Seat Ateca vs Skoda Karoq: Which one is the better used buy?
The two popular SUVs share the same engines, platform and chassis. So, are they identical, or is one better than the other?
The Cazoo editorial team
Published on 06 February 2026 | 1 min read
If you’re in the market for a midsize SUV, then how about the Seat Ateca and Skoda Karoq?
On the face of it, both cars are different, but scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find both cars share the same platform, chassis and powertrains.
The Ateca and Karoq are both refined, well-equipped, practical and efficient family-friendly SUVs. So, if you’re tempted by what these two SUVs represent, which one should you go for?
We’ve put both cars back-to-back in a Seat Ateca vs Skoda Karoq comparison to see which one makes a better used buy.
Styling
Seats have always had an angular and sporty edge to their design language, and the Ateca is no exception.
Its exterior features lots of sharp angles and edges, while the front headlights are pinched from the Leon hatchback and boast integrated daytime running lights. There’s a bold crease that runs down the side profile, while the car’s flat back end benefits it from a practicality perspective by having a taller boot opening.
The Skoda Karoq is a lot more tame in its design, though the car has an almost identical silhouette to the Seat, with its roof rails and tall stance. There’s a larger front grille and the double headlight design with the front fog lights separated into the front bumper gives it its Skoda identity.
Interior
The Ateca’s interior has a similar layout to the smaller Leon and Ibiza models with lots of physical buttons, a flat-bottom steering wheel and a flat dashboard.
The car’s cabin is functional, but not the most dynamic-looking with lots of grey plastics and materials, which make it feel rather bland and doesn’t fit with the car’s sporty exterior.
The Karoq’s interior on the other hand, isn’t the last word in style, but there is the option of cream leather upholstery, which brightens everything up, while the soft-touch materials and tactile controls make the Skoda feel more premium.
Engines
The Seat Ateca is available with a choice of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, while there is also a rugged four-wheel drive model.
The entry-level 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol develops 108bhp and 200Nm of torque, which Seat claims can manage 44mpg. There is also a punchier 1.5-litre unit that develops 148bhp and 250Nm of torque, with this variant achieving a claimed 42mpg on the combined cycle.
The sporty ‘FR’ trim can be opted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine; developing 187bhp and can achieve a claimed 35mpg.
If you cover lots of miles, the Ateca is available with a frugal 2.0-litre diesel, which develops 148bhp and 340Nm of torque, while the Seat claims this model is good for 56mpg.
The Karoq comes equipped with the same turbocharged petrol and diesel engines that are found on the Ateca.
That means there is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol that develops 108bhp and can manage a claimed 54mpg, while the 1.5-litre turbocharged model produces 148bhp and can do a claimed 52mpg, which is more economical than the Seat.
Also, just like the Seat, the Karoq is available with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine found in the ‘Sportline’ model; producing the same 187bhp and can do a claimed 41mpg.
Plus, there is the option of a four-wheel drive model, which provides better traction on slippery road surfaces.
The Skoda can also be fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel, which produces 114bhp and can manage a claimed 68mpg.
Practicality
The Ateca provides a copious amount of storage space up in the front with large door bins, a centre armrest compartment, a sunglasses holder located above the rear view mirror and storage trays under the front seats.
Space in the back is good for rear-seat occupants, with an ample amount of head and legroom, thanks to the car’s tall roofline.
The Ateca provides a boot capacity of 510 litres; however, folding the rear seats down transforms that space into 1,604 litres.
The Karoq just edges the Seat when it comes to practicality, though. That’s thanks to lots of useful cubby spaces and features such as umbrellas in the front doors, a parking ticket holder, an ice scraper in the fuel flap and an optional removable bin in the driver’s door card.
There are also deep front door pockets, a large glovebox, cup holders and a centre armrest storage area.
Space in the back is just as impressive with lots of head and legroom for occupants, while mid-level cars and above come with three individual seats, which can slide forward to increase the boot capacity and slide backwards for more kneeroom.
The standard car is equipped with a 521-litre boot capacity and that swells to 1,630 litres with the rear bench folded down.
However, higher-spec cars with the individual seats come with a 479-litre capacity and 588 litres with the rear chairs slid forwards, while they can also fold down, tumble forward and can be removed completely, to create a load capacity of up to 1,810 litres.
Second-hand prices
There are loads of second-hand examples of the Seat Ateca available on the used market.
If you’re looking for a 1.0-litre petrol, expect to pay £13,600 for a low-mileage example, and £14,300 for a 1.5-litre model. Diesel variants are more expensive, with four-year-old cars on the market for around £18,500, while flagship 2.0-litre FR variants can be picked up from £21,000.
Second-hand Karoq prices are more expensive compared to the Seat, with an entry-level 1.0-litre car on the market for £14,600, while 1.5-litre examples can be picked up for £16,100.
Meanwhile, a diesel variant will cost you £19,200 and the 2.0-litre Sportline petrol model can be purchased from £20,000.
Verdict
Comparing these two SUVs is extremely tough as they are both great all-rounders in this sector of the market.
The Seat’s sharp looks, practical interior and affordable second-hand values make it a tempting proposition.
However, from the evidence we’ve found, the Karoq is the better buy of the two. That’s because it’s more economical, has lots of handy storage solutions and has a flexible boot capacity. The Karoq might cost more to buy than the Seat, but we think it’s worth spending the extra and choosing the Skoda as it’s a smart choice for those looking for a practical, midsize family SUV.