Used Seat Ateca for sale near Preston

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.1 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 700
Average Price: Around £17,000

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 major components with the Volkswagen Tiguan and Skoda Karoq. It combines stylish design with an engaging driving experience, offering sharp steering, excellent body control, and spirited performance across its turbocharged petrol and diesel engine range. The 510-litre boot provides competitive cargo space, whilst the five-seat interior comfortably accommodates adults, though some rivals offer marginally more room. Well-equipped from base level with automatic city braking and pedestrian detection, higher trims add climate control, touchscreen infotainment with satnav, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

The Ateca excels as a driver's SUV without compromising practicality or economy. Diesel engines deliver impressive fuel efficiency, with the 1.6 TDI Ecomotive achieving 65.7mpg and the 2.0 TDI manual 64.2mpg. Petrol options are less frugal but still respectable, whilst the high-performance Cupra variant offers hot-hatch thrills. Running costs are reasonable, with fixed-price servicing from £175 for minor services. The five-star EuroNCAP safety rating and strong resale values reflect its quality and popularity. It was named overall Car of the Year in the 2019 CarGurus Best Used Car Awards.

Best for: Drivers seeking a stylish, engaging SUV with excellent handling, families wanting practicality without sacrificing driving enjoyment, and those prioritising good equipment and fuel economy.

Not ideal for: Buyers requiring extended warranty protection comparable to Korean rivals, those needing maximum interior space, or those preferring a softer, more comfortable ride.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Ateca if: You seek a stylish, engaging SUV with excellent handling, want practicality without sacrificing driving enjoyment, or prioritise good equipment and fuel economy.

Consider alternatives if: You require extended warranty protection comparable to Korean rivals, need maximum interior space, or prefer a softer, more comfortable ride.

Competitive Position: The Seat Ateca (2016-present) is a strong contender in the mid-size SUV market, offering an engaging driving experience that sets it apart from more conservative rivals. Whilst the Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen Tiguan score slightly higher on CarGurus ratings, the Ateca delivers superior driving dynamics and sportier styling at a competitive price point. It outperforms the Nissan Qashqai for handling and equipment, making it an excellent choice for drivers who refuse to compromise on fun. Its five-star EuroNCAP safety rating, strong resale values, and reasonable running costs make it one of the best mid-size SUVs available, justifying its 2019 Car of the Year award.

Read our full Seat Ateca Review

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