Seat Ateca vs Skoda Karoq: Interior and tech

Both the Ateca and Karoq boast interiors that mirror their exteriors. The Ateca has a sporty look, while the Karoq features softer edges. Despite their predominantly black and grey shades, large windows allow plenty of natural light in, making these cabins pleasant places to spend time. Opting for a panoramic sunroof can enhance this airy feel.

Both dashboards are user-friendly, but the Karoq’s layout is slightly more intuitive. The Ateca’s latest touchscreen infotainment system, updated in 2020, can be a bit tricky to learn at first. Both models come well-equipped with features like air conditioning, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and DAB radio. Higher trims offer extras like sat nav, parking sensors, cruise control, and even heated leather seats.

A comparison of the interiors of a SEAT Ateca and a Skoda Karoq. The left side shows the interior of the SEAT Ateca, featuring a black dashboard with a large touchscreen, a three-spoke steering wheel, and a gear shifter. The right side shows the interior of the Skoda Karoq, also with a black dashboard, a large touchscreen, a three-spoke steering wheel, and a gear shifter. The two interiors are separated by the word "VS.

Seat Ateca vs Skoda Karoq: Boot space and practicality

Designed with families in mind, the Ateca and Karoq excel in practicality and convenience. Both provide ample space for a family of four, with adequate headroom and legroom. However, the Karoq offers a bit more room in the back, especially for taller passengers. The middle back seat in both cars is best suited for occasional use by children due to its narrow and firm design.

The Karoq shines slightly brighter in terms of interior storage, offering larger door pockets, more bag hooks, a removable bin, and a parking-ticket holder. Both vehicles feature spacious boots, but the Karoq’s are slightly larger at 521 litres compared to the Ateca’s 510 litres. With the rear seats folded, the Ateca offers 1,604 litres of space, while the Karoq provides 1,630 litres. Opting for a higher-spec Karoq with ‘Varioflex’ seats adds versatility, offering a whopping 1,810 litres of space when all three seats are removed.

A comparison of the cargo areas of a SEAT Arona and a Skoda Kamiq. The left side shows the cargo area of the SEAT Arona, with the rear seats folded down to reveal a flat loading floor. The right side shows the cargo area of the Skoda Kamiq, also with the rear seats folded down to reveal a flat loading floor. The two cargo areas are separated by the word "VS.

Seat Ateca vs Skoda Karoq: Driving Experience

Seat cars often emphasise sporty handling, and the Ateca is no exception. It feels sharper and more responsive on the road compared to the Karoq, which leans more towards comfort. The Karoq offers a quieter and more settled ride, especially at higher speeds. Both cars handle long motorway journeys and city driving with ease, thanks to their raised driving positions and large windows for better visibility.

Both models are available with a range of ‘TSI’ petrol and ‘TDI’ diesel engines, paired with either manual or ‘DSG’ automatic gearboxes. With power outputs ranging from 115hp to 190hp, the 150hp options typically offer the best balance of performance and economy. For those needing additional traction, the most powerful variants come with four-wheel drive. Diesel models with this setup are particularly good for towing, with capacities up to 2,100kg. The Ateca also has a high-performance variant sold under the Cupra brand.

Explore more about driving tips and vehicle performance in our driving tips guide.

Seat Ateca vs Skoda Karoq: Cost of ownership

Given that both the Ateca and Karoq share the same engines, their fuel economy is nearly identical. Official figures vary, reflecting changes in calculation methods. Petrol models can return between 32mpg and 54mpg, while diesel versions range from 39mpg to 62mpg.

Road tax and insurance costs are comparable and reasonable for this type of vehicle.

 

A comparison of a white SEAT Ateca and a red Skoda Karoq. The SEAT Ateca is driving on a road surrounded by trees, and the Skoda Karoq is driving on a road surrounded by hills. The two cars are separated by the word "VS.

Seat Ateca vs Skoda Karoq: Safety and reliability

Safety is paramount, and both the Ateca and Karoq excel here. Each has received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP, thanks to features like automatic emergency braking, driver tiredness monitoring, and seven airbags. Additional safety options, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist, are available on higher trims.

Reliability-wise, Skoda ranked second among 24 brands in the most recent J.D. Power 2019 UK Vehicle Dependability Study, while Seat was 14th. 

A comparison of a white SEAT Ateca and a red Skoda Karoq. The SEAT Ateca is driving on a road surrounded by trees, and the Skoda Karoq is driving on a road surrounded by hills. The two cars are separated by the word "VS.

Seat Ateca vs Skoda Karoq: Dimensions

Understanding the dimensions can also help make an informed decision. Here’s a quick comparison:

Seat Ateca:

  • Length: 4,381mm
  • Width (including mirrors): 2,078mm
  • Height: 1,615mm
  • Boot space: 510 litres

Skoda Karoq:

  • Length: 4,382mm
  • Width (including mirrors): 2,025mm
  • Height: 1,603mm
  • Boot space: 521 litres

Compare these details with other family-friendly SUVs in our best family cars guide.

A comparison of the dimensions of a SEAT Ateca and a Skoda Karoq. The left side shows a white SEAT Ateca from an aerial view, with the dimensions listed below: 4,361mm length, 1,839mm width, 1,615mm height, and 510 liters boot space. The right side shows a red Skoda Karoq from an aerial view, with the dimensions listed below: 4,382mm length, 1,821mm width, 1,637mm height, and 479 liters boot space. The two cars are separated by the word "VS.

Verdict

Both the Seat Ateca and Skoda Karoq are excellent choices for families, offering practicality, good driving dynamics, and great value. If you prioritise a sportier drive, the Ateca might be for you. But if extra space and comfort are higher on your list of priorities, the Karoq is likely the better fit.

For more detailed advice on choosing the right car, visit our comprehensive buying guides and explore safe buying advice. If you’re considering financing your purchase, don’t miss our guide to getting a used car on finance to help you make an informed decision.

To find your next used car, visit MOTORS and browse through our extensive selection of vehicles.