Strong Engine Choice - The 1.5 TSI (148-150bhp) offers a great balance of power and efficiency.
Some reviewers even suggest that if you want a fun-to-drive family SUV, the Ateca is one of the best in its class.
The Downsides:
- Drive can feel a little firm - Especially on larger wheels or sporty trim levels.
- Not the quietest - Road noise is more noticeable than in rivals.
Overall, the SEAT Ateca leans slightly more towards a sporty feel than pure comfort.
Performance & Engine Options in an Ateca
The Ateca keeps things simple with petrol engines:
- 1.0 TSI (110bhp): Entry-level fine for city driving.
- 1.5 TSI (150bhp): The best all-rounder for most drivers.
Performance is respectable:
- 0-62 mph - Around 9 seconds.
- Top Speed - Up to 126 mph.
SEAT Ateca’s Practicality & Interior Space
The Ateca remains one of the most practical SUVs in its class:
- Boot Space - Around 510 litres.
- Rear Space - Plenty of legroom and headroom for passengers.
- Family-friendly - Wide-opening doors and ISOFIX points make life easier.
It’s ideal for families, commuting, or weekend trips.
Pro’s & Con’s with the SEAT Ateca
What You’ll Love | Good to Know |
❤️ Excellent interior space, particularly rear legroom. | ℹ️ Firm drive quality. |
❤️ Precise steering and a fun, engaging driving experience. | ℹ️ Lower spec models have less standard equipment. |
❤️ Good, reliable range of petrol (TSI) engines. | ℹ️ No hybrid or electric option. |
Final Verdict: Is the SEAT Ateca Worth It?
The SEAT Ateca may not be the newest SUV on the block, but it still delivers where it matters most. It’s practical, enjoyable to drive, and built on proven components, making it a dependable everyday choice.
If you value driving feel over flashy tech, the Ateca is absolutely still worth a test drive in 2026.
Browse our stock of SEAT Ateca cars!
- Go to SEAT Ateca 1.5 TSI EVO SE Technology Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£15,490
12.1%APR£244/Month2023 SEAT Ateca
1.5 TSI EVO SE Technology Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
- 2023
- DE23UPA
- Petrol
- Manual
- 38,481 Miles
- Black
Crewe SEAT - Go to SEAT Ateca 1.5 TSI EVO SE Technology DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£16,790
12.1%APR£275/Month2022 SEAT Ateca
1.5 TSI EVO SE Technology DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
- 2022
- LV71UMH
- Petrol
- Automatic
- 23,516 Miles
- Green
Crewe SEAT - Go to SEAT Ateca 1.5 TSI EVO XPERIENCE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£18,999
11.9%APR£330/Month2023 SEAT Ateca
1.5 TSI EVO XPERIENCE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
- 2023
- DG23CXL
- Petrol
- Automatic
- 21,945 Miles
- White
Motor Match Stockport - Go to SEAT Ateca 1.5 TSI EVO SE Technology DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£23,790
£20,990
10.3%APR£313/Month2025 SEAT Ateca
1.5 TSI EVO SE Technology DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
- 2025
- DC25GYN
- Petrol
- Automatic
- 6,000 Miles
- Black
Crewe SEAT
