SEAT Ateca review - Reliability and safety
Five-star Euro NCAP rating is as good as it gets, while a raft of safety kit is available
As the Ateca shares so much of its running gear, including engines, gearboxes and other technology with other models in SEAT’s range, we can expect high levels of reliability. The parts are tried and tested in models across VW Group brands.
The SEAT Ateca came home in 10th place out of the 75 most popular models voted for in our 2022 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey. The SEAT brand secured 17th spot out of 29 manufacturers, which is two places lower than its 2021 result.
Thanks to a raft of safety tech and airbags the Ateca has scored a full five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests. For adult passengers the Ateca scored 93 per cent, while for child occupants the crossover achieved 84 per cent for safety. However, for pedestrian safety the rating fell to 71 per cent. Entry-level versions include autonomous emergency braking, a tiredness recognition system and traction control, while top-spec Xcellence Lux adds high beam assist, lane assist and blind spot detection.
Warranty
The Ateca has SEAT’s three-year/60,000 mile warranty, which is industry standard. You can extend the warranty to four-years/75,000 miles, or five-years/90,000 miles cover for an additional cost.
Having said that, virtually all of the Ateca’s rivals come with more comprehensive cover as standard, with Hyundai offering a five-year warranty, Kia seven years and Toyota an impressive ten-year package.
Servicing
Like with the Leon, SEAT recommends the Ateca is serviced every 10,00 miles or every 12 months – whichever comes first.
What do owners think?
Here’s what owners in the 2024 Driver Power survey thought of the SEAT Ateca.
| What they like | What they don't like |
| “I’ve owned many autos during the past 40 years. This is on par with the best for smoothness of change.” | “The controls on the steering wheel are too easy to catch in error, which is a constant frustration.” |
| “I always arrive relaxed. I can’t remember the last time I genuinely loved my car, but I love this.” | “Some of the materials used on the doors and rear hatch could be better, because they feel a bit sharp.” |
| “My Ateca is responsive and easy to control. Very quick when needed, but just as happy at lower speeds.” | “The DSG automatic gearbox is rather disappointing. My Vauxhall’s auto ’box was better.” |
| “Having physical buttons and dials is ideal after the frustrations of screen-only controls in my previous car.” | “The infotainment shuts down weekly, and enters a never-ending loop of messages and bleeps.” |
| “My Ateca is quiet, has good performance and is very comfortable, especially the front seats. Perfect!” | “Some of the controls aren’t intuitive. They don’t always make sense in terms of location and operation.” |
| “A well made, reliable, good-looking car that does everything very ably and offers value for money.” | |
| “The steering is the best I’ve encountered in 37 years of driving. Given the size of the car, it really makes for a fun driving experience – rural roads are a real pleasure.” | |
| “I suffer from pain in my back, arms, and legs, but I find the front seat in my Ateca one of the most comfortable I’ve ever had. It’s very supportive, so is great for long journeys.” | |
| “It has a good-size boot with plenty of underfloor capacity for storing the emergency spare wheel. Cabin space is also good because there’s plenty of head and legroom in the back for adults. And the standard split-fold seats are easy to put up and down.” |
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