Cupra Ateca Review 2025

You might imagine that the Cupra Ateca is simply a SEAT Ateca with some fancy copper trim. At the bottom of the range, it pretty much is, but at the top of the range, this is a serious performance SUV that has the ability to back up its ‘tribal tattoo’ badges. Now nearing the end of its life, it faces close competition from the Volkswagen T-Roc R and Cupra Formentor.

When SEAT made the decision to turn Cupra into a separate performance brand, the Cupra Ateca SUV -which already existed as the SEAT Ateca Cupra - was the first car to gain the distinctive copper badges. Now, with a roster of other Cupra options available, bespoke cars that aren't based on old SEATs, the Ateca is the oldest model on sale, and feels it.

Despite the relative age of the Cupra Ateca (the SEAT version was first launched in 2016), this hot model still has a lot going for it. The base Ateca is a popular family SUV, offering a keen driving experience and a practical interior.

In the beginning, the sole engine option providing the power for the Cupra Ateca was the Volkswagen group's mighty 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 300PS and 400Nm of torque. The powertrain also comes with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. All of this results in serious performance. The Cupra Ateca dusts off the 0-62mph sprint in 4.9 seconds, and can reach a limited top speed of 155mph. For comparison, a contemporary Porsche Macan S takes 4.8 seconds to hit 62mph.

With Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive suspension, the Cupra Ateca handles with impressive agility for an SUV. Still, there is only so much that can be done about the high centre of gravity: hot hatchbacks will ultimately be quicker on the open road. Still, the Cupra Ateca achieves a very good level of driver engagement.

Despite the performance on offer, we much remember that we are talking about a family SUV, rather than a dedicated sports car. As such the Cupra Ateca must have the ability to seat five people in comfort, with a useful boot and plenty of extra storage cubbies throughout the cabin. And happily, this is a job it does well.

Cupra has also been generous with the Ateca’s level of standard equipment, which goes some way towards justifying a price tag that has crept slowly upwards over the many years its been on sale. Satellite navigation, wireless smartphone charging, dual-zone climate control and a top-view camera are all included.

All this is housed inside a cabin that feels solidly made, but is related to the Mk3 SEAT Leon first launched in 2012, so it's now looking rather dated. At least there are still physical buttons for functions such as the climate control air-con, unlike in some more modern alternatives.

Later on in the Cupra Ateca's life (much later, in fact), more basic versions were introduced with (considerably) less powerful engines and more modest kit lists, in order to give buyers the car's sporty feel at a more attainable price point. These versions succeed in doing so, but some may feel that a Cupra Ateca without Cupra-like performance makes them feel a bit too much like a SEAT. And that's an argument that we have some sympathy with. For us, the full-fat version is still the one you want despite its hefty cost.

We've only driven the most powerful 300PS 2.0-litre versions of the Cupra Ateca so far, and these come with Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive suspension as standard, which offers the choice between multiple damper settings. Left in Normal mode, the Cupra Ateca feels surprisingly compliant on rougher roads, even with 19-inch alloy wheels. Switching to Cupra mode makes for a much firmer ride that may upset your passengers, so you're better off in Normal or Sport.

Whatever mode you select, body control is impressively taut, keeping body movements under tight control as you hurtle around corners. The standard four-wheel drive means that there's bags of grip and traction, while the steering is accurate and responsive, if ultimately not over-endowed with feel.

For all the sporting intent behind the Cupra Ateca, though, there is only so much that can be done to fight the laws of physics. A higher centre of gravity means it doesn't handle with quite the same level of alacrity as a lower-riding hot hatch or fast estate. Compared with most rival SUVs, though, it's really agile and enjoyable, and you might be surprised by just how quickly it can be hustled along a winding backroad.

The less powerful V1 and V2 models that joined the range later come on standard passive suspension, but we've not tried these yet, so can't tell you how they behave on the road. However, if they're anything like the standard SEAT Ateca - which they probably are - they'll still be impressively nimble.

The heart of the Cupra Ateca range is the barnstorming 300PS 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that has seen service in many of the Volkswagen group's fastest cars, such as the Golf R and Audi S3. At first it was the only engine available in the Cupra Ateca, and although that's no longer the case, it still heads up the range, and is the one that makes the car feel like the proper performance car it should be.

It's no surprise, given the prodigious output, that this car is seriously rapid. The 0-62mph sprint stands at just 4.9 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 155mph. But it's the nature of the power delivery that impresses more than the numbers. With impressive power and torque available right across the rev range, any meaningful press of the accelerator pedal results in you hurtling towards the horizon at an eye-widening rate.

A seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard. It shifts rapidly enough, even in the Normal driving mode, but the kickdown effect can feel overly vicious when Sport or Cupra modes are engaged. These modes also cause the transmission to cling onto gears for longer, so expect the fuel economy to drop if you use them for simple commuter runs.

Aiding the Cupra Ateca’s performance is all-wheel drive, combined with an electronic limited-slip differential. The Ateca is essentially a front-wheel-drive SUV the majority of the time, only diverting torque to the rear axle when needed. This can help with traction when pulling away, and adds an extra layer of confidence in bad weather.

There's a quad-tailpipe exhaust system at the back, but it does not result in an overly boisterous soundtrack. Selecting Cupra mode amplifies the noise, adding some pops and crackles, but not enough to upset the neighbours.

In late 2023, the Cupra Ateca range was expanded to include lower-powered models that had the visual appeal of the regular car, but that were cheaper to buy and run. The entry-level choice is a 1.5-litre petrol with 150PS, while the other is a 190PS version of the 2.0-litre turbo, both with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox as standard. We haven't tried them, but the former can do the 0-62mph sprint in 9.3 seconds, while the latter takes 7.2 seconds, so performance is no great shakes on paper.

The Cupra Ateca has not been subjected to crash testing by Euro NCAP. However, the SEAT Ateca was evaluated by the safety organisation in 2016. Back then, it was awarded the maximum five-star rating, although it is important to note that the tests have become a lot more stringent since.

All Cupra Atecas come with a comprehensive suite of airbags, including one for the driver’s knees, along with Isofix child car seat attachments on the outer rear seats. Front assist with autonomous emergency braking is standard, as is a fatigue recognition system. VZ2 and VZ3 models gain extra safety equipment, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

Being based upon the regular SEAT Ateca means the Cupra version offers decent towing capability. Hauling a trailer or caravan will mean heavy fuel consumption, though.

The most powerful versions of the Cupra Ateca are able to pull braked trailers of up to 2100kg. The lower-powered 2.0-litre can pull 1900kg, meanwhile, while the 1.5 will tow just 1600kg.

Interior space is likely to be the main attraction for buyers opting for the Cupra Ateca over an equivalent Cupra Leon hatchback or other hot hatch. The boot is able to accommodate 485 litres of luggage with the back seats in place. It is worth noting that the cheaper Cupra Leon Estate boasts a cargo capacity of 620 litres, though.

Room for passengers in the front of the Cupra Ateca is generous, with the SUV body delivering plenty of headroom. Legroom is generous, too. It is a similar story in the back, with the Cupra Ateca’s width making it possible to fit three adults across the rear bench.

The Cupra Ateca’s bucket front seats (standard on all but the entry-level V1), which have integrated headrests, make the rear of the cabin seem more claustrophobic. This is the price your passengers have to pay for those in the front being held in place securely if and when the driver starts to up the pace.

Extra storage can be found in the front centre armrest, with the front seats also featuring storage pockets. The rear armrest doubles as a ski hatch with access to the boot, while all but the entry-level V1 model benefit from a powered tailgate.

Other than the copper-coloured Cupra logo on the steering wheel, there is very little to distinguish this hot Cupra Ateca from a normal SEAT version. The high-backed bucket seats do lift the cabin, but it is not the sportiest or most exciting SUV inside.

The Cupra Ateca’s cabin is based upon that found in the previous-generation SEAT Leon, which dates right back to 2012. Compared with newer rivals, and indeed the Cupra Formentor, it is starting to look its age. At least most of the materials used are very solid, and the Cupra Ateca feels built to cope with the demands of family life. What's more, the old-school design means that there are plenty of buttons that allow you to operate various functions without delving into seemingly endless touchscreen menus.

Following a facelift in 2020, all Cupra Atecas gained an upgraded infotainment system. For the Cupra, this means the combination of a 9.2-inch multimedia touchscreen and a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit driver’s display.

Unlike many newer Volkswagen Group infotainment systems, the Cupra Ateca’s setup still incorporates physical buttons for functions such as the climate control. It also means the touchscreen is neatly integrated into the dashboard, rather than perched on top of it like an abandoned iPad. Although it is an older design, the touchscreen’s graphics look sharp, and there should be no major difficulties with using it.

Satellite navigation is standard on all trim levels, along with DAB radio and smartphone connectivity. Wireless smartphone charging is also included from V2 trim upwards. There are two USB-C ports in the front, with a further two available for rear-seat passengers.

Supporting the touchscreen is the impressive Virtual Cockpit driver’s display, which offers a number of customisable views. The steering wheel-mounted controls can be used to cycle through the various options, and the display helps to lift what would otherwise be an underwhelming cabin.

The introduction of lower-powered versions of the Cupra Ateca has made the price list look more respectable than it would had the brand stuck to only offering high-powered versions. The range starts at around £38,000 for the 1.5 TSI V1, climbing to around £40,000 for the V2.

This engine can also be had in the regular SEAT Ateca, which is available for much less money, so you might be wondering what the point of this version is. We can understand that, but in the Cupra's defence, it looks better and has more standard kit.

The 190PS engine can't be had in the SEAT version, so feels more bespoke to Cupra. With this unit, the car costs around £42,000 in V1 trim, while the V2 is around £44,000.

There's no getting away from the fact that the 'proper' Cupra Ateca, the 300PS version, is expensive these days. The VZ1 is about £50,000, while the VZ2 is more like £53,000. This is a true-blue performance SUV, though.

As ever, the used car market is the place to go if you want to spend less. The cheapest 300PS examples can be had for around £24,000. These will be around three years old with around 30,000 miles on the clock, which is one heck of a saving for a car that's had fairly light use.

In fact, the more moset 1.5 and 2.0-litre V1 and V2 versions are hardly any cheaper, starting at around £22,000, so you might as well go all-out and get the fire-breather.

A high-performance SUV is never going to be the cheapest vehicle to run, but the Cupra Ateca is more affordable than most.

That stonking 300PS turbocharged engine has an official fuel consumption figure of around 30mpg, which isn't bad given the power on tap. However, real-world economy will be dictated more by how restrained you are with the throttle pedal. Be warned that giving in to temptation on a regular basis could get expensive. Longer motorway runs should see the fuel economy rise comfortably above the 30mpg mark, though.

And although much more restrained with performance, the lesser engines don't do all that much better on economy. The 1.5's official figure is around 42mpg at best, while the equivalent figure for the 190PS 2.0-litre is around 35mpg.

The vast majority of brand new versions cost upwards of £40,000, saddling them with liability for the luxury car surcharge on VED road tax. Those cars affected will be required to pay another £425 per year between years two and six of the car's life, on top of the annual flat fee of £195 per year.

The thing is, the car has been around for a long while now, and prices haven't always been as high as they are now, so if you're buying used, then more versions will escape this extra cost. When considering a pre-owned example, it's always advisable to perform a quick online search with the car's reg to find out precisely what its VED liability is.

The 'proper' Cupra Ateca - the 300PS job - has insurance classifications of between 30 and 33 depending on trim level. The 1.5-litre versions sits in groups 17 or 18 depending on trim, while the 190PS car sits in group 24.

Buy any Cupra registered before April 3rd 2024, and you get the same slightly rubbish three-year, 60,000-mile warranty as all other VW group cars. Buy one registered on or after this date, though, and the warranty cover you get extends to five years or 90,000 miles, which is much more like it.

Initially, the Cupra Ateca was offered in one single high-end trim level. The Cupra Ateca Standard Trim came with goodies including:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• black brake calipers with Cupra logo
• tinted rear windows
• power adjusting, folding and heated door mirrors
• automatic LED headlights
• metallic paint
• quad exhausts
• dual-zone climate control
• cruise control
• ambient lighting
• 9.2-inch colour touchscreen with nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• wireless phone charger
• rain-sensing wipers
• keyless entry and go
• top-view reversing camera
• self-parking function
• Dynamic Chassis Control suspension

An optional Comfort and Sound Pack added:

• Beats Audio sound system
• adaptive cruise control
• heated front seats
• powered tailgate
• space-saver spare wheel

Later on, the range took on a similar structure to other Cupra models, whereby less powerful engine options were offered in V1 and V2 trim levels, while the barnstorming 300PS 2.0-litre engine was offered in VZ2 and VZ3 trims.

At the entry-point of the range, the Cupra Ateca V1 gets:

• 19-inch alloys
• tinted rear windows
• front- and rear parking senors
• self-parking function
• ambient lighting
• vegan-leather upholstery
• heated steering wheel
• cruise control
• automatic lights and wipers
• dual-zone climate control
• electric front- and rear windows
• keyless entry and go

As the next rung up the ladder, the Cupra Ateca V2 adds to this with:

• heated front bucket seats
• electric driver's seat adjustment with memory
• rear-view camera
• powered tailgate with virtual pedal
• wireless phone charger

The Cupra Ateca VZ2 trim gets pretty much all the same stuff as the V2, but on top of that, also gets:

• Dynamic Chassis Control suspension
• all-round top-view cameras
• adaptive cruise control

At the top of the range, the Cupra Ateca VZ3 trim adds:

• 20-inch alloys
• upgraded surround sound stereo
• performance brakes with Brembo calipers