Used SEAT Ateca for sale: everything you need to know

The SEAT Ateca is a popular choice in the hard-fought family SUV market. It has become one of the Spanish brand’s top-selling models, with a combination of affordability, ease of use and just enough style making it a great option to consider. 

As a contender in one of the most competitive used car sectors, the SEAT Ateca is not short of rivals. Both the Volkswagen Tiguan and Skoda Karoq share a platform with the Ateca, making them obvious alternatives. There is also the Nissan Qashqai, which helped define the family SUV class, along with the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. 

If you are considering a used SEAT Ateca, keep reading for all the information you need to know. Why not check out the Ateca models available on heycar, too?

Should you buy a SEAT Ateca? 

Even in such a competitive market, the SEAT Ateca is able to stand out from its rivals. This starts with its handsome styling, which manages to be distinctive without appearing too ostentatious. Sporty FR models are particularly good looking, thanks to their bespoke exterior details. 

Where the Ateca gains an advantage over many of its competitors is in terms of standard equipment. Even the entry-level SE comes with LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, and dual-zone climate control air-con. Higher-specification models still represent good value, despite being loaded with even more kit. 

All this equipment does not compromise the Ateca’s interior space, either. Both the front and rear seats offer a generous amount of room for passengers. Boot space manages to be competitive against class rivals, with 510 litres on offer. This does drop to 485 litres on models fitted with the 4Drive all-wheel-drive system.

While most buyers won’t purchase a family SUV with sporty handling in mind, the SEAT Ateca does not disappoint on the road. It can be hustled along a country lane with ease, and is surprisingly rewarding to drive. The drawback is a ride that can feel firm compared to other SUVs, although it it's never uncomfortable. 

Completing the appeal of the Ateca is a wide range of engine options, split between petrol and diesel. Even the 1.0-litre petrol avoids feeling out of its depth, but the larger 1.5 petrol is undoubtedly more effective out of town. For those doing plenty of miles, the diesel engines are economical and effective. 

The SEAT Ateca has become a top-selling model in the UK, with its blend of practicality, style and value for money. It represents a great choice in the ultra-competitive used family SUV market.

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What's the best used SEAT Ateca model to buy?

The 1.5-litre petrol will be the best engine for many Ateca buyers, combining decent performance with low running costs. There’s no shortage of trim levels to pick from - we’d recommend a mid-spec model such as the SEAT Ateca FR. Go for a 2020-onwards model for the latest tech.

Used SEAT Ateca fuel economy and performance

The SEAT Ateca is offered with a comprehensive range of different engines. These are split between petrol and diesel, with no hybrid or plug-in hybrid versions on offer. All Atecas use either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic.

• SEAT Ateca 1.0 TSI 110: The smallest engine in the Ateca range is a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol, producing a modest 110PS. It is not overwhelmed by the size of the Ateca, though, with 0-62mph taking just over 11 seconds. Average fuel economy can reach 46.3mpg.
• SEAT Ateca 1.5 TSI 150: For a little more oomph in your Ateca, the 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine generates 150PS. This sees the 0-62mph time drop to exactly nine seconds, while official fuel economy figures fall only slightly to 44.8mpg.
• SEAT Ateca 2.0 TSI 190 4Drive: For maximum Ateca performance, unless you pick the standalone Cupra Ateca sold as a separate model, the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers 190PS. It is combined with 4Drive all-wheel drive and a DSG dual-clutch transmission as standard. The 0-62mph sprint takes just over seven seconds and the official fuel economy is 35.1mpg.
• SEAT Ateca 1.6 TDI 115: All SEAT Ateca diesels use a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, but in differing states of tune. The entry-level version has 115PS, and needs to be worked a little harder as a result. The 0-62mph sprint takes just under 11 seconds, with average fuel economy of 57.6mpg. 
• SEAT Ateca 2.0 TDI 150: Despite having more power, the 150PS 2.0-litre diesel actually boasts better fuel economy, at 58.9mpg. It is also quicker from 0-62mph, taking just over nine seconds. It can be had with either a manual gearbox or seven-speed DSG automatic.
• SEAT Ateca 2.0 TDI 150 4Drive: The top 150PS diesel engine can also be found with 4Drive all-wheel drive. The additional traction from the 4Drive system drops the 0-62mph time to less than nine seconds. However, fuel economy does suffer, averaging 48.7mpg.

What used SEAT Ateca trim levels are available?

The SEAT Ateca is available with a choice of different trim levels. Individual options were limited when it was new, with the idea being to move up the model range instead. 

• SEAT Ateca SE: This may be the entry-level SEAT Ateca, but the SE model avoids feeling like a bargain-basement choice. Features such as LED headlights, dual-zone climate control air-con, parking sensors and wireless smartphone connectivity are all included.
• SEAT Ateca SE Technology: The SE Technology model replaces the Ateca’s standard 8.8-inch multimedia touchscreen with a larger 9.2-inch display. This includes satellite navigation, along with 3D mapping and online traffic information. Chrome exterior detailing and 18-inch alloy wheels are added as well.
• SEAT Ateca FR: SEAT has long used its FR trim to signify sportier styling, and the Ateca follows suit. The Ateca FR comes with a bespoke body kit and 18-inch alloy wheels. Black Dinamica upholstery is used inside, along with ambient LED lighting and aluminium pedals.
• SEAT Ateca FR Sport: Moving up to FR Sport trim adds bigger 19-inch alloy wheels. The cabin gains black leather upholstery, along with SEAT’s impressive digital instrument panel.
• SEAT Ateca Xperience: SEAT pitches its Xperience models as being luxurious and indulgent, with this version of the Ateca featuring 18-inch wheels, a rear-view camera and Dinamica upholstery. The Convenience Package and Safety Package are included, too.
• SEAT Ateca Xperience Lux: For the maximum equipment in an Ateca, the Xperience Lux boasts 19-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated front seats and an electrically operated tailgate. SEAT’s virtual cockpit driver display is fitted, along with a top-view parking camera.

Used SEAT Ateca dimensions and boot size

The SEAT Ateca’s exterior dimensions are: 

• Length: 4381mm
• Width: 1841mm
• Height: 1625mm
• Ground clearance: 180mm

The SEAT Ateca’s boot space is:

• 510 litres (4Drive: 485 litres)

Used SEAT Ateca road tax

Most SEAT Atecas will pay road tax at the standard rate of £180 per year for cars registered on or after 1 April 2017. For those Atecas put on the road before this date, most still pay road tax around the same level, so don't worry about choosing a used Ateca on the basis of its registration date.

How much is it to insure a SEAT Ateca? 

As a family-friendly SUV, the SEAT Ateca should not prove ruinous when it comes to car insurance renewal time. With the smallest engine, and least amount of standard equipment, the Ateca SE 1.0 TSI will be the cheapest model to insure, in group 10 out of 50. FR-badged models start from insurance group 15, whilst Xperience versions kick off with a group 18 rating.

Read our full SEAT Ateca review