SEAT Tarraco Review 2024

A seven-seat SUV is usually one borne out of necessity, not desire. But the SEAT Tarraco manages to bring a surprising amount of charm to the family SUV sector. It does face plenty of competition from the related Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, though.

In fact, the SEAT Tarraco is certainly not short of rivals, with the UK embracing SUVs in ever larger numbers. Along with the Volkswagen Group’s own in-house competitors, mentioned above, the SEAT Tarraco is also pitched against seven-seat alternatives such as the practical Peugeot 5008, the excellent Kia Sorento and the Hyundai Santa Fe.

It means that the Spanish option has to do something to stand out. Thankfully, the SEAT Tarraco does bring something different to the party in the form of driver engagement. Yes, the idea of a seven-seat SUV being fun to drive might seem unlikely, but it is true.

Before we get too carried away, the SEAT Tarraco is still a large SUV, so any sporting intent will inevitably be tempered by physics. Not to mention the potential complaints from your six passengers.

But, the SEAT Tarraco’s steering is responsive, with accompanying taut body control. The flipside is a ride that feels firmer than might be expected from a family SUV, with models on 19- and 20-inch wheels notably more fidgety.

Although the SEAT Tarraco’s handling is engaging, the engine options are now more mainstream. SEAT has condensed the choices down to just one 1.5-litre EcoTSI petrol and one 2.0-litre TDI diesel, both of them offering 150PS.

Depending on the trim level, buyers can pick between a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, and all versions are front-wheel drive.

Performance from both engines is similar on paper, but the extra torque of the 2.0 TDI diesel makes it feel quicker on the road. It also delivers better fuel economy, with up to 52mpg on offer.

Choosing a seven-seat SUV means you have prioritised practicality, though, and the SEAT Tarraco does not disappoint here either – even if its third-row seats are not the most accommodating around.

Space in the first two rows of the SEAT Tarraco is generous. A sliding bench in the second row, combined with a tilting backrest, means that adults can certainly get comfortable. However, having all three individual seats slide independently, like in the Peugeot 5008, would boost practicality further.

Space in the third row is tighter, though, and accessing these seats is also quite difficult. The Skoda Kodiaq boasts slightly more room in the back row, leaving the SEAT Tarraco’s rearmost seats best left to children only. The car’s luggage capacity is determined by how many seats you use, but the SEAT Tarraco is competitive.

Relatively affordable pricing, combined with generous levels of standard equipment, make the SEAT Tarraco something of a bargain in the large SUV sector. It undercuts its key Volkswagen Group rivals, while even the lower trim levels come with all the technology drivers will need.

A seven-seat SUV is never likely to be a car bought with your heart, but one chosen out of necessity. The SEAT Tarraco is still a sensible decision, but it manages to bring a little flair and excitement to the daily grind.

SEAT has traditionally been pitched as a sportier brand, and this even extends to the driving experience of its seven-seat SUV. Compared with the related Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, the SEAT Tarraco feels surprisingly taut and engaging on the road.

It comes close to rivalling the Mazda CX-5 for how enjoyable it is to drive.

The steering of the SEAT Tarraco is not particularly heavy, or brimming with feel, but there is just enough feedback to make things interesting. In FR trim it is particularly responsive, and may even persuade you to take the longer route home. Around town, it remains easy to drive, despite being a fairly large car.

Body-roll is well controlled in the SEAT Tarraco, but the payoff is an overall ride quality that is firmer than you might expect for a big SUV. Just how firm is partly determined by the size of the alloy wheels fitted to the SEAT Tarraco.

Models in SE or SE Technology feel more compliant, while all other trim levels have 19-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels. These make the SEAT Tarraco feel more unsettled on broken British tarmac, but your passengers are still unlikely to complain.

The SEAT Tarraco engine range has been reduced, with just two options now appearing on the price list. Both engines are combined with a front-wheel-drive layout only.

This begins with a 1.5-litre EcoTSI turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, also found in multiple other Volkswagen Group products.

In the SEAT Tarraco it produces 150PS with an accompanying 250Nm of torque. With the standard six-speed manual gearbox, the 1.5 TSI engine can accelerate the SEAT Tarraco from 0-62mph in 9.9 seconds. The optional seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission reduces this to 9.7 seconds.

With just the driver onboard, the 1.5 EcoTSI will be fine for everyday driving. Load it up with multiple passengers and their luggage, though, and the relative lack of torque will become noticeable.

Those doing longer journeys, or regularly driving seven-up, will be better served by the 2.0-litre TDI turbocharged four-cylinder diesel. Like the petrol, it too produces 150PS, but comes with a healthier 340Nm of torque in the manual version. Opting for the DSG dual-clutch automatic sees the maximum torque increase to 360Nm.

On paper, a 0-62mph time of between 9.9 and 10.2 seconds does not make the 2.0 TDI sound particularly quick. Yet it pulls much better in the engine’s mid-range, thanks to that extra torque.

Previously the SEAT Tarraco could be ordered with more powerful engines. These included a 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol, available in 190PS and 245PS outputs. The 2.0-litre TDI was also offered in 200PS guise.

SEAT previously said the SEAT Tarraco would be offered with a 1.4-litre eHybrid plug-in hybrid powertrain in the UK.

However, despite being announced in 2021, this version remains unavailable to order. Compared to newer rivals, the lack of a plug-in hybrid option may limit the appeal of the SEAT Tarraco, especially for company car drivers.

The SEAT Tarraco was awarded the maximum five-star safety rating when assessed by the Euro NCAP organisation back in 2019. Having scored 97% for adult occupant protection and 84% for child safety, the SEAT Tarraco is a very safe SUV.

Standard safety equipment begins with a host of airbags, including one for the driver’s knees. You also get active front headrests and Isofix child seat attachments on the outer second row of seats, plus a front passenger seat with top tether anchorage points.

Lane-keeping assist, city emergency braking, hill-hold assist and tiredness recognition systems are all included, too.

Being a fairly large seven-seat SUV, the SEAT Tarraco is likely to attract attention from caravanners and those who tow trailers. They will be pleasantly surprised with the SEAT Tarraco’s hauling ability, with both engines capable of hauling.

The 2.0-litre TDI 150 diesel can pull braked trailers of up to 2200kg with either the manual or DSG dual-clutch transmission. The 1.5-litre TSI 150 petrol is able to tow braked trailers weighing up to 2000kg.

Measuring 4725mm in length and 1839mm in width, the SEAT Tarraco is at the larger end of the family SUV market. As a result, buyers will come to this Spanish seven-seater with firm expectations of practicality and spaciousness. It does not disappoint.

Space in the front of the SEAT Tarraco is notably generous, with plenty of legroom from the adjustable seats and ample headroom, too. You’ll also find large doorbins, cubbies in the centre console and lots of cup holders.

The second row of seats in the SEAT Tarraco are part of a bench with a tilting backrest that can slide to increase space. This means adults can be accommodated with relative ease, with loads of headroom on offer.

When it comes to the final two seats in the third row, the SEAT Tarraco feels tighter than rivals such as the Skoda Kodiaq or Kia Sorento. Children will fit without too much complaint, but do not expect to carry seven adults in comfort.

With all seven seats in use, the SEAT Tarraco can hold a modest 230 litres of luggage. Drop the third row and this jumps to a substantial 700 litres, which is more than a Skoda Kodiaq.

SEAT has typically been lower down the Volkswagen Group pecking order when it comes to interior quality, but the SEAT Tarraco manages to buck the trend. The soft-touch materials used on the top of the dashboard are better than those found in the Skoda Kodiaq, and on a par with the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace.

Search lower down inside the cabin and there are some harder, cheaper, plastics to be found in the SEAT Tarraco. Further up the model range, leather upholstery brings a classier finish.

The infotainment system found in the SEAT Tarraco is the same as the one used by various other SEAT models across the range.

The entry-level SEAT Tarraco SE comes with an 8.25-inch multimedia touchscreen as standard. Every other model from SE Technology and upwards gains a bigger 9.25-inch screen, increasing the visual real estate.

This does not make the numerous menus and sub-menus any easier to navigate on the move, however. Following a facelift, the SEAT Tarraco now has touch-sensitive sliders to operate its climate control system, instead of user-friendly buttons and dials.

All infotainment systems come with DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth and three USB-C charging ports. Along with a larger screen, the 9.25-inch system gains wireless Apple CarPlay and satellite navigation.

The SEAT Tarraco comes as standard with a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel that offers numerous customisable settings. It looks smart and brings some extra visual flair to the cabin.

At the time of writing, prices for the SEAT Tarraco start at close to £33,500 – required to purchase the entry-level 1.5 EcoTSI petrol in SE trim with a manual gearbox. The cheapest seven-seat version of the Skoda Kodiaq costs close to £36,000, while a Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace is around £35,500.

Although the lower-spec versions of the SEAT Tarraco are affordable, prices increase rapidly as the range progresses. Racy SEAT Tarraco FR models start from just under £39,000, while the FR Sport takes the price tag close to £41,000.

Given the relatively generous level of standard equipment included even at SE trim, pushing too high through the trim range becomes an exercise in diminishing returns. For those who need seven-seat transport, the £35,000 SEAT Tarraco SE Technology has the equipment most people will need.

Running a SEAT Tarraco should be reasonably affordable, without too many hidden surprises for potential owners.

The 1.5-litre EcoTSI petrol is the cheaper engine to buy, and official fuel economy suggests the potential to average up to 42.2mpg with the manual gearbox. Opting for the DSG dual-clutch automatic drops the combined figure down to 40.4mpg.

When fully laden with people or luggage, the need to work the 1.5 EcoTSI engine relatively hard will see the fuel economy drop. To discover by just how much, be sure to read our Real MPG submissions for the SEAT Tarraco.

The 2.0 TDI will be the most fuel efficient SEAT Tarraco option, providing you do the miles to justify a diesel. With a manual gearbox, the 2.0 TDI will officially average up to 52.3mpg, while the DSG automatic can manage 51.4mpg.

SEAT previously began accepting orders for a hybrid-powered version of its seven-seat SUV. Branded the SEAT Tarraco eHybrid, it has the potential to cover up to 30 miles on battery power alone. However, as of 2023, the eHybrid is not available to order in the UK.

Insuring a SEAT Tarraco should be relatively affordable, with all versions rated between insurance group 19 and 22 (out of 50 groups in total). The SEAT Tarraco FR Sport with the 1.5 EcoTSI engine will be the most costly model to insure.

When it comes to warranties, the SEAT Tarraco has three years and/or 60,000 miles of coverage. Although on par with many European car manufacturers, this is less generous than the lengthier warranties offered by rivals such as Kia and Hyundai.

Buyers can extend the SEAT Tarraco’s warranty to four or five years for an extra cost when they purchase the car new.

The SEAT Tarraco has an extensive range of trim levels, mirroring those found on other SEAT models.

The SEAT Tarraco SE is the most basic version, but even this is well equipped. Highlights include 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, LED tail lights, metallic paint and electrically folding side mirrors. There are also roof rails, rear parking sensors and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.

On the inside, the seven seats are upholstered in black cloth, while there is also three-zone climate control, keyless go and adaptive cruise control with a speed limiter function. Emergency city braking, lane-keeping assist and hill-hold control are part of the safety equipment.

The SEAT Tarraco SE comes with a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, combined with an 8.25-inch central multimedia touchscreen. This includes DAB radio, three USB-C ports, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone connectivity.

Moving up to the SEAT Tarraco SE Technology upgrades the alloy wheels to 18-inch items, and also adds rear privacy glass and chrome window surrounds. The interior sees the multimedia touchscreen increased in size to 9.25-inches, gaining a 3D map display and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity.

The sporty SEAT Tarraco FR benefits from 19-inch alloy wheels, sports bumpers, twin exhaust tailpipes, a roof spoiler and black side mirrors.

On the inside are sports seats clad in black Dinamica upholstery with red stitching, with electric adjustment for the driver seat. There are also illuminated side sill trims, keyless entry and front parking sensors with park assist.

For the most visual presence, the SEAT Tarraco FR Sport comes with 20-inch alloy wheels on the outside, and leather sports seats within. There is a surround-view parking camera system, too.

The SEAT Tarraco Xperience is intended to be more upmarket, and comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, chrome roof rails, chrome window-surround trim and a hidden exhaust tailpipe.

Its sports seats are finished in a combination of black cloth with Dinamica trim, featuring silver stitching. There are illuminated side sills, keyless entry and start, front and rear parking sensors, and a rear-view camera.

At the top of the tree, the SEAT Tarraco Xperience Lux has 20-inch ‘Nuclear Grey Supreme’ alloy wheels, side mirrors with a built-in welcome light and a surround-view camera.

The interior is finished in black leather, with the front and outer second-row seats heated, plus electrical adjustment for the driver’s seat.