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Seat Tarraco: engines, trims and what to know when buying
Seat Tarraco — the large Seat SUV that can seat up to seven and is related to the Škoda Kodiaq and VW Tiguan Allspace. We look at the engines, trims and what to check before buying a used Tarraco.
Tarraco in brief
The Tarraco is Seat's largest SUV, launched in 2018 and on sale since 2019. It's built on the MQB platform and can have three rows of seats, making it ideal for large families.
The car is available with front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive (4Drive), and it stands out from previous Seat models with a more luxurious, well-appointed interior.
Which version to choose
The entire Tarraco production history is relatively short, so most used cars are from the first series. Keep an eye out for the later update with improved technology and equipment.
If you do a lot of driving, the 2.0 TDI diesel might be the best bet, while for city and mixed driving, the 1.5 TSI petrol is a good choice. The plug-in hybrid is worth considering only if you have the ability to charge daily.
Engines and gearboxes
Available engines include the 1.5 TSI (around 150 hp), 2.0 TSI (around 190 hp and 4Drive), 2.0 TDI (around 150 and 190 hp), plus the plug-in hybrid e-Hybrid with a 1.4-litre engine and electric motor.
Gearboxes are manual or 7-speed dual-clutch DSG; the more powerful TDI and TSI engines are usually paired with DSG and 4Drive.
What to check when buying a used Tarraco
Try out the DSG: it should shift smoothly, and there should be no hesitation when moving off. If the box has a wet clutch, ask if the oil has been changed.
Check all the multimedia and assistance systems functions, as this car is packed with electronics.
In three-row versions, test the third-row seats and how they fold, and inspect the body for painted-over details.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the most commonly found trims in Europe.
Reference
all yearsBase trim with standard equipment.
- Often — steel or small alloy wheels
- Basic multimedia
- Core safety systems
Style
all yearsThe most popular choice — more comfort and tech.
- Often — light alloy wheels
- Often — LED headlights and climate control
- More advanced multimedia
Xcellence
all yearsLuxury trim with better trim.
- Often — heated seats and leather upholstery
- Often — matrix LED headlights
- More chrome and comfort details
FR
all yearsA sportier version with a more striking appearance
- Sporty bumpers and alloy wheels
- Sport seats
- Often — higher-spec trim
Trim comparison
| Reference | Style | Xcellence | FR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | Budget-friendly option | Everyday use | For comfort | Sporty looks |
| Alloy wheels (often) | 17–18 inch | 18–19 model year | 2019 model year | 2019–20 model year |
| Headlights | Halogen or LED | LED | LED, often matrix | LED, often matrix |
| Interior | Basic | More comfortable | Luxurious trim | Sport seats |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | Mid-range | Mid-range | High-end | High-end |
For most buyers, the best choice is the Style or Xcellence with a 2.0 TDI or 1.5 TSI engine. FR fans go for the looks, and the plug-in hybrid only if you can charge daily.
Pros
- Spacious interior, optional third row of seats
- Clear and practical tech, related to the Škoda Kodiaq and VW Tiguan Allspace
- Wide range of engines to choose from
- Good kit for a sensible price
Cons
- Limited supply in the used market
- DSG can be expensive if poorly maintained
- With all the optional packs, the car can get pricey
Frequently asked questions
Does the Tarraco have seven seats?
Many cars could be ordered with a third row of seats, but not all. Check the specific car's spec.
How does the Tarraco differ from the Škoda Kodiaq?
They're built on the same platform with similar tech, but different design and interior. The Seat is sportier, the Škoda is more practical and straightforward.
Which engine to choose?
High-mileage drivers will like the 2.0 TDI, mixed use suits the 1.5 TSI. The plug-in hybrid is economical only if regularly charged.
Updated 2026-10-17 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
