Expert Rating

Cupra Ateca

(2018 - present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

55
%
D

Used car score:

57
%
D

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

62
%
D

Safety Rating:

53
%
D

Eco Rating:

49
%
C

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

44
%
D

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

55
%
D

Used car score:

57
%
D

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

62
%
D

Safety Rating:

53
%
D

Eco Rating:

49
%
C

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

44
%
D

Summary

The Cupra Ateca is a performance version of the regular SEAT Ateca, and the first car to be branded as a stand-alone Cupra model. It is still sold and serviced from selected SEAT dealerships, but the performance is far superior to the regular SEAT versions.

Fundamentally, this is still a SEAT Ateca underneath, so size and interior layout are identical – as are the safety systems and overall Euro NCAP safety rating. Sales, servicing and warranty matters are also handled through the SEAT dealer network. Future Cupra models are expected to diverge more visibly from the SEAT range, although it may be a while before stand-alone Cupra dealerships start popping up.

The Cupra Ateca has received generally good reviews from performance-oriented motoring sources, which have praised its impressive performance for the money and for its rather unique proposition in the marketplace. The main criticisms are its almost unknown brand name and rather uninvolving driving experience compared to similarly-priced hot hatches.

A facelifted model was announced in summer 2020, in line with an update to the sister SEAT model. This included some minor styling tweaks and upgrades, and the revised Cupra Ateca arrived in the UK at the end of the year.

As of January 2024, the Cupra Ateca holds an New Car Expert Rating of D with a score of 55%.

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol
Price: From £42,725 on-road

Launched: Summer 2018
Last updated: Autumn 2020
Replacement due: TBA

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

+

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Autocar

+

Car

+

Car Keys

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Daily Mirror

+

Eurekar

+

Evo

+

Heycar

+

Honest John

+

Motoring Research

+

Parkers

+

The Sun

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

What Car?

+

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: June 2016
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 93%
Child protection: 84%
Vulnerable road users: 71%
Safety assist: 60%

The Cupra Ateca shares its safety rating with the regular SEAT Ateca range, as it’s fundamentally the same car.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of January 2024, the Cupra Ateca has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of January 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Cupra Ateca to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Ateca, we’ll publish the score here.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models32 mpgE32 – 32 mpgE – E
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models202 g/kmD201 – 202 g/kmD – D
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models31C30 – 32C – C
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£223B
Year 2£537B
Year 3£976B
Year 4£1,215B
Year 5£1,665C
Overall£4,616B

There’s mixed data on running costs for the Cupra Ateca. The most significant news is that fuel consumption from the 2.0-litre petrol engine is poor, meaning you’ll be a regular visitor to your local service station.

Insurance is about average, while servicing costs over the first five years are better than average.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Cupra Ateca has received

2023

  • Carbuyer Awards – Best Used Hot SUV

2019

  • What Car? Awards – Best Sports SUV
  • Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Sports Car of the Year

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Cupra Ateca, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Audi Q3 | BMW X1 | Cupra FormentorJaguar E-Pace | Mercedes-Benz GLA | Range Rover EvoqueSEAT Ateca | Volkswagen Tiguan | Volvo XC40

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The Cupra Ateca has received generally good media reviews, which have praised its impressive performance and unique proposition in the marketplace.Cupra Ateca