Seat Tarraco review

There are two main trim levels, SE and Xcellence, but each is enhanced by a comprehensive array of launch editions and extra equipment packs. The bottom line is that even the most basic Tarraco is quite well equipped and the top models look very decent value against the ever-swelling pack of contenders.

How does the Tarraco perform on the road?

The Tarraco is a good-looking and imposing vehicle, 4.75m long and unashamedly linked with Volkswagen and Skoda models of the same underbits and lineage. Indeed, although the distinctive body and interior parts were designed at Seat’s Martorell headquarters, the vehicle is being built with similar models from other brands, like the Volkswagen Tiguan, by Volkswagen in Wolfsburg.

Still, the Tarraco avoids being dismissed as a piece of badge engineering because it has sporty, unique-to-Seat styling inside and out and a spec that suits the marque’s more youthful ethos. Mind you, anyone familiar with the Skoda Kodiaq won’t find the new big Seat too surprising.

Like its siblings, the Tarraco comes across as a capable family car, adequately quick and responsive with any powertrain. Its strength is accommodating people and stuff. The seats are firm but comfortable and there's an array of trim materials, from durable-looking fabrics to full-on leather.

All UK-spec models will be seven-seaters, but it’s fairer to describe the Tarraco as a five-plus-two than a true seven-seater. On the other hand, it's compact enough for a life in the suburbs – a vital point for success in this country.

Like its siblings, the Tarraco seems to shrink as you drive, a compliment to its taut and neutral-handling chassis. All versions are refined (apart from some inexplicable wind noise we noticed in two or three different examples, emanating from the door mirrors). The steering offers top class feel and the chassis’ rolling comfort is deeply impressive, even at the highest speeds. The brakes are strong and easy to modulate.

We drove three versions on test — the base model and the top petrol and diesel versions — and found, somewhat perversely, that the smoothest and quietest of them all was the front-wheel-drive 148bhp petrol model that rides on the tamest 17in alloys. However, if wheel size is a priority for you, the top Xcellence models offer wheels of up to 21in in diameter.

How does the Tarraco compare to its rivals?

The Tarraco would be a good choice, but not necessarily a done deal. There’s very tough competition for Seat in this category, and it's a bit of a latecomer.

Our own experience with the Tarraco’s close relation at Skoda made us aware of the model’s essential appeal, and Seat adds pizzazz to that. The Barcelona-based marque is expecting strong sales from the Tarraco and shows no fear that this bigger, bulkier, more practical off-roader will dilute the character from which it benefits.

This is a very strong contender in the class and a little bit livelier than most of them.

Seat Tarraco FAQs

Is the Seat Tarraco available as a plug-in hybrid or electric?

While there’s not an all-electric version of the Seat Tarraco, a plug-in hybrid is on its way. Due to arrive in late 2021, the Tarraco e-Hybrid has been delayed until 2022. Under the skin it’s virtually identical to the PHEV powered VW Tiguan, which means the Spanish machine gets a 2.0-litre petrol and electric motor combination that delivers 242bhp and just over 30 miles of EV range. However, the need to package the 13kWh battery under the boot floor means the plug-in Seat loses its seven-seat capability.

What are the main rivals to the Seat Tarraco?

You can’t move for mid-sized SUVs on the road these days, so it's not surprising to find the Seat Tarraco has a fair few rivals. If we stick to seven-seaters, then the mechanically identical Skoda Kodiaq and VW Tiguan add a little more practicality and upmarket appeal respectively, while Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe twins are bigger still and feature more electrified powertrain options. The Land Rover Discovery Sport is pricier, but packed with premium appeal and unstoppable off-road.

How much power does the Seat Tarraco have?

If you’ve been looking at other VW Group products, then the engine line-up for the Seat Tarraco will be familiar. Entry-level models feature either a 1.5-litre petrol or a 2.0-litre diesel, both with 128bhp. The latter is also available in four-wheel drive guise with a higher 197bhp power output. The largest petrol is a 2.0-litre TSI that can be specified in either 187bhp or 242bhp guises, whie the plug-in hybrid will also have 242bhp when it arrives later in 2022.