This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, analytics and third party advertising purposes as described in our Privacy and Data Processing Policy. You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, or further manage your preferences. To opt-out of sharing with third parties information related to these technologies, select "Manage Settings" or submit a Do Not Sell My Personal Information request.
The SEAT Ateca was first introduced in 2016 and is named after the Ateca village which is west of Zaragoza and near the SEAT headquarters in Barcelona. Within the SEAT range it sits between the Arona and the Tarraco in the C-SUV segment and is also included in the Cupra family as the Cupra Ateca.
The Skoda Karoq replaced the well loved Skoda Yeti when it launched in 2017 and places between the Kamiq and Kodiaq in Skoda's SUV line up. It's name is derived from the Aleutian language by combining the words for car and arrow, the elements which make up the Skoda logo.
Our guide will take you through the two vehicles and highlight their similarities and their differences to let you see how the two cars compare.
At first look, the SEAT Ateca and the Skoda Karoq are very similar thanks to both cars being built on the Volkswagen Group MQB A1 platform. Whilst they have their own personalities and quirks specific to their brand it means that they largely use the same engines and other mechanical components.
In terms of dimensions, both cars are pretty similar here too with the Karoq coming in 9mm longer but the Ateca is 53mm wider and 12mm taller. Inside the headroom for the rear seats for both vehicles is 1020mm whilst those in the front seats will have 1063mm in the Ateca and 1058mm in the Karoq. Measurements so similar that it's not likely to sway you to one or the other for front and rear passengers.
The Ateca is influenced by the SEAT Leon with well proportioned looks and tough looking body styling to compliment it's SUV shaping. It's facelift in 2020 brought with it redesigned bumpers, new LED headlights and tail lights, redesigned fog lights, and redesigned the Ateca badging to a hand written script.
Similarly, the Karoq was facelifted in 2021 to give restyled front and rear ends and new comfort features such as the digital instrument cluster, three zone climate control for some trim levels, adaptive suspension with dynamic chassis control, and an electric sliding panoramic roof for higher trim levels.
Perhaps one of the greatest differences between the two models is how they handle the space inside the car. Skoda is renowned for utilising their interiors for the good of storage and the Karoq is no exception to this.
You can expect 521 litres of boot space in the Karoq with all five seats in use compared to 510 litres in the Ateca. The Ateca also suggests that this is reduced to 485 litres if you opt for the 4 wheel drive models whilst there is no mention of this reduction for the equivalent Karoq. With the rear seats folded this opens up to 1630 litres in the Karoq and 1604 litres of boot space in the Ateca.
Both models also make use of clever storage throughout the cabin. In the Ateca this includes a document holder under the left front seat and a storage compartment in the roof for sunglasses whilst the Karoq has foldable hooks in the boot, foldable tables on the backs of the front seats, and two tablet holders.
Both the SEAT Ateca and the Skoda Karoq are well equipped cars but still have a few differences between them.
You can expect standard equipment on both models to include 17 inch alloy wheels, cruise control, an electronic parking brake, dual zone climate control, automatic emergency braking, LED headlights, and a touchscreen in the centre console which houses the infotainment system.
For some features, such as adaptive cruise control, you do need to upgrade your trim level on either car but is usually something that buyers now expect when purchasing a new car.
The standard equipment on the Ateca also includes wireless full link integration for apple and android, park assist which has self parking functionality and front and rear parking sensors, a wireless phone charger, keyless entry, and dynamic headlights. These are not available on the entry level Karoq and perhaps gives a slight advantage to the Ateca.
However, there are a few features that the Karoq offers as standard that the Ateca does not such as tinted windows, an 8 inch digital driver's display, and integrated sat nav.
If you're looking for four wheel drive then, again, either the SEAT Ateca or the Skoda Karoq will be able to tick the box for you. Both require you to choose the 2.0 litre diesel or petrol engines in 150PS and 190PS respectively and lower the fuel economy considerably.
If you're looking for the engine that will give you the best fuel consumption performance you'd be looking at the Skoda Karoq and the 2.0 litre diesel engine capable of 116PS. The combined mpg on this is 59.4, the highest of all engines available across the two models, compared to 57.6 for the equivalent SEAT Ateca.
On both models the 2.0 litre 190PS petrol engine, with a 0-62mph time of 7.0 seconds on the Karoq and 7.1 seconds for the Ateca. This engine also provides the highest maximum speed; 137mph and 133mph respectively.
The two cars both received a five star safety rating from Euro NCAP, with the SEAT Ateca being awarded it in 2016 and the Skoda Karoq following suit in 2017. If you're being exact, the Ateca has a higher score in the Child Occupant and Safety Assist categories whilst the Karoq scores higher in Vulnerable Road Users and they hold an identical score in the Adult Occupant category.
Overall you're getting a great car whether you opt for a SEAT Ateca or a Skoda Karoq. Both are mid sized SUVs suitable for growing families or those that like to have a little more room when they travel. Matched with good standard equipment and plenty of engines to choose from and you're sure to be pleased either way.
If you're still not sure which one will be best for you then our friendly teams at John Clark SEAT sites in Aberdeen and Dundee and at John Clark Skoda Aberdeen, John Clark Skoda Dundee, and John Clark Skoda in Perth are always on hand to help you further.
