New Seat Tarraco vs Peugeot 5008
Seat has proven adept at making SUVs – but is its largest one yet, the Tarraco, good enough to topple our recommended Peugeot 5008?...
Our verdict
Make no mistake: the new Tarraco is a good car. Its balance of ride comfort and handling is well judged for a large SUV, finance deals are competitive and it has the best interior we’ve seen yet from the Spanish brand. But despite all of that, the Tarraco has to go down as a missed opportunity – especially when you consider the brilliance of Seat’s other SUVs.
Despite being cheaper to buy, own and run, the 5008 has more safety kit and is even classier inside and more practical – particularly when it comes to third-row seating space. And although you’d think its tiny 1.2-litre engine would be no match for the Tarraco’s larger motor, the 5008 actually delivers better performance in every situation. In short, it’s an absolutely cracking buy, and still comfortably the best SUV you can buy with a budget of less than £30k.
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1st - Peugeot 5008 - 5 stars
For Much cheaper to run; more space for passengers and luggage; higher-quality interior materials; punchy engine
Against Infotainment system could be better; lumpy low-speed ride on 19in wheels
Recommended options Heated front seats (£560), metallic paint (£575)
Read our full Peugeot 5008 review here >
Find a great Peugeot 5008 deal >
2nd - Seat Tarraco - 4 stars
For Decent to drive; solid-feeling interior; good driving position; attractive finance offers; plenty of infotainment features
Against Third-row seats are cramped; wheezy engine; high CO2 emissions and so-so fuel economy; you can’t add options
Recommended options None
Read our full Seat Tarraco review >
Find a great Seat Tarraco deal >
Specifications: Peugeot 5008 Puretech 130 Allure
Engine 3cyl, 1199cc, turbo, petrol
List price £28,645
Target price £27,259
Power 129bhp @ 5500rpm
Torque 170lb ft @ 1750rpm
Gearbox 6-spd manual
0-60mph 10.3sec
Top speed 117mph
Gov't fuel economy 44.2mpg (WLTP combined)
Test mpg 40.8mpg
CO2 emissions 122g/km
Specifications: Seat Tarraco 1.5 TSI Evo 150 SE Technology
Engine 4cyl, 1498cc, turbo, petrol
List price £29,330
Target price £29,042
Power 148bhp @ 5000rpm
Torque 184lb ft @ 1500rpm
Gearbox 6-spd manual
0-60mph 10.9sec
Top speed 125mph
Gov't fuel economy 37.2mpg (WLTP combined)
Test mpg 34.5mpg
