SEAT Ateca vs Skoda Karoq – which is best?

But the recipes were clearly right – even though there are numerous family SUVs to consider now, the Ateca and Karoq are still thoroughly impressive. They seem perfectly thought out, with plenty of space for people and stuff, sensible interiors and mostly economical engines – and yet they’re not so big that you need a banksman to help you park.

SEAT Ateca vs Skoda Karoq compared

Styling

It’s not a coincidence that these cars look similar. In fact, both are built on Skoda’s Czech production line and even share some of the same body panels – such as the doors and front wings.

With its angled headlights and sculpted bumpers, the Ateca looks marginally sportier than the comparatively straight-laced Karoq. But if you want sporty looks, the Cupra Ateca may be more up your street, while both the Ateca and Karoq look quite restrained against the likes of the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

Interior

It won’t take you long to find shared parts in the interiors of these cars. While they don’t look the most cutting-edge any more, the Ateca’s and Karoq’s interiors are delightfully easy to use and to live with.

There’s a great mix of digital and analogue, with plenty of physical buttons for key features like the cruise control and air conditioning. The climate panel, in particular, is one of the best we’ve ever used, and it’s baffling that the VW Group decided that touch panels were a better option on some of its other cars.

Both Ateca and Karoq come with increasingly well-equipped trim levels, and many cars get digital dials to go with the standard-fit touchscreen. Skoda’s infotainment system is just a bit better laid out than SEAT’s version, so it’s easier to use on a day-to-day basis. SEAT’s system can occasionally be a little frustrating.

Dimensions and practicality

There’s very little to separate these cars in terms of practicality, until you get to the rear seats. In higher-spec Karoqs, you get what Skoda calls VarioFlex seats. These can slide individually forwards and backwards, freeing up extra boot space if your passengers don’t mind giving up some of their legroom. They can also be removed completely, which admittedly you might not use unless many of your close family are planning to move house shortly.

In both cars, the boot space is deep, square and useful. Whether you’re carrying suitcases, kids’ clutter or enough produce to fill up the local food bank, both the Ateca and the Karoq will prove immensely capable. Skoda, however, is the king of thoughtful touches to make everyday life a fraction easier, from a car park ticket holder to an ice scraper hidden in the fuel filler cap and an umbrella in the driver’s door.

Engines

In the main, both the Ateca and Karoq offer the choice of 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engines. These have 115hp and 150hp respectively. The lesser engine only comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the higher-powered engine also unlocks the option of an automatic gearbox.

The 1.0-litre engine sounds puny but it’s powerful, and is more than a match for these cars – after all, the Ateca and Karoq are barely any bigger than a VW Golf. Either of the petrol engines should manage mid-40s mpg.

Unlike the Ateca, the Karoq still offers four-wheel drive – although only on the 2.0-litre diesel engine or the 2.0-litre petrol (which is exclusive to the Sportline trim). The 2.0-litre petrol Karoq is quick, with 0-62mph taking seven seconds, but you’ll only get mid-30s mpg from this engine when driving carefully. Additionally, the fact that the diesel engine comes with four-wheel drive will appeal to you if you want to tow a caravan, but it’ll be inefficient for high-mileage motorway users.

Value

If you’re buying either of these as a new car, the Ateca is slightly cheaper – the entry-level model still dips under £30,000 whereas the basic Karoq is basically £31,000.

On the used market, the difference is – surprisingly – even greater. Comparing two 2024 cars with the same engine, less than 5,000 miles and a similar trim level, the Karoq is almost £5,000 more expensive. However, the difference isn’t massive on PCP finance, suggesting that the Karoq is projected to hold its value better than the Ateca.

Which is best?

Yes, it’s a bit more expensive per month like-for-like, but we’d pick the Karoq over the Ateca. The interior is more versatile if you pick an SE L or Sportline model, there are lots of thoughtful little touches and the touchscreen is easier to get on with. The fact that there are still four-wheel-drive options make it a good option if you tow or live in a rural area.

And, if you like the Ateca’s sporty styling but wish it looked even faster, a Cupra Ateca with the same 1.5-litre engine as the SEAT and the Skoda can be had for broadly the same money.

For more information on these great SUVs, read our in-depth SEAT Ateca review and Skoda Karoq review. Made up your mind? Shop used SEAT Ateca cars and used Skoda Karoq cars for sale.