Used Seat Ateca for sale near Darlington

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.1 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 29.7%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 800
Average Price: Around £17,300

Seat Ateca (2016-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Well equipped	Warranty protection not as long as for Kia or Hyundai
Fun to drive	Base 1.0-litre petrol engine can be a bit breathless
Spacious for people and luggage	Ride firmer than with some rivals

Quick Summary

The Seat Ateca (2016-present) is Seat’s sporty take on the mid-size SUV, sharing components with the Volkswagen Tiguan and Skoda Karoq, offering sharper styling and an edgier driving experience. It provides competitive interior space for five adults, a generous 510-litre boot (485 litres for 4WD), and enjoyable driving dynamics with good grip, sharp steering, and neat body control, making it one of the best-handling cars in its class, though with a slightly firmer ride than some rivals.

Powered by a range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, most Ateca versions deliver spirited performance, including a hot Cupra option. It comes well-equipped, with base models featuring automatic city braking and pedestrian detection, and SE trims upwards including climate control and a touchscreen infotainment system with satnav, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While running costs are reasonable with competitive fuel economy (e.g., 1.6 TDI at 65.7mpg, 1.4 TSI at 52.3mpg), its 3-year/60,000-mile warranty is shorter than some Korean competitors.

Best for: Drivers seeking a sporty, well-equipped, and practical mid-size SUV, those who prioritise sharp handling, or desire an affordable high-performance option (Cupra).

Not ideal for: Buyers who prefer the softest possible ride comfort, desire a longer warranty than three years, or need the maximum rear seat versatility (like removable seats in some rivals).


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Ateca if: You're looking for a sporty, well-equipped, and practical mid-size SUV with sharp handling, or an affordable high-performance option (Cupra).

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise the softest possible ride comfort, a longer warranty than three years, or maximum rear seat versatility.

Competitive Position: The Seat Ateca (2016-present) is a highly competitive mid-size SUV, offering a blend of sporty driving dynamics, practicality, and good equipment levels within the Volkswagen Group family. While its ride can be firmer than some rivals and its warranty isn't the longest, its appealing styling, strong engine range, and overall value make it a compelling choice. It stands out for its engaging drive, making it a strong contender for buyers who want an SUV that doesn't compromise on driving enjoyment.

Read our full Seat Ateca Review

The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from January 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.