Thinking of buying a used Seat Alhambra?
The style of the car
The SEAT Alhambra has a classic MPV shape and seats seven people in comfort. Its high roofline and raised seating means it’s very practical for families, and there are sliding doors that make access to the back seats easy in tight spaces.
How it drives
The Alhambra is one of the best big MPVs to drive, feeling more like a family hatchback on the road. The petrol and diesel engines are smooth and there’s a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes. Excellent visibility and rear parking sensors help to make driving and parking in town easier. S and SE trim models are most comfortable on longer journeys. SE Lux and FR Line trims have stiffer suspension that make them feel a bit sportier, while diesel-engined versions make the best tow cars of the range.
The interior
The five-door Alhambra is one of the most spacious MPVs you can buy. Its sliding rear side doors (powered on some models) make it easy for adults or kids to get in or out of the back. Even with all seven seats in use, everyone has good legroom and there’s enough space in the boot for a couple of medium suitcases or a pushchair. All five rear seats fold, and with five people on board you’ll be able to fit four large suitcases in the boot. All models are well equipped, with the entry-level SE trim having a touchscreen infotainment system and climate control. SE L models have luxuries such as leather seats – these are heated in the Xcellence versions. There was also a sporty FR model prior to 2018.
Running costs and reliability
Pricing and running costs are similar to other seven-seat rivals, such as the Ford Galaxy. All engines are economical, with the 2.0-litre diesel returning an official average of 56mpg. Insurance and road tax costs are reasonable for such a big car. The Alhambra is a reliable and safe family car with lots of airbags and advanced safety systems. Pre-2019 models have a five-star safety rating from safety experts Euro NCAP, but from 2019 models onwards have four stars.
How it compares with similar cars
The Alhambra is larger than any other Seat car, including the seven-seat Tarraco SUV. It’s very similar in size and shape to the Ford Galaxy and has identical dimensions to the closely related Volkswagen Sharan (different interior and exterior styling details are the only real differences between the two cars).
