SEAT Tarraco SUV – Interior & comfort

Tarraco alloy wheel sizes span from 17-20 inches, and we found the ride to be pleasingly smooth in cars fitted with 18-inch wheels. These come fitted with thicker tyres than the larger wheels, providing extra bump absorption when you encounter potholes and similar road surface imperfections. Opt for the biggest wheels and you can expect a noticeably more fidgety ride that can feel quite sharp when you hit a bump.

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SEAT Tarraco dashboard

Inside, the SEAT Tarraco was the first model to showcase a new design language for SEAT. In place of the tall centre console of the Ateca, the Tarraco presents a 'floating' tablet-style infotainment touchscreen, below which you'll find air vents, conventional buttons and dials for the climate control and convenience features.

While refreshingly different to other SEAT models, we don't think the display looks quite as modern or well integrated as the screens in top rivals, such as the Skoda Kodiaq. Importantly, however, its free-standing position puts it within easy reach of the driver, meaning it's easy to use while on the move. Material quality is good, if not quite a match for the Peugeot 5008. 

There are few design surprises elsewhere; as with other VW Group SUVs there's a standard 10.25-inch digital cockpit instrument panel that allows you to choose how driving information is presented, with a choice of digital or analogue styles or full-colour navigation mapping with vital driving data overlaid.

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Equipment

The SEAT Tarraco is available in SE, SE Technology, FR, FR Sport, Xperience and Xperience Lux trim levels, and the standard infotainment screen is a highlight, with a bright, responsive 8.25-inch infotainment touchscreen and smartphone connectivity that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Amazon Alexa integration. However, we're not big fans of the large bezel around the screen, that makes it look rather bulky. Standard SE kit also includes 17-inch alloy wheels, Adaptive Cruise Control, Digital Cockpit and rear parking sensors.

The Tarraco SE Technology is equipped with a larger 9.25-inch touchscreen, sat nav and climate control, while its 18-inch alloy wheels and dark privacy glass gave it a classy look. SEAT describes the FR as 'The Stylish One', with body coloured bumpers and a styling kit for a sporty look. It also gets 19-inch alloy wheels, an extended rear spoiler, twin exhaust tailpipes and sports seats, while its functionality is bolstered by an electric driver’s seat, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and self-parking. FR Sport takes things a step further with 20-inch wheels, leather upholstery, a bird's eye view camera and heated seats and washer nozzles.

Xperience takes the Tarraco upmarket, with 19-inch wheels, a new exterior look (body coloured bumpers and chrome trim), Alcantara sports seats and illuminated front door sills. Convenience is also boosted with adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and a rear-view camera. This can be bolstered further by Xperience Lux, with even bigger 20-inch alloys, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats and a top-view camera.

Options

While more may become available, there aren't currently many options, with SEAT instead encouraging owners to pick the trim with everything they require. You can add a panoramic sunroof for around £1,000, however, along with a space saver spare wheel (£125) and a towbar for around £800. Metallic paint is included at no extra cost, which is a perk of buying a SEAT.