The SEAT Tarraco is the brand’s largest SUV, sitting above the Ateca in the Spanish brand’s range, and rubbing shoulders with its Volkswagen Group twins, the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace.
As you might expect, the SEAT goes its own way with exterior and interior styling, and is all the better for it. There’s not a great deal to separate the three models in terms of features so the SEAT’s style may have the edge for some buyers. With the oldest models launched in 2018 used prices haven’t softened to true bargain basement levels yet, but in the right specification the Tarraco can offer good value for something that can seat up to seven people.
Beyond its Kodiaq and Tiguan siblings, the Tarraco faces rivals such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento, the Peugeot 5008, and the Ford Kuga, while if you simply seek seven seats and aren’t particularly swayed by SUV styling, MPVs like the Renault Scenic and Citroen C4 Grand SpaceTourer may also be worth a look.
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to family SUVs, so any model competing for your attention has to offer something that stands out from the competition. The SEAT Tarraco isn’t exactly a game-changer, but it does have a few things on its side.
It’s similar under the skin to both the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, but first in the SEAT’s favour is that it has its own style, with a handsome front end matching several of the marque’s other models, and a tidy, classy interior design. It’s probably the looker of the trio both inside and out.
Being so similar, it’s also no less practical than either the Skoda or Tiguan. You still get the option of seven seats, the cabin is well-built and sensibly laid out, there’s a good driving position, and a large boot - up to 760 litres in five-seat form, though the e-Hybrid does drop to 610 litres. It’s comfortable too, though the rearmost row in the seven-seat models is best described as ‘occasional’.
It drives well, and SEAT’s sporty brand image means the company has tuned it to be slightly more engaging to drive than its equivalents, with keen handling but still a relaxed demeanour on the motorway. Larger wheels do chip away at the otherwise comfortable ride though, so we’d recommend not straying much above the 18-inch options. The engines are more than up to the job, and as usual in a car like this, diesel models offer the best mix of performance and economy for most drivers.
So the Tarraco makes a lot of sense, though used prices can be quite robust. That might tempt you to look at the marginally cheaper Skoda Kodiaq (the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace is actually a touch more expensive), or perhaps value-focused rivals like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. And if the Tarraco isn’t stylish enough, there’s always the Peugeot 5008.
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Diesel engines may be falling out of fashion but they’ve always made sense in SUVs like this, and the SEAT Tarraco is no exception. We’d recommend searching for one of the 2.0 TDI variants, unless you don’t expect to drive many miles, in which case the petrol versions will probably suit your needs a little better. 4Drive all-wheel drive isn’t strictly necessary, but may offer a little more security if you live out in the sticks.
You don’t need to look too far up the Tarraco range for a suitable trim level, since the SE Technology variants offer everything most buyers will need from a car like this, and the 18-inch alloy wheels are about as large as you can go without beginning to sacrifice ride quality.
The trim lines listed below refer to the most recent updates to the Tarraco, so you’ll find them on new and nearly-new models. It’s a fairly long list of trim levels though most boil down to the same basic level of equipment, with sporty or luxurious features here and there to justify the jump to the next level (and an equivalent jump in price). We’ve also included basic details on some of the older Tarraco trim levels, as you’ll still find plenty of examples of these on the market.
The SEAT Tarraco’s dimensions are:
The SEAT Tarraco’s boot size is:
As the Tarraco debuted in 2018, all models will be subject to a flat rate of VED or ‘road tax’, though this does vary slightly between models. For cars that cost under £40,000 new, almost all Tarracos will currently set you back £180 per year, with the e-Hybrid coming in at a little less, with £170 going to the Treasury. If the Tarraco you’re looking at cost more than £40,000 new though, it’s subject to a surcharge in the second to sixth years of registration, lifting the bill up to £570 for petrol and diesels, or £560 for the e-Hybrid.
SEAT Tarraco insurance costs should be similar to most equivalent vehicles in this class. A 1.5 TSI 150 petrol in SE trim begins in group 20 (in the 1-50 group system), which rises to group 32 for an Xperience Lux fitted with the most powerful TSI 245 petrol engine.
Read our full SEAT Tarraco review