Introduction
Seat was relatively late to the SUV party with its Ateca in 2016, but it quickly followed that up with the smaller Arona and larger Tarraco that we’re reviewing here.
It’s Seat’s largest SUV, and now that the Alhambra MPV is no more, is the Spanish firm’s only seven-seater. A sibling model to the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, the Tarraco offers a stylish design and aims to inject a bit of extra sportiness into the large SUV segment.
Recently benefiting from trim and equipment changes, we’re trying the latest version to see if it’s worth considering.
Performance
There’s no electrified Tarraco available yet, but instead, customers are able to choose from a wide range of petrol and diesel engines.
Starting with petrol, a 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol unit kicks off the line-up, and is available purely with front-wheel-drive alongside the option of a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed DSG automatic. You can also get it with a turbocharged 2.0-litre unit, available with a choice of 187bhp or 242bhp – the latter being an engine shared with the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Both come as standard with four-wheel-drive and a DSG automatic gearbox, with the 242bhp model able to hit 60mph in just 6.1 seconds.
Those doing higher mileage should take a look at a diesel, with a 2.0-litre unit available with outputs of 148bhp and 197bhp. The former can come with a manual or DSG, with the more powerful engine featuring an automatic gearbox as standard and all-wheel-drive. Seat claims you could see up to 52.3mpg, which is a great figure for a seven-seat SUV of this size.
Ride and handling
Here we’re trying the most powerful 197bhp diesel version, which is a great fit with the Tarraco. The healthy power and torque levels mean it’s never short of shove, and it would be a great fit for those needing their vehicle to tow.
It drives and handles particularly well for a seven-seat SUV too, feeling agile through the bends and being surprisingly entertaining to drive quickly. It certainly feels a touch sportier to drive than a Skoda Kodiaq, for example, though that is slightly at the expense of comfort, as the Tarraco has a slightly firmer edge to it than the Skoda, though it’s by no means uncomfortable.
Interior
Space is the name of the game in the Tarraco, and in that respect, it performs well. Similar to rivals, the third row is quite tight for adults, but as a five-seater with an occasional extra two seats, or for children, it’s ideal. Sliding rear seats are a big bonus, too. The Skoda Kodiaq is a slightly more practical choice, however.
But the quality of the cabin is good throughout, with a large touchscreen and digital dial display. It perhaps doesn’t look quite as modern as rivals like the Kia Sorento, however.
Equipment
Seat offers a broad choice of trims on the Tarraco, though even the entry-level SE version comes equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, full LED lights, adaptive cruise control and the aforementioned digital displays. SE Technology then brings 18-inch alloy wheels, and a larger 9.25-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration.
If you want some extra sportiness, the FR packs 19-inch alloy wheels and a racier bodykit, along with keyless entry, while the FR Sport model adds big 20-inch alloy wheels, leather sports seats and a 360-degree camera system.
The new Xperience trim adopts a more elegant look with its chrome roof rails, while also getting a reversing camera and microsuede seats, while the flagship Xperience Lux trim comes with an electric driver’s seat, heated front and rear seats and 20-inch alloy wheels.
Cost
The Tarraco remains a well-priced contender in the large SUV segment, with prices starting from £32,200. Unlike rivals like the Skoda Kodiaq and Nissan X-Trail, you don’t need to pay more to have seven seats as standard, either.
Prices do rise considerably as you rise through the engines and trim levels, with the flagship model with the sportiest powerplant costing almost £45,000.
Verdict
While Seat’s Tarraco might have been on sale for a few years, it remains a very credible large SUV. Offering plenty of space, it comes well-equipped, and if you stay mellow with engine and trim choice, good value for money as well.
Its smart design gives it a sportier presence than many of its rivals, and that’s backed up by the driving experience to go with it as well.
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