SEAT Tarraco Review

Skoda launched its Kodiaq in 2016 and it quickly became the default choice for car buyers with a growing family. So, when sister brand SEAT sought to introduce its own take on the seven-seat SUV a few years later, it had quite a challenge on its hands. How could it offer something equally competitive without copying the formula like-for-like?

The result is the Tarraco. It builds on the Kodiaq with added technology, slightly sportier driving dynamics, and - arguably - more stylish looks.

It shares an engine line-up with the Kodiaq (and the slightly more expensive Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace), meaning buyers get a choice of 2.0-litre diesels and 1.5- or 2.0-litre petrols. You can also choose from manual or DSG automatic gearboxes, as well as two- or four-wheel drive.

Although it’s not politically correct to say so these days, we actually rate the diesels in the Tarraco. They cope better with the weight of an SUV of this size, with plenty of torque providing a relaxed driving experience. The lower-powered 150PS diesel engine will suit most buyers but the 190PS version makes for particularly effortless motorway driving. It comes with four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox as standard, too - the caravanner’s dream combination.

If you only cover low miles (or do a lot of driving around town), you’d be better with a petrol. Unfortunately the 2.0-litre petrol is particularly thirsty which makes it hard to recommend. The 1.5-litre petrol is more frugal, although you will have to be prepared to drop down a gear or two when you get to hills or look to overtake.

The Tarraco is a more nimble handler than the Skoda Kodiaq, although it still feels like a big old bus compared to the smaller SEAT Ateca. And, because engineers have tried to make the Tarraco better to drive, it’s rather firm. It’ll thump over potholes and you’ll have to slow down significantly for speed bumps. It’s better on the 17- or 18-inch wheels than the 19- or 20-inch alloys that furnish high-spec models.

A highlight of the Tarraco is its cabin. It might not be as interesting to look at as a Peugeot 5008’s, but it’s functional and feels pretty classy. It’s also quite a tech-fest - all models come with an eight-inch media display as well as a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel.

And, of course, it’s very practical. There’s loads of room up front, with a high seating position and supportive seats. Adults will be equally happy in the middle row, although the third row of seats really is for occasional use only. If you need to carry lots of passengers, you should be looking at the dull-but-uber-practical SEAT Alhambra people carrier instead.

All in all, the SEAT Tarraco takes an already winning formula (as seen in the Skoda Kodiaq) and makes it even more appealing. If you like an SUV that handles well, offers stylish looks and features the latest technology, the SEAT Tarraco is a very strong choice indeed.

An eight-inch touchscreen media system is standard across the range, including navigation across all but basic SE models. This is a really simple device to use, with useful shortcut buttons and quick responses. It might look like it’s plonked on the dash like an afterthought, but it’s conveniently positioned close to the driver’s eye line which means it isn’t too distracting - although we’d like it more if it had a Mazda-like rotary controller between the seats.

Of course, if you’re looking at the SEAT Tarraco, you’re probably more concerned with how spacious it is. There’s loads of room in the front, with big comfortable seats and lots of useful storage spaces. In the back, the middle row of seats can slide backwards and forwards as well as recline, meaning you can prioritise comfort or boot space.

The rear doors open 90 degrees giving you superb access to the back seat, which is a boon when you come to fitting a child seat. The Skoda's tall height and roominess make manoeuvring a seat into position easy and the Isofix points are clear to see allowing you to get the chair quickly slotted into place. 

There’s plenty of space back there, although the same can’t be said for the rearmost seats. These really are for occasional use by children only. And when they’re in use, they really hinder boot space - leaving just 230 litres for luggage. This increases to 700 litres when the Tarraco’s used as a five-seater.

The 1.5-litre petrol will be sufficient for most buyers, although it does feel a little strained when fully-loaded. The 2.0-litre is noticeably punchier, although it’s not a frugal choice.

If you cover a lot of motorway miles, we’d recommend looking for the 2.0-litre diesel engine which is available in a variety of flavours. The standard 150PS model is potent enough and can be combined with a manual or automatic gearbox and two- or four-wheel drive. For the ultimate in pulling power, look for a 2.0 TDI 190 engine, which comes as standard with the DSG auto transmission and all-wheel drive, though strangely it doesn't feel that much quicker than the 150 model and isn't quite so smooth.

Like the smaller SEAT Ateca, the Tarraco is a sporty choice, with direct handling and a firmer ride than competitors (including the very similar Skoda Kodiaq). We’d recommend looking for one with the 18-inch alloy wheels, unless you like feeling every bump in the road.

This drops to 42.2mpg with the automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive, while the more powerful 2.0 TDI 190 with DSG transmission and all-wheel drive returns up to 39.2mpg.

The petrol models are less frugal, particularly if you buy one with the 2.0 TSI engine. This only comes with four-wheel-drive and the DSG gearbox, and officially it’s good for up to 31.7mpg. Ouch. The 1.5-litre petrol is better, returning up to 38.7mpg with the manual gearbox or 39.2mpg as an auto. 

Realistically, though,  you can probably knock 10mpg off both the 2.0 and 1.5-litre models' figures in the real world.

VED (car tax) will cost a flat rate of £150 a year after the first year. The exception is those models with a list price of more than £40,000, which will cost an extra £325 a year in tax for the subsequent five years. Even if you pay considerably less than this second-hand, you’ll still be liable so it’s worth bearing in mind.

SE Technology models build on this with 18-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear windows and navigation with 3D mapping.

The stylish Tarraco FR adds 19-inch alloy wheels, black exterior highlights (including the grille and roof rails), a rear spoiler and a twin exhaust system. Sports seats trimmed in Alcantara and cloth are standard, along with electric seat adjustment for the driver’s seat. The FR also comes with adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and go and an electric tailgate. The park assist feature is also standard with self-parking functionality and front parking sensors.

The FR Sport builds on the FR trim with 20-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, a rear- and top-view camera and the Winter pack (with heated front and rear seats as well as heated washer nozzles).

The posh Tarraco Xcellence comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior trim (including roof rails and window trim), along with front sports seats in cloth with Alcantara. Technology includes the adaptive cruise control, keyless start, electric tailgate, park assist and a rear-view camera.

Topping the range is the Tarraco Xcellence Lux. This comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, leather sports seats (with electric adjustment for the driver), a top-view camera and Winter pack.