Review: Seat Ateca vs VW Tiguan

These two small SUVs have quite a bit in common, but where does the sibling rivalry lead?

1/9

6 September 2017

Both these vehicles come under the auspices of the VW Group, so it’s not surprising that they have quite a few oily and other bits in common. But as we’ve seen elsewhere in the VW Group, like with Seat, it’s surprising how the different companies can arrive at very different end points. So we’ve put these two together to find out where they have ended up.

We start with a common approach – both have the group’s 2.0-litre turbodiesel, although the Seat version makes 187bhp against the VW’s 148bhp. As well as that 39bhp advantage, the Ateca weighs less, so it’s definitely more sprightly – just look at the 0-62mph times, nearly two seconds between them. On the road this gives the Ateca a more vigorous feel, and a more relaxing one as overtakes are easier, it pulls better from lower down and it deals with a vehicle load of people and luggage more convincingly.

The Tiguan is no slowcoach but it does need to be worked harder to keep up with the Ateca, no question. That sportier performance of the Seat carries over into the handling, which is really quite remarkably car-like in that it stays flat in the corners, it can be chucked around and grips really hard. It’s a fun SUV to drive, but the downside is a ride that really is on the firm side. You’ll fee the road more, something made worse by our test vehicle’s 19in alloys. We’d stick with the standard 18in rims.

The Tiguan we drove had the optional adaptive dampers and they’re worth it if you have the £810 for them. Even without them, the Tiguan rides more sedately and comfortably than the Seat and would prove less tiring over the miles, even if it handles more like an SUV, with a fair bit of body roll in the corners compared to the Seat.

Most owners probably won’t venture much beyond a grass field, but actually both are reasonably competent off-road. They may not rival a Range Rover, but they’ll get you as far as most people’s nerves will stretch quite comfortably.

Both are pretty comfy in the cabin too. The Tiguan is meant to be the more premium of the pair and it does have better-feeling materials, but the difference isn’t that noticeable overall. The standards are high in both, while both have good visibility, aided by sensors at both ends.

Both too have the same-sized infotainment system, even though our Ateca had the optional Navigation System Plus, a £930 upgrade that adds 3D, a 10GB hard drive, USB port and a better stereo. The standard system is pretty good though, so we might save our money. The stock Tiguan system in the SE Nav trim also works well and has similarly good smartphone connectivity as the Ateca. Perhaps the VW has a small edge in usability here, but they’re about on a par.

So we’re finding these about on a par so far, and we’re looking for differences. There’s one in the rear, where the Tiguan has a sliding bench seat, so you have more flexibility for passenger or cargo space. It works well and allows you to stretch out more in the rear, or really ram up the cargo area.

There’s also a difference in price, with the Seat £1200 cheaper than the VW. However in the real world of haggling that erodes to about £300, and if you’re leasing then the VW is actually cheaper, as it is on a PCP deal. The Seat claws some back with lower emissions despite that higher power output, which means business buyers will see a benefit.

While we’ve been a massive fan of the Seat Ateca with the 1.4-litre petrol engine and lower spec, ramping up to the £30k mark does change the balance, to the extent that we’re giving the winner’s garland to the VW Tiguan. It’s more comfortable, rides better, is more flexible and practical in the cabin, and feels the more premium of the two.

Against it the Seat Ateca, in this form, feels a tougher car to journey in for any distance, and one that doesn’t quite match interior quality with price. The VW Tiguan is probably still a bit more money that it ideally would be, but it’s better value in this little bit of sibling rivalry.

Specifications: Seat Ateca 2.0 TDI 190 4Drive Xcellence auto

Engine size 2.0-litre diesel
List price £30,795
Target price £29,185
Power 187bhp
Torque 295lb ft
0-60mph 7.3sec
Top speed 132mph
Fuel economy 53.3mpg
CO2 emissions 135g/km

Specifications: Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI 150 4Motion SE Navigation auto

Engine size 2.0-litre diesel
List price £31,960
Target price £29,435
Power 148bhp
Torque 251lb ft
0-60mph 9.1sec
Top speed 124mph
Fuel economy 49.6mpg
CO2 emissions 149g/km

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