In partnership with Autotrader
Used test: Volkswagen T-Roc R vs Cupra Ateca practicality
These sports SUVs both produce almost 300bhp and blast from 0-60mph in less than five seconds, but which is the better used buy?...
Space and practicality
Front space, rear space, seating flexibility, boot
Both the Volkswagen T-Roc R and Cupra Ateca are similarly accommodating up front, and even tall adults will have enough head and leg room. Plus, there are wide door bins and several useful storage cubbies dotted around the driver.
In the back, though, the Ateca is clearly the more practical choice, giving a couple of six-footers space to lounge instead of leaving them with their knees jammed up against the seats in front. Just don’t expect either car to be particularly comfortable for a third rear passenger – the person in the middle has to straddle a large lump in the floor.
Luggage space is another Ateca strength because its boot is significantly longer and taller than the T-Roc’s. Indeed, like all four-wheel-drive T-Rocs, the R has a shallower boot than front-wheel-drive variants due to the extra mechanicals below. The T-Roc can hold five carry-on suitcases, compared with the Ateca’s six.
The Ateca has handy levers in its boot that allow you to fold down the rear seats from there. The folded down seats sit higher than the boot floor, though – unlike the T-Roc’s seats, which lie flat at the same height as the floor, making it easier to slide in longer loads.
Boot space
Cupra Ateca
Boot 485-1579 litres Suitcases 6
Volkswagen T-Roc R
Best sports SUVs 2024 reviewed and rated - and those to avoid
If you want performance as well as practicality and an elevated driving position, the sports SUVs in our top 10 should be on your shortlist. We also reveal the models we'd avoid
