SEAT Tarraco SUV - MPG, running costs & CO2

SEAT has yet to introduce a plug-in hybrid Tarraco, meaning the brand's biggest SUV doesn't really stand out from the crowd when it comes to running costs. However, the petrol and diesel engines are competitive against rivals.

SEAT dealerships also tend to have fair servicing prices, so there shouldn't be any nasty surprises when it comes to maintenance.

SEAT Tarraco MPG & CO2

The 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel returns up to 52.3mpg with front-wheel drive and a manual gearbox. Adding SEAT's DSG automatic to the same engine sees fuel economy drop but only to 51.4mpg. Diesel is quite heavily taxed for company-car drivers now, so if this applies to you, you may be better off with the upcoming plug-in hybrid.

The more powerful 197bhp version of the same engine with 4Drive and a DSG automatic returns up to 42.8mpg and emits just over 170g/km, placing it in the highest BiK band. This combination is only available from FR trim onwards.

Although those private drivers who plan to tow or routinely cover more than about 12,000 miles per year might find diesel advantageous, the 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine is better if you make a lot of short or urban journeys, and it has an overall fuel economy figure of up to 41.5mpg. A more powerful 2.0-litre petrol is also offered with 4Drive and DSG but it’s thirstier, returning up to 32.8mpg and pushing out quite high CO2 emissions.

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Insurance

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has placed the Tarraco in insurance groups from 18 to 31, with the 1.5-litre petrol automatic being cheapest to insure. These are slightly higher than the closely related Skoda Kodiaq.

Servicing

SEAT's service recommendations, much like those of Volkswagen, take into account the type of driving owners are expecting. Anybody who covers 10,000 miles or less and makes a lot of short journeys, is recommended to service their SEAT on an annual basis. However, if you drive mainly on motorways, it's recommended that you visit the workshop at intervals no more than 20,000 miles. Fixed-price service plans can be arranged to take care of routine services, whichever bracket you fall into.

Warranty

Every SEAT sold in the UK benefits from a three-year/ 60,000-mile warranty, which is similar in duration and mileage to that provided by Volkswagen and Skoda. It's no match for the five-year/unlimited mileage warranty that Hyundai offers, and can't compete with the seven year/100,000-policy provided by Kia. An extended warranty can be bought when the factory warranty expires.