SEAT Tarraco review - Interior, design and technology

​The Tarraco follows the Arona and Ateca as SEAT’s third SUV, and it’s arguably the best looking of the trio. For such a large car, it hides its size well, with a front end dominated by a prominent grille and stylish LED headlights.

In truth, the Tarraco looks at its best in the XPERIENCE Lux trim, with 20-inch alloy wheels, chrome accents, eye-catching grille and body-coloured bumpers combining to create a look that can hold its own against more premium SUVs in the segment. The larger wheels might not do much for the ride quality, but they score highly in terms of street appeal. 

On the inside, the Tarraco feels every inch a product of the Volkswagen Group, although it’s subtly different to the Arona and Ateca. The key to this is the eight-inch ‘floating’ touchscreen, although it does look like a bit of an afterthought. 

There’s a generous level of standard kit, as even the entry-level SE features 17-inch alloy wheels, ambient lighting, three-zone climate control, auto headlights and wipers, four driving modes, cruise control and rear parking sensors. SE Technology adds 18-inch wheels, dark tinted windows, ambient lighting in the front and rear door panels and sat-nav with a 3D map display. 

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The FR offers a more dynamic look with 19-inch alloys and exterior black trim, while the FR Sport continues the stylish appearance with 20-inch wheels and a rear view camera. The XPERIENCE features 19-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior trim, illuminated door sills, Alcantara sports seats, park assist, a wireless phone charger, keyless entry and go, adaptive cruise control and a rear-view camera. These are in addition to the cosmetic upgrades mentioned earlier. 

In XPERIENCE Lux guise, the Tarraco pushes into premium territory, both in terms of price and spec, boasting 20-inch wheels, leather sports seats, heated front and outer rear seats, a top view camera and an electric driver’s seat. 

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

We like the eight-inch touchscreen, which is responsive, bright and features the appropriate smartphone connectivity. But in this age of integrated tech, it looks as if it has been bolted on at the last minute. 

On the plus side, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range, while all cars bar the entry-level SE feature sat-nav. Rather brilliantly, a digital cockpit, which is similar in style to Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, is standard on all models.