Cupra Ateca Review: When Seat decided to spin off its performance-focused Cupra division into a standalone brand back in 2018, the very first model to carry that independent identity was the Cupra Ateca. At the time, the move was seen as bold. Seat was already selling sporty versions of its cars under the Cupra badge, but the Ateca SUV was the first true test of whether a Cupra-branded vehicle could stand on its own. Fast forward to today, and while the Cupra range has expanded to include models like the Formentor and the upcoming Tavascan, the Ateca continues to be the brand’s cornerstone in the compact performance SUV segment.
The Cupra Ateca’s formula has always been straightforward yet effective: combine the practicality and versatility of the Seat Ateca crossover with the performance DNA of Volkswagen Group’s hottest turbocharged engines, advanced drivetrains, and adaptive suspensions. The result was an SUV that could deliver both everyday usability and genuine driving excitement, making it an attractive alternative to traditional hot hatchbacks. This was especially important in an era when consumers were increasingly flocking to SUVs without wanting to compromise on sportiness.
However, the automotive world has moved quickly. Competitors like the BMW X1 M35i, Audi SQ2, and Porsche Macan have raised the bar, and newer Cupra models such as the Formentor offer more distinctive styling and a bespoke identity. The question now is: does the Cupra Ateca still hold its ground as a compelling performance SUV in 2025, or has time left it behind? Let’s take a closer look at its specifications, features, performance, design, interior, and price to find out.
Cupra Ateca Specifications
Here’s a quick overview of the Cupra Ateca’s key specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.5L TSI turbo (148bhp, FWD), 2.0L TSI turbo (187bhp, AWD), 2.0L TSI turbo (296bhp, AWD) |
| Transmission | 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic |
| Drive System | Front-wheel drive (base), 4Drive AWD (higher trims) |
| Performance (296bhp model) | 0–62 mph in 4.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | ~155 mph (electronically limited) |
| Suspension | MacPherson struts (front), multi-link (rear), adaptive dampers |
| Brakes | Performance brakes with uprated calipers |
| Wheels | 19-inch alloy wheels |
| Infotainment | 9.2-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Boot Space | ~485 litres |
| Price Range (UK) | Starting from ~£41,000 (approx., depending on trim) |
Features and Technology
The Cupra Ateca comes generously equipped even in its base V1 trim, which offers:
- LED headlights and taillights
- Heated steering wheel
- 9.2-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Eight-speaker stereo system
Upgrading to V2 trim adds:
- Rear-view camera
- Park assist
- Electric tailgate
- Wireless phone charger
The sportier VZ2 and VZ3 trims enhance the package with:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Performance brakes
- Multiple drive modes (Comfort, Sport, Cupra, and Individual)
- Advanced driver assistance systems
Performance and Driving Experience
The highlight of the range is undoubtedly the 296bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged engine paired with Cupra’s 4Drive AWD system. This combination delivers 0–62mph in just under 5 seconds, putting it firmly in the league of hot hatchbacks and compact performance SUVs. The seven-speed DSG gearbox shifts quickly and smoothly, while the adaptive suspension ensures a balance between sharp handling and everyday comfort.
Lower trims, equipped with the 1.5-litre TSI or the 187bhp 2.0-litre, are more about everyday usability and fuel economy than raw performance, but they still offer plenty of punch for urban and motorway driving.
Exterior Design
The Cupra Ateca retains the sharp lines and proportions of the Seat Ateca but is differentiated with sporty design elements such as:
- Aggressive bumpers with larger air intakes
- Blacked-out grille with Cupra’s copper badge
- Quad exhaust tips
- Unique alloy wheel designs
- Copper and black trim accents
While the Ateca is striking, it lacks the distinctiveness of newer Cupra models like the Formentor, which were designed as standalone cars from the ground up.
Also read: Skoda Felicia Fun Reimagined as Electric Off-Roader: A Nostalgic Cult Classic Meets the Future
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Cupra Ateca blends practicality with sportiness. Key highlights include:
- Sport bucket seats with Alcantara or leather trim
- Copper detailing across the dashboard and air vents
- Ambient lighting
- A fully digital driver display (Digital Cockpit)
- Spacious seating for five adults
- Large boot space suitable for family needs
The cabin, while functional and premium, does show its age compared to newer Cupra and VW Group models, which feature more modern layouts and larger digital displays.
Price and Value
The Cupra Ateca’s price starts at around £41,000 in the UK for the base 1.5 TSI, with the top-end 296bhp model reaching closer to £50,000 depending on options. This makes it more affordable than premium rivals like the Porsche Macan, while still offering strong performance and equipment levels.
Conclusion
The Cupra Ateca will always hold a special place in the brand’s history as the car that launched Cupra into independence. It showed that a sporty SUV could be both fun to drive and practical, while also offering something different from the mainstream.
Even today, the Ateca continues to deliver an engaging performance package, especially in its 296bhp guise, which offers genuine hot hatch levels of acceleration in a family-friendly SUV body. It also remains competitively priced, undercutting rivals from BMW, Audi, and Porsche, making it an attractive option for those seeking performance on a budget.
However, the Ateca is beginning to show its age. The design, while handsome, is less distinctive compared to newer Cupra models, and the interior layout feels dated next to rivals. For buyers who prioritize cutting-edge technology and futuristic styling, models like the Cupra Formentor may feel more appealing.
Still, for those who value heritage, performance, and practicality in one package, the Cupra Ateca remains a compelling choice in 2025. It may no longer be the freshest model in the lineup, but it has proven its worth as a pioneer and still holds plenty of appeal for driving enthusiasts.
FAQs about the Cupra Ateca
1. Is the Cupra Ateca still worth buying in 2025?
Yes. While it is one of the older models in the Cupra range, the Ateca continues to offer strong performance, practicality, and value compared to rivals. It’s especially worth considering if you want a hot SUV without spending premium-brand money.
2. How fast is the Cupra Ateca?
The 296bhp Cupra Ateca can accelerate from 0–62mph in just under 5 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of around 155mph, making it one of the quickest SUVs in its segment.
3. What are the main competitors to the Cupra Ateca?
Key rivals include the BMW X1 M35i, Audi SQ2, Porsche Macan, and Mercedes-AMG GLA 35. Among these, the Ateca offers one of the best blends of affordability and performance.
4. Does the Cupra Ateca have good practicality?
Yes. The Ateca offers seating for five adults, a spacious cabin, and around 485 litres of boot space, making it suitable for family use while still delivering sporty driving dynamics.
5. How much does the Cupra Ateca cost?
In 2025, prices for the Cupra Ateca start at around £41,000 in the UK for the base trims and rise to about £50,000 for the high-performance 296bhp models.
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