Among the zillions of midsize SUVs you can buy, the SEAT Ateca is at risk of being forgotten.
But it’s still a very talented option that blends keen handling, decent fuel economy, family-size practicality and value for money. Read our SEAT Ateca review for more information.
With so many different midsize SUVs for sale, the Ateca might not be the perfect choice for you. So we’ve listed 10 of the best cars you might consider instead.
Skoda Karoq
Better than the Ateca for: versatility
The majority of the Ateca’s parts are shared with the Skoda Karoq and the contemporary Volkswagen Tiguan, but the Skoda has more versatile rear seats. Pick a Karoq in SE L trim or higher and the VarioFlex seats can be slid forwards and backwards – allowing you to increase either passenger space or boot space – or they can be removed altogether. The Karoq also gets a few clever touches that the Ateca has to do without, such as an integrated ice scraper and a parking ticket clip on the windscreen.
Shop used Skoda Karoq cars for sale or read our Skoda Karoq review
Volkswagen Tiguan
Better than the Ateca for: infotainment
A new-generation VW Tiguan was launched in 2024, and was one of the first cars to show off the brand’s new infotainment system. As well as the screen being much bigger than the Ateca’s, the new Tiguan has a much more configurable home screen and improved processing power for quicker responses.
Shop used Volkswagen Tiguan cars for sale or read our Volkswagen Tiguan review
Peugeot 3008
Better than the Ateca for: style
The Ateca is smart and handsome, but perhaps a little conservative against some of its rivals. If you want a design that really stands out in the supermarket car park, the new Peugeot 3008 has the looks of a supercar plastered onto a spacious SUV. And the latest 3008 also has a more stylish coupe-like shape than before, with only a small impact on practicality.
Shop used Peugeot 3008 cars for sale or read our Peugeot e-3008 review
Cupra Ateca
Better than the (SEAT) Ateca for: performance
Besides the badges and wheels, the Cupra Ateca uses the same bones and body parts as the SEAT version. But it’s available with a brawny 2.0-litre petrol engine with 300hp and a sub-five-second 0-62mph time. This is a family-size SUV that’s also at home on the racetrack, if that’s your fantasy.
Shop used Cupra Ateca cars for sale
BMW X1
Better than the Ateca for: luxury
Choose a SEAT Ateca in a top-spec trim and you’ll get luxuries like heated leather seats, a 360-degree camera and digital dials, and it’ll be just as comfortable as a BMW or an Audi. But many buyers want a premium badge, in which case we’d pick the BMW X1. It’s sporty like the SEAT, with slightly nicer materials and a greater level of new tech.
Shop used BMW X1 cars for sale or read our used BMW X1 review
Vauxhall Grandland
Better than the Ateca for: value for money
The Grandland is a sensible, spacious SUV that offers a fair bit for not very much money – and there’s the even cheaper Grandland X if you’re happy to drive a car that’s a bit older. However, the Ateca is better to drive and arguably more interesting, although the Grandland comes with a plug-in hybrid option where the Ateca sticks with trad petrol and diesel engines.
Shop used Vauxhall Grandland cars for sale
Nissan Qashqai
Better than the Ateca for: familiarity
You already know about the Nissan Qashqai. It was probably the first SUV you thought of. There are loads of reasons why the Qashqai is the best-known SUV – it pretty much invented the segment, and has kept on top by introducing economical hybrid engines, a user-friendly infotainment system and improved practicality.
Shop used Nissan Qashqai cars for sale or read our Nissan Qashqai review
Volvo XC40
Better than the Ateca for: comfort
The Ateca’s sporty bias means it’s great to drive, but there’s a chance you might find it a bit firm on an undulating or potholed road. If you don’t care about handling and want something relaxing instead, buy something that focuses on comfort. The Volvo XC40 brings bucketloads of cool Swedish charm, and its sofa-like seats and soft suspension give an excellent ride quality over broken road surfaces.
Shop used Volvo XC40 cars for sale or read our Volvo XC40 review
Hyundai Tucson
Better than the Ateca for: hybrid driving
If you want a hybrid, the Ateca won’t be the right car for you. The Hyundai Tucson is one of a growing number of SUVs that offers a hybrid. In fact, the Tucson offers two – a ‘self-charging’ hybrid that doesn’t need to be plugged in, and a plug-in hybrid that… does. The non-plug one returns up to 50mpg, while the latter can drive for up to 38 miles without waking the engine. If you mainly do short journeys and can use the battery power for a lot of the time, the Tucson plug-in hybrid will cost you very little in fuel.
Shop used Hyundai Tucson cars for sale or read our Hyundai Tucson review
Ford Kuga
Better than the Ateca for: driving fun
The Ateca is already one of the best SUVs for keen drivers, but we think the Ford Kuga is a bit more fun. Pair it with the willing 1.5-litre petrol engine and the slick manual gearbox, and you could almost say that the Kuga is a family-size Fiesta ST. The Ateca is more practical and feels a little bit posher than the Kuga, however.
Shop used Ford Kuga cars for sale or read our Ford Kuga review
