SEAT Tarraco review - Reliability and safety

The Tarraco was tested by Euro NCAP in early 2019, and it earned a five-star safety rating, as well as a 97% adult occupant protection score. The mechanically similar Skoda Kodiaq also received full marks in 2017, while all SEAT models dating back to 2011 have been awarded five stars.

Front assist with bicycle detection, lane-keeping assist and emergency call are standard across the range, while adaptive cruise control is standard on the Xcellence trim. Also available are blind spot detection, traffic sign recognition, emergency assist, plus, for the first time on a SEAT, pre-crash assist and rollover assist. 

Pre-crash assist can react in two tenths of a second if it detects an accident is about to occur – tightening the seatbelts, activating the hazard lights, rolling up the windows and closing the sunroof. If activated, rollover assist will make an emergency call, turn off the engine, turn on the hazard lights and change the ventilation system.

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The Tarraco is a little too new to have appeared in our 2020 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, although the smaller Ateca (61st) and Arona (22nd) both featured in the top 75 cars. SEAT finished in a creditable 14th spot out of 30 on the list of the best car manufacturers - well above Audi and Volkswagen. The SUV uses tried and tested parts from within the Volkswagen Group, so we have every reason to believe the Tarraco should be reliable. 

Warranty

The Tarraco is covered by a pretty standard three-year/60,000-mile warranty, but this can be extended at the time of ordering. A four-year/75,000-mile warranty costs around £500, while a five-year/90,000-mile package will set you back about £850. The extended warranty is fully transferable to the next owner.

Servicing

If you cover fewer than 10,000 miles in a year and make a lot of short journeys you’re advised to service the Tarraco on an annual basis. However, if you drive mainly on motorways, it’s recommended that you visit a service centre at intervals of no more than 20,000 miles. A fixed price service plan is available and covers the first and second-year services.