SEAT Arona SUV review

Verdict - Is the SEAT Arona a good car?

The Arona is a very appealing choice if you’re looking for something a little more substantial than a supermini but don’t want high running costs and ponderous handling. We reckon the sweet spot in the Arona range falls with the less expensive models. While the 1.5-litre 148bhp FR is certainly quicker than the 1.0-litre, it isn’t a great deal more entertaining. If you’re looking for a functional vehicle above sharp handling, the Arona can’t match the versatility or comfort of the Citroen C3 Aircross, which is also less expensive to buy, run and maintain.

SEAT Arona models, specs and alternatives

SEAT never made an SUV until 2017, when two came along in the same year. The first was the Volkswagen Tiguan-rivalling SEAT Ateca and the second is the Arona, a smaller car that directly rivals the Volkswagen T-Cross – the two being closely related under the surface.

These models give the VW Group (of which SEAT is part) far more presence in the compact SUV class, which is becoming increasingly crowded. The Arona has to compete against the Citroen C3 Aircross, Renault Captur, Peugeot 2008, Nissan Juke, Mazda CX-30, Ford Puma and Skoda Kamiq, as well as the Kia Stonic and Hyundai Kona.

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The Arona gets off to a confident start thanks to its styling, which was updated in mid-2021. It's certainly the sportiest of the three VW Group crossovers to look at and isn't bulky enough to seem intimidating if you're moving into one from a regular supermini. The makeover did give the Arona a slightly more off-road attitude, however, thanks to round fog lights in the front bumper and silver skid-plate trim. The top-spec Xcellence became Xperience and gained a more rugged look.

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A facelift in mid-2021 gave the Arona a more aggressive look, and includes round foglights in the front bumper and silver skid-plate trim. At the same time, the top-spec Xcellence became the Xperience and gained a more rugged look.

The model range is pretty straightforward, with a simple trim-level hierarchy instead of endless package options. The core models are the generously equipped SE, sporty FR and luxurious Xperience, and you can add extra kit with the SE Technology, FR Sport and Xperience Lux respectively. The Arona became one of the first small crossovers with the option of a digital instrument cluster. Called Digital Cockpit, the 10.25-inch display allows you to alternate between a large set of instruments and a map, making using the sat nav easier.

Most buyers will be satisfied by the SE Technology, with its well rounded list of standard kit that now includes a bigger 9.2-inch infotainment system with sat nav, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, as well as rear parking sensors. All models have air conditioning, cruise control and alloy wheels.

The Arona uses petrol and diesel engines that are familiar and proven in other cars from the VW Group. SE trims can be selected with the smallest and least expensive engine, which is the three-cylinder 1.0-litre TSI petrol with 94bhp. The most economical engine choice was previously the 1.6-litre diesel with 94bhp, capable of up to 58.9mpg, but this isn’t offered in the facelifted Arona.

However, if you want the performance to match the Arona FR’s sharp looks, the 1.5-litre 148bhp petrol is the best bet, getting the car from 0-62mph in just over eight seconds. With fuel economy of up to 45.6mpg, it even gets close to matching the efficiency of the 1.0-litre model with the same DSG automatic gearbox.

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Receiving a five-star score from Euro NCAP in 2017 and following its facelift in 2021 the Arona boasts impressive safety credentials. It’s fitted with the very latest safety kit, such as autonomous emergency braking and driver fatigue warning, much of which it shares with the SEAT Ibiza.

Overall, the Arona stacks up very well as an ownership proposition. It's attractive to look at, well equipped and sensibly priced, and Arona owners have generally been satisfied judging by its 40th-place overall finish in our 2022 Driver Power survey, although it slipped to a more disappointing 59th in 2023.