In-depth reviews

SEAT Tarraco review - Reliability and safety

A long list of safety equipment is available, but not all of it comes as standard

Overall Auto Express Rating

4.0 out of 5

Reliability and Safety Rating

4.0 out of 5

Price
£33,355 to £42,165
Find your SEAT Tarraco
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Advertisement

​The Tarraco was tested by Euro NCAP in early 2019, and it earned a five-star safety rating, as well as a 97 per cent adult occupant protection score. The mechanically similar Skoda Kodiaq also received full marks in 2017.

Adaptive cruise control, a lane-keeping assist function, a front assist system with bicycle detection, and an emergency call system are standard across the range. 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.

The Tarraco didn't feature in our 2023 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, but the smaller Arona and Ateca SUVs finished in 59th and 53rd position, respectively, on the 75-car list. SEAT finished in a middling 23rd spot out of 32 brands in the best car manufacturer rankings. It’s worth noting, though, that this was a higher rank than Audi and Volkswagen.

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 or five-year/90,000-mile extended warranty package are both available at an extra cost, and these are 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.

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    1.5 EcoTSI SE First Edition 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • Price
    £29,905

Most Economical

  • Name
    1.4 eHybrid FR 5dr DSG
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • Price
    £41,395

Fastest

  • Name
    2.0 EcoTSI 245 Xcellence 5dr DSG 4Drive
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • Price
    £40,990

Shane is responsible for looking after the day-to-day running of the Auto Express website and social media channels. Prior to joining Auto Express in 2021, he worked as a radio producer and presenter for outlets such as the BBC.

Most Popular

New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed
Dacia Duster - front
News

New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed

Dacia has taken the wraps off the latest Duster, which arrives with a new look and fresh technology
29 Nov 2023
The paper-thin speakers set to transform car audio
Auto Express editor-in-chief Steve Fowler holding a speaker developed by Warwick Acoustics
Features

The paper-thin speakers set to transform car audio

British firm is planning to shake up the in-car hi-fi world with its audio panels that replace traditional speakers. We sound them out
27 Nov 2023
Deal of the Day: Great value Suzuki S-Cross looks even better at £187 a month
Suzuki S-Cross Hybrid - front tracking
News

Deal of the Day: Great value Suzuki S-Cross looks even better at £187 a month

Our Deal of the Day for Monday 27 November is the Suzuki S-Cross, a rugged and generously specced small SUV
27 Nov 2023