Seat Ateca vs Skoda Karoq: used car comparison

If you are buying a family SUV, seat Ateca и Skoda Karoq may well be on your list of cars to consider. At first glance it may seem that Ateca and Karoq are very similar. And you'd be right - Seat and Skoda are owned by the Volkswagen Group, and the two cars use the same parts. They are more or less identical in size and most of the details that make them move, steer and stop are the same. 

However, dig a little deeper and you'll find some key differences that might make one or the other better for you. To help you make your decision, here is our detailed Ateca vs. Karoq guide comparing the two in the most important areas.

Interior and technology

The interiors of the Ateca and Karoq mirror the look of their exteriors, with the Ateca's interior having a sporty feel, while the Karoq's have softer edges. They are decorated in various shades of black and gray, but their large windows let in a lot of light, so it's really nice to spend a few hours in the interiors. Choose one with a panoramic sunroof for even more light.

The dashboards of both cars are very easy to use, but the Karoq is a bit easier to get to grips with. For 2020, the Ateca has been updated with Volkswagen's latest touchscreen infotainment system, which may seem a bit counter-intuitive at first. 

Ateca and Karoq are very well equipped. All models are equipped with air conditioning, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth and DAB radio. Many versions have satellite navigation, parking sensors, cruise control and a high-quality stereo system. Top-end versions get extra features like heated leather seats.

Luggage compartment and practicality

Both Ateca and Karoq are family cars designed for maximum practicality and convenience. And they hit the mark pretty hard. They have more than enough room for a family of four, with enough head and legroom in the rear seats to keep even tall teenagers comfortable. The Karoq is noticeably roomier in the back (particularly for the head), and the middle rear seat of both cars is fairly stiff and narrow, so it's best used for kids.

In both machines, you have plenty of useful interior storage space to temporarily hide things like wallets, phones, and drinks. Again, the Karoq is a little more practical thanks to larger door pockets, more bag hooks, a removable trash can and a parking ticket holder on the windshield.

The same story with large loads. Both cars have large trunks by compact SUV standards, giving you much more room than a similarly sized hatchback. However, the Karoq's trunk is larger: 521 liters versus 510 liters for the Ateca. 

Fold down the rear seats and the Ateca has 1,604 liters and the Karoq has 1,630. However, if you buy a SE L or higher spec Karoq, it comes with "Varioflex" - Skoda's name for three separate rear seats that can slide forward and backward, fold forward or slide out of the car completely. Once all three are removed, you'll have a whopping 1,810 liters of space and some extra flexibility that could make all the difference to you.       

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What is the best way to ride?

In general, Seat cars seem to be sporty to drive, while Skodas are more comfort oriented. And this is true for Ateca and Karoq. The Ateca feels a bit sharper, more responsive. Karoq is softer and more balanced at high speeds. He is quieter. The Ateca is by no means noisy or uncomfortable, but here we compare it to the quietest and most comfortable car of its type. Choose any of them and you will have a vehicle that will feel right at home on a long motorway trip or in the city. Parking is also easy thanks to the large windows and raised driving position in each car.

Both are available with the same range of TSI petrol and TDI diesel engines, as well as DSG manual or automatic transmissions. Gasoline and diesel engines have power from 115 to 190 hp. They are all good engines, but for most people, the 150hp petrol or diesel option provides the best combination of performance and economy.

The most powerful models have all-wheel drive. The Ateca and Karoq diesel all-wheel drive models have a high towing capacity with a maximum load capacity of 2,100 kg. There is also a very high performance version of the Ateca sold by the Cupra brand.

What is cheaper to own?

Since they use the same engines, the Ateca and Karoq's fuel economy figures are almost identical. Their official economic data covers a wide range, which reflects a change in how they are calculated, lowering the numbers for most vehicles. 

According to official figures, depending on which engine is installed, Ateca and Karoq petrol models can achieve between 32 and 54 mpg. Diesel models can go from 39 to 62 mpg.

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

Safety and reliability

The Euro NCAP safety organization has given the Ateca and Karoq a full five-star safety rating. They have a plethora of safety features including automatic emergency braking, a driver fatigue monitor and seven airbags. Some models have additional features including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and lane keeping assist.

Both machines must be reliable. In the latest JD Power 2019 Vehicle Reliability Study in the UK, Skoda came in second out of 24 brands, while Seat came in 14th.

dimensions

seat Ateca

Length: 4,381mm

Width: 2,078mm (including exterior mirrors)

Height: 1,615mm

Luggage compartment: 510 liters

Skoda Karoq

Length: 4,382mm

Width: 2,025mm (including exterior mirrors)

Height: 1,603mm

Luggage compartment: 521 liters

Verdict

Ateca and Karoq are really good cars that will easily fit into the life of any family and can even improve it. Both machines are practical, good to drive, of great value, and relatively inexpensive to run. If you really enjoy driving, you'll probably prefer the Ateca's sporty styling. But the Karoq's extra space and greater comfort, as well as small details that make life easier, give it the win here.

You will find a wide selection of high quality used Seat Ateca and Skoda Karoq vehicles for sale on Cazoo. Find the right one for you, then buy online and have it delivered to your door, or choose to pick it up from your nearest Cazoo customer service center.

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