Skip advert
Advertisement

Toyota Prius+ vs SEAT Alhambra

Now petrol-electric newcomer comes face-to-face with full-size seven-seater that we crowned MPV of the Year

The best MPVs need to cope with everything that life can throw at them. Whether it’s the school run, weekends away or trips to the DIY superstore, they have to complement your lifestyle with functional seat layouts and roomy interiors.

If you can add low emissions and frugal economy to the mix, even better. But while the new Prius+ scores well when it comes to efficiency, can it really challenge our MPV of the Year, the similarly priced SEAT Alhambra, in terms of day-to-day practicality?

Advertisement - Article continues below

Well, you only have to park the two side-by-side to realise the Toyota has a tough job on its hands. The Alhambra is massive in comparison, and while it’s not exactly the last word in style, few people are likely to be upset by the clean lines. And that large body hides an enormous cabin.

The handy sliding doors open to reveal a functional and top-quality interior, while the large windows and generous headroom boost the SEAT’s sense of space. The three full-size seats in the middle row slide back and forth independently, while the outer two tilt and slide forward easily, opening a wide gap that makes it simple to climb into the third row.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Qashqai

2018 Nissan

Qashqai

52,849 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £10,900
View Qashqai
5008

2022 Peugeot

5008

46,225 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £18,506
View 5008
Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

67,042 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,506
View Puma
EQC

2023 Mercedes

EQC

21,307 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £26,000
View EQC

And even in these rearmost seats, there’s enough headroom for adults, while your feet can slot comfortably under the bases of the row in front. Legroom is a little tight with the middle row chairs pushed all the way back, but slot them forward a couple of clicks and there’s enough space to carry seven adults in comfort – something the Toyota can only do if your passengers are happy to squeeze together.

Unsurprisingly, the SEAT also has a bigger boot in every seat configuration, plus you get a fully flat load area with all the chairs laid down.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Alhambra also feels as though it’s ready to face all the trials and tribulations of family life. All the latches and levers used to move the chairs feel robust, yet they’re not stiff or awkward to use. Throughout the cabin, trim materials are first-rate and the SEAT feels more upmarket than the Prius+.

Up front, the dash is more conventional, but the layout is simple yet smart. There are chunky controls and large dials, plus with plenty of adjustment of the driving position, it’s really easy to make yourself feel at home.

The good news continues on the move. It’s hard to find fault with the driving experience as the SEAT has a well judged balance between comfort and handling. Standard run-flat tyres make the ride a touch firm at low speeds, but it’s no worse than the Prius+, while at higher speeds the car is pretty composed.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

In corners, you can feel the Alhambra’s high centre of gravity, but body control is good, there’s plenty of grip and the well weighted steering responds positively to your inputs.

The punchy 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine is tuned to 168bhp, and gives the SEAT a big performance advantage over the Toyota. It’s mated to a dual-clutch DSG gearbox, and provides better pick-up and acceleration in kickdown, so overtaking is easier. Steering wheel paddles allow you to change gear at your chosen revs, too. In contrast, you get precious little control with the Prius’ CVT.

While the diesel-engined Alhambra clearly doesn’t provide the Toyota’s silent EV running around town, a smooth stop-start system helps fuel consumption. We averaged 38.2mpg – and you’re not likely to get much better than this with the cheaper 138bhp version SEAT sells. So while the Prius+ promises far stronger efficiency than our 168bhp Alhambra on paper, in the real world it’s not much more economical. The Toyota is cheaper, too, but go for an SE Lux-spec SEAT with a six-speed manual gearbox, and the price drops to £31,320, while CO2 emissions are reduced to 152g/km.

Add this to the user-friendly cabin layout, composed driving experience and impressive comfort, and the Alhambra is sure to tempt buyers considering the cleaner Prius+.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £13,895
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,199 off RRP*Used from £15,337
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025