2022 Seat Ateca review - is this updated family SUV now the BEST around? | What Car?

The Seat Ateca has always been a very good family SUV. But does a fresh update now make it the out-and-out best one that you can buy?
There's plenty of competition, like the VW Tiguan and Skoda Karoq to name just a couple. Watch to find out exactly how good it is, how it compares to its rivals and what versions you should buy if you do decide to go for one.
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[@lorrainejohnson5383]

I owned the FR previously and it was fun and nifty. Now have experience which is even better and comfortable. Worth the money

[@rbabusrisaisakthi2893]

Straight forward installation. It has the anchors on the sides and the top to tether it to the seat as well as a lock for the seatbelt. I’m using it for my toddler and he likes it! Feels sturdy and looks nice.

[@maltainu3621]

I love how they made the se technology with a 1.0l engine meaning i am eligible to get one as an under 25 mobility car. So i get the option now to have a comfy suv which is better for my mobility car as it sits higher meaning it makes it easier for me to get in and out of.

[@redpillcanucklofi]

Great review...very indepth! This was like reading the manual but more fun :) Do people even read manuals anymore though...lol. Great job on your video :)

[@patrickrowe1024]

Great review ,

[@henrygingold6549]

Wireless Android Auto is available on this car, I use it every day. I've had mine for six months and I can honestly say it's the nicest car I have ever owned and it's no slouch either. Put your foot down on a long straight road and you'll think you've been shot out of a canon.

[@julieswift2603]

Is the slide out towbar Alko compatible??

[@lucykinski]

This is a fantastic review and would like you to review all cars pls buddy 😅

[@santipolo1963]

There are issues across much of the Seat range at the moment primarily around the auto drive element. Seat have been aware of this all of 2021 and say they are still working on it. Let me detail the issues which are mainly geography related. You see, the Seat is not made in the UK, it is made where they drive on the right and that's great except that their software guys didn't quite get around to finishing the right hand drive conversion of the software. It will recognise that the speed limit is 60mph but then, it drops back into Euro mode, applies the breaks and gets the car down to 37 mph because, in it's little chipset, you should now be doing 60kph, It will do this randomly across the speed range. We are not talking about a speed warning here, it actively applies the breaks, noticeably so, If you happen to be overtaking at the time, be prepared to take over rapidly. Another of the annoyances which, can be dangerous, is that on overtaking a message comes up that one should not 'under' take and the breaks are again applied. This is when overtaking someone on the right as we are supposed to do here in the UK. I have the 2021 Ateca Xcellence Lux but the dealership assures me (they're very honest with me now) that this across the Ateca range. I can also say, because I had one as a courtesy car, that the Arona does the overtaking thing too. The dealership said that the Leon may do something weird too but he wouldn't elaborate on that. One other little thing happened the other day. Entering a car park at around 20mph (appropriate for that location), car picks up an invisible 'something' and did an emergency stop. Thankfully, the driver behind me also slammed his brakes on but, it's problematic to say, in the event of a collision, sorry, my car did it. Seat have no plans to warn buyers of these faults. One dealership in Northampton denied they even existed 'after' I demonstrated them to him. The guidance seems to be, turn these features off! By the way, on the Ateca, the virtual pedal to open the boot is appalling. You will likely be waving your foot around for an age before you trigger the sweet spot (somewhere over to the right) by which time you will have wished you just opened the tailgate some other way.

[@MrZiffos]

Had mine nearly 3 years and love it. Cupra Ateca next for me.

[@MrZiffos]

Ordered a XPerience Lux 1.5 petrol DSG exactly in this colour. Looking forward to giving it a go.

[@Raidd_1]

Has it come?

[@henrygingold6549]

You will not regret it

[@BenYouCrazy]

@@henrygingold6549 should I get it looking for second hand 2021 fr what do you think is it good ? did you had problems with it ?

[@j1bc]

at last a car reviewer who doesnt try to talk like clarkson.

[@zacboi94]

recently placed an order on the Xperience Lux, looking forward to it. currently have the previous model too

[@johnlavery6116]

Just ordered the Lux model....how do you find it...any problems.?

[@neelsn007]

⁠How's your experience been?

[@taffinnorfol]

Brilliant! Helped us decide to buy one … the 1.5 TSI EVO! Thanks +++

[@lucykinski]

Same. How you getting on with it? Going to order this week

[@taffinnorfol]

@@lucykinski Our 22 plate 1.5 TSI EVO is marvellous… a few glitches with the Infotainment (satnav) but mainly down to the SEAT wifi. No problems at all when I use mobile data.

[@waynejarrell1]

Nice looking car 😎

[@Pipsicle330]

You are right to point out the options. The Karoq and Tiguan have a range of them whereas SEAT has a take it or leave it approach with its trims these days. Shame really. Also worth mentioning that the foldable/removable seats in the back of the Karoq rob leg and head room. The Ateca is much roomier in the back with a normal bench.

[@poppops62]

Looking to change my wife’s arona FR for one of these. She just needs to agree! 😂

[@sarax4186]

I had a brand new Ateca 2019-2020 and from a few days of having the car the infotainment system kept turning off and not working until you switch the car on and off sometimes once or twice or thrice. I lived with it then the accelerator stopped working when turning but that happened to be a once off then the glove box wouldn’t stay in and kept coming down and then the breaks would squeak and the wipers would make noise when working and this all happened on a factory fresh and I got annoyed as SEAT couldn’t find a fault! Unfortunately I gave it back even though I absolutely hated giving it back :(

[@henrygingold6549]

This is a known Volkswagen Group problem. If it happens, press and hold the on off "switch" for thirty seconds and it will reboot.

[@inhumandescent]

Had mine for 2 years now - water pump failure recently. Overall very practical family car - positives: spacious, ride height, good nav/stereo, seats comfy. Negatives: awful suspension (mines 17 inch wheels on an SE so should be ok but it judders and rattles over road surfaces), plastics in the cabin other than dash bit cheap, seat material is awful - marks easily and feels really nasty, no front sensors, no auto rain, no auto wipe. Overall a good car that in higher spec's is better. Boring to drive though !

[@glennchinyangarara8225]

The Ateca would much be better on 19” wheels. 17 are too small.

[@doodlermcm3092]

Try 13 times back in garage before 2 year old.. A pile of

[@shahadathossain-eu5tc]

My dad had an siat but dad sold it it was a red siat Arona inside is black

[@gordonmccartney5648]

I had ordered a Karoq Sportline but there were issues with actually getting it from the Dealer. Ended up taking a new face-lift Ateca Fr with the 1. 5 dsg back in November. It does the job but I wish I had got the Karoq Sportline with all the extra kit. Not so impressed with the 1.5dsg economy though, my previous Leon Cupra 290 dsg gave the same if not better

[@blackimp4987]

the 1.5 tsi version is the lightest as well. it weights as a golf. this is a great point in favour of that engine. I detest suvs but Ateca is one of the very few I'd buy

[@Pmjs]

I test drove the SEAT Ateca 2.0TDI FR Sport I could feel every imperfection on the road. Being 2WD it had Torsion Beam suspension in the rear.

[@eiadds9546]

The FR is stiffer because it's made for performance

[@Pmjs]

@@eiadds9546 I also test drove an Xcellence&it was the same. Both were 2wd&had Torsion Beam suspension if they were 4wd they would've had independent.

[@eiadds9546]

@@Pmjs Oh ok, cuz I have a seat and I also feel it. I do like it tho (personal preference) it makes it feel more sporty

[@josephman3228]

What’s all the talk about the down sale on tdi’s that’s exactly what my dealer told me when he told me mine ha’s been delayed again for the 3rd time disappointing from seat been waiting 5 months an now told it’s going to been another 2 months

[@VStrom2019]

I love mine, Experience Lux, best car I have owned in 52 years of driving…….by far !

[@RogueRiderUk]

Just a correction.... both Apple Car Play and Android Auto are wireless on the facelift models. As long as you have the up to date Android software

[@kamil151]

Android auto is not working wirelessy for me in seat ateca 2021. It's not my phone, because I have tried it in bmw and it worked wirelessy just fine.

[@RogueRiderUk]

@@kamil151 Theres a bit of a convoluted way of connecting it, using WIFI and Bluetooth and I've had some connectivity problems on occassion linked to compatability issues between the SOS system and the Android software. Spoke to SEAT UK and apparently they're trying to arrange a software update but are having to work with the Android developers to do this and because there are so many slightly different versions for different phones, it's a been a lot more complicated than expected.

[@kamil151]

@@RogueRiderUk I have received an email response from my seat dealer (seat Slovakia) that due to some laws in my country wireless full link is not enabled on atecas sold here and will be available only for 2022 model years and onwards , so I guess the cable is my only choice. What is the way you have figured it out?

[@RogueRiderUk]

@@kamil151 Ah... I'm in the UK... so I guess there are different laws.

[@henrygingold6549]

@@kamil151 They lied to you. My car is a 2020 model from last december. Try uninstalling Android Auto and reinstalling the latest version. Some older iterations of AA don't support wireless.

[@jaykingman641]

Anyone know if I can easily fit 3 kids car seats in the back of one of these? My Leon won’t, so hoping this will be slightly wider inside.

[@henrygingold6549]

Yes you can and occasionally I have three adults

[@jaykingman641]

@@henrygingold6549 that’s great, I’ll have to try this out, looks like a cheaper alternative to seats larger suv

[@MOSSFEEN]

90% of sales are diesels here in Ireland Diesel is still a HUGE SELLER here in all brands

[@DublinDapper]

Greens are in power now and will kill the diesel

[@MOSSFEEN]

@@DublinDapper Not a HOPE the Greens are about as much use as an Ashtray on a Motorbike they have done sweet FA since they came into power

[@johnmorris6344]

Its wireless android auto as well. Also only FR Sport models (like my 2021 rhodium grey one) and experience lux get the digital cockpit. And the ambient lighting is actually worse on this new one than on my previous 2020 FR as in the footwell area is only white now when on and not the choice of 10 colours like the doors.

[@kamil151]

How do you enable wireless Android auto, because mine only offers wired

[@nikolaidiqnov6801]

Ordered the new Ateca a month ago. Before buying it, I test drove a bunch of other SUVs. The ateca, karoq and Tiguan are all good and pretty much the same. It comes down to a personal style preference. Also test drove the 3008 and was not impressed at all- driving position and instrument cluster are extremely strange and uncomfortable. The piano black plastic will get dirty and nasty in about one month of usage. The controls around the dash are not intuitive. The only car that I liked more than the VW product is the Rav4 but in Bulgaria, it is around 5500 euro more than the Ateca. So I decided that it was not worth it. Also, I wanted a diesel so that narrows down the choice.

[@FlIckme23]

Great review - just watched your Karoq review also - now I have the hard decision of deciding to either order the Karoq SEL or Ateca FR.. Ahhhh ! :)

[@sarax4186]

Go with Karoq as they have issues with the ateca which I had :(

[@sarax4186]

Test drive them both to see what you’re comfortable with

[@FlIckme23]

I did thanks. Arrives sept. :)

[@sarax4186]

@@FlIckme23 the karoq! I hope you enjoy it!

[@AllThePhobes]

For me the Karoq looks bland grandad-like in comparison.

[@davidhayes4814]

Good video and a pretty good vehicle. Comparing different derivatives from of within the VAG group is probably not that useful, though.

[@afcgeo882]

Except that’s often how people shop, isn’t it? If you only had the VW as an option, you’d just compare it to a Qashqai and others, but here you have three different Tiguans for lack of a better term, so you can’t help it, but compare.

[@gegwen7440]

Its a strange world where a driver can look & prod away at that centre info screen but will become a target for penalty points (not to mention the fine) should it be done on a mobile device. Lucky that I am not a reviewer as most of these manufacturers who get a hard time, saying that I would not last long then.

[@dr6124]

I've got wireless android auto. Not sure why you said "wired android auto"

[@SeanMcklo]

What is this like versus the Kia Sportage GT line S? That’s what I’m down too FR sport 1.5 150 vs Sportage GT line S 1.6, any help much appreciated!

[@thecriminalemissionscheats]

Sportage is a class bigger

[@johnmorris6344]

This engine on my Ateca FR Sport DSG feels much quicker than the 0-60 time suggests..I timed it at 7.3secs on more than 1 occasion. I am sure the kia will be a lovely motor but it certainly won't have the driving character and the agility of the Ateca ..6 weeks old and 3k miles and it's faultless

[@Sto79Be]

@@johnmorris6344 Faultless at 6 weeks old? Lol, you must have a very low expectations of a car to be measuring faultlessness in weeks!

[@petedraper5185]

I honestly believed I was going to purchase an Ateca, even told my wife about it. The day before I was due to purchase one, I had a test drive in a Peugeot 3008 SUV with it's wow factor interior (I hadn't intended to, I just wanted to view the interior). I order a 3008 on the spot. The interior of the revised Ateca is still bland - a great pity. The 3008 still has the wow factor.

[@Kaye_J.A]

I'm currently looking at this and the peugeot 3008. Pros and cons of both? Which spec peugeot did you go for?

[@nikolaidiqnov6801]

I also considered the peugeot but got the Ateca. The peugeot was too strange for me and I didn't like the instrument cluster and steering wheel position. Also, the Ateca comes with a 4 cylinder engine choices while the peugeot has 3 cylinders, which in my opinion is not a good choice for a car of that size.

[@mannycalavera2335]

I had the opposite experience. Drove the 3008, did not feel the weird "cockpit" with that small steering wheel in that car and how soft everything felt (seats and suspension). Drove the Ateca and thought it was a much nicer drive. Chose the FR trim to make it look a bit more interesting.

[@senolozcan5331]

how much money EURO very nice beautiful

[@arniea4202]

No mention of the 2 litre petrol? Okay so 0-60 in just under 7s is not a Cupra but at least an old fella like me can have a mid life crisis without letting on to the wife. I like the AWD on it too.

[@Elledollar]

Take the Cupra mate , I own it for a year now and no regrets. I go everywhere with it , on snow , mountains , highways , little roads ,It’s perfect !! Its fine in the city due to its middle size but you need to know it turns less than the regular ateca ( tires being much bigger ) It holds its value well over time

[@walriley48]

I have the 2.0 petrol. Good fun in sports mode. It can fly and has a snazzy colour, but it ain’t great on the juice. we’ve also had problems with the infotainment system and an oil leak. This is on a brand new car that we have had about three months now.

[@thomash2806]

How is it that an ultra-modern medium-sized family car only gets 37mpg? I get 32 from a 20-year-old petrol S-Class that is 400kg heavier and 70hp more powerful... Today’s cars should do far far better than that.

[@inhumandescent]

I've got the 1.4 Ecotsi 150bhp and I average 45 in mixed conditions. On a long run it easily does 55 mpg.

[@thomash2806]

That’s more like it! I hired a León 1.4 TSI ACT once. Got about 48 from it.

[@willparker7697]

Yeah I have the same engine in my leon FR and sometimes can get 55 on long runs. Between 45&50 easily around town. I don't expect it to be as good with a bigger size... I've ordered the Xperiance 1.5 TSI and I expect it will easily get in the 40's

[@vukasmarko]

This is exactly what Im cursing all the time about. After having done research on at least 20+ cars dating from 2015 till today in 2022. Not even hybrid makes sense.

[@malph9216]

I still can't get to grips with square wheel arches over round wheels.....get some square wheels!

[@afcgeo882]

This looks like a good rental, but the big question is... do you get this, the Tiguan or the Karoq?

[@Elledollar]

I got the ateca cupra because my miss wanted a compact suv and I wanted a fun 4*4 car with power VW makes the Troc R which also has 300HP but it’s too small There is no sport version or the Tiguan neither on Skoda models Then there is the Porsche Macan , but the base version is less powerful than the cupra ateca while being more pricey

[@joe80ss]

No hybrid engines? Might aswell wait for complete new model.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

I’ve heard there won’t be any hybrid engines. If you want one, buy the Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 PHEV (245hp).

[@joe80ss]

@@DaveDVideoMaker for now. But future models will be hybrid and eventually fully electric.

[@afcgeo882]

@@joe80ss No hybrid. VW is moving to full EVs with the ID4 in this class space.

[@DanRyzESPUK]

VAG is not betting for hybrids. Only PHEVs or electric.

[@marmal320]

I chose the Ateca over the Karoq because the seats were so much more comfortable. The Karoq drivers seat has strange ridges that force you to sit hunched. I chose the Ateca over the Tiguan because for a taller driver like myself the Ateca offers more steering wheel adjustment to get a better driving position. The other great feature is the wireless charging and Apple/Android CarPlay

[@metoo3773]

Thank you for sharing! How are you liking it? Is the suspension not too sporty?

[@marmal320]

@@metoo3773 No, I like the way the Ateca corners. My only complaint is the pedal position, I find the brake pedal too high.

[@jefwisse1957]

Funny, I chose the Karoq because it drives more comfortable (for me). But it could have to do with the body chape of a person.

[@ell9159]

We are about to choose between the ateca and karoq, do you have any more insights/opinions now another 6 months have gone by? ​@@jefwisse1957

[@Christian-cr6pn]

Looks great on the outside. But why did they not upgrade the interior? Its the same interior you can find in an almost 10 yo. Seat leon! And this is supposed to be a new car? Come on seat..

[@kamil151]

It's functional, what else do you need

[@masonroche1]

Why is there a downturn in diesel sales?

[@dr6124]

Tax. Low emission zones. Etc

[@drmahmoudabdella4043]

What about suspension. It is tough and uncomfortable

[@henrygingold6549]

In my model it is adjustable.

[@TheSpudlyMcgudly]

Only comparing to other VAG cars? It's like the 3008 doesn't exist..

[@afcgeo882]

Or the Qashqai or the Rav4

[@nickl1128]

Agree! This is typical WhatCar! Why compare to what are essentially the same car? Anyone not wanting something that looks like a box on wheels should look for alternative reviewers cos unless it's German, they never get a mention!

[@afcgeo882]

@@nickl1128 Seat is Spanish and škoda is Czech. You just demonstrated why this video was done that way. Most people just assume that Séat and Škoda are identical to the Volkswagens and each other when they really aren’t. They are similar though, so presumably if I like one of them, I would likely like the other two as well, and would want to know which one to pick, wouldn’t I? It’s not like they don’t review other brands, is it?

[@whatthe6532]

It’s doesn’t. It’s rubbish.

[@Peter-jk1lt]

and both made in Czech republic in the same plant in Kvasiny town.@@afcgeo882

[@kristians2704]

I still prefer the new Hyundai Tucson, Peugeot 3008 or even the refreshed Tiguan

[@gav25x]

Road noise, unacceptable

[@pablos.4163]

Sorry Seat, but you still don’t have heated rear seats in 2021 ?? For me is it big fail !! Skoda Karoq have this for 176€ and USB for security camera for 76€ 👎🏻

[@Elledollar]

It has everything you say , and I own the pre facelift version of the cupra ateca . My version doesn’t have the heated steering wheel but I know the new version has it

[@henrygingold6549]

Better without heated seats, they give you haemorrhoids.

[@richarddastardly6845]

TDi all the way

[@jon1801]

Another review that's down on diesel. Most of us are adults and can make up our own minds thanks.

[@burtuppercut]

Radio6, good choice.

[@tonycarroll6632]

Keeps comparing it to the Tiguan but the Tiguan is far far more expensive.

[@crismam1531]

why do VW make such boring dashboards??

[@Benzknees]

It goes with the cars.

[@twistsouth514]

Some of us like practical, functional design and are put off by form over function and over-design (Merc A class, I’m looking at you!)

[@afcgeo882]

The German clean, minimalist approach is liked by a lot of people. Why do dashboards need to be “exciting”?

[@twistsouth514]

@@afcgeo882 indeed. I’m also not sure why there’s this obsession with a dashboard having “soft touch” materials. Who are these people caressing their dashboards as they drive?

[@afcgeo882]

@@twistsouth514 The soft molded plastics do provide a better tactile feel, but they also tend to squeak and rattle far less down the line, as well as be softer in case of impact.

[@Benzknees]

Sorry nodded off there. What did he call it the Sleepy Awwwwwwwteca?

[@Truthbomb918]

Too many bad points really to choose it

[@dr6124]

I bought a nearly new automatic 1.5L Xperience Lux for 22k. Added an adjustable boot floor. It's fully loaded, quick, and practical. I feel like i got a huge bargain.

[@terencereeder9830]

Is this fossil fuel driven only ?

[@stepheng8779]

Bland

[@georgedowns4034]

Not as bland as the Tiguan tho or Karoq but blander than a Kadjar or 3008

[@paulashby4952]

Diesel is always best. Fuel economy is amazing. Why even suggest petrol? Look at the data. Simples.

[@AllThePhobes]

Because governments see diesel as the enemy regarding pollution & them hitting their daft targets, i've always bought turbo diesels but i'll be getting the 1.5 petrol as i fear governments will soon punish diesel owners with fuel hikes and monstrous road tax, leaving a diesel near impossible to sell on.

[@gav25x]

Because not everyone is tight

[@Lewis_Standing]

Driving this down your street is like blowing cigarette smoke into your neighbours faces. Does it come in a non toxic version?

[@patricksheringham5965]

What about when your EV's battery pack is clapped and it has to go for recycling, yeah right, scrapped, can a new battery be fitted, oh no its built into the chassis, that means the car will be scrapped, how environmentally friendly! Where do all those "rare earth metals" in that battery come from? Oh yes mining, and that doesn't cause any damage to the planet! At least that combustion engine in this vehicle should last up to 150,000 miles or more if looked after! A lot of a vehicles "carbon footprint" occurs during its manufacture!

[@wanderer7755]

Do you come in a non-snowflake version?

[@adamsal5877]

if you drive again show the road what i need from your face

[@robking6968]

Wow the Ateca has the world's most boring and bland interior and is supposedly the best apart from VAG group cars... Soooo biased it's unreal. The 3008 destroys the interior of this yet doesn't get a mention. Poor.

[@NedNew]

The 3008 is a pile of poop, I think it looks awful inside. It'll date like a Tennis players knickers. Ateca is no nonsense. It make happy moment for me.

[@robking6968]

@@NedNew As someone who has owned 2 3008s I disagree entirely. I have sold many SUVs and the Ateca's interior is the definition of bland and boring. The quality of the 3008 is FAR higher. Everyone is entitled to an opinion but the motoring press should be less biased to VAG group products.

[@RogueRiderUk]

@@robking6968 All I ever see in reviews of the 3008 is that the quality and design of the interior is class leading.... hardly bias! For me, the engine line up, handling and bang for buck of the Ateca wins through. If I was going for comfy suspension and mainly city driving I might consider the 3008, however I have friends that have owned a few Peugeots and the electrics have always caused issues after a few years and to be honest, I really don't like the interior design that much, quality materials or not.

[@georgedowns4034]

@@NedNew pile of poop? What u on? I get that's your opinion but that's the first time I have heard someone diss the 3008 style

[@danielelliott6235]

The Ateca is a VAG group car.

[@afcgeo882]

This looks like a good rental, but the big question is... do you get this, the Tiguan or the Karoq?

[@andrewwheeler8591]

A Q3 😁

[@afcgeo882]

@@andrewwheeler8591 Right... because I want to spend an extra £2000 per ring.