The SEAT Arona is praised for its stylish design, spacious interior, and practicality. Handling is noted as agile and responsive, making it enjoyable to drive. However, it faces criticism for a slightly firm ride quality and limited engine options.
Read full reviewSEAT Arona SUV (2018 onwards)
2018 – onwards· 5 owner Q&As
Very good
The SEAT Arona is a breath of fresh air in the electric SUV market – a retro icon recharged for the modern commuter. As Auto Express states, "It combines practicality with stylish looks, making it a solid choice for city dwellers." Let’s dive into what makes this electric SUV stand out.
At a glance
113
hp · Power
376
miles · Range / tank
9.7s
0–60 mph
£
Running costs
From £328/mo
Typical finance
Motoring.Today. verdict
Best for
- Agile handling and compact size
- Stylish and modern design
- Excellent fuel efficiency with various engine options
- Competitive ownership costs
Consider alternatives if
- Limited rear passenger space compared to rivals
- No all-wheel drive option
- Infotainment system may require adjustment period for new users
Finance snapshot
Typical monthly payment
£328/month
Based on PCP · 48 months · £2,000 deposit
Best suited for
- Company Car Drivers
- Petrol/Diesel Buyers
- High Mileage Drivers
- Families
Affordability
Very affordable
Great fit for most budgets.
Ratings breakdown
Theo's AI summary
In summary, the SEAT Arona is an exceptional choice for those in search of a compact SUV that successfully marries practicality with style and modern technology. Its impressive driving dynamics on various terrains make it suitable for urban environments as well as rural escapades. Coupled with competitive running costs and flexible financing options, it stands as a robust contender in the small SUV market. If you are contemplating a reliable vehicle that embodies both modernity and a classic appeal, the SEAT Arona should be at the top of your list.
Best match for
- Practical families
- Performance enthusiasts
- Budget-conscious buyers
Estimated ownership costs
Based on 10,000 miles per year
£137/month
£73/month
£16/month
£60/month
Estimated total
£286/month
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The handling of the SEAT Arona is commendable, with well-weighted steering that provides excellent feedback. This SUV showcases a lively and sporty character, allowing for precise cornering and stability at speed. Its compact design aids in delivering a nimble performance, ensuri
External voices
What the experts say
The Arona showcases a bold design that is both modern and appealing, with a well-executed dashboard layout. Internal space is commendable, but rear visibility could be improved. Overall, it stands out in the competitive SUV segment for its aesthetics and functionality.
Read full reviewReliability ratings for the SEAT Arona are generally positive, with the brand showing a decent track record. Owners report few significant issues, but some may find the warranty period shorter compared to rivals.
Ownership intelligence
The real cost of owning one
SEAT provides a variety of finance options, most notably competitive lease deals and flexible purchase agreements for the Arona. This ensures that potential buyers can navigate their budget comfortably, whether opting for a standard PCP, finance lease or outright purchase. With attractive APR rates available, the Arona is positioned as a wallet-friendly SUV option for those looking to blend quality and affordability.
The ownership costs associated with the SEAT Arona are competitive, particularly in terms of fuel efficiency. With a variety of engine options, customers can choose a model that best suits their driving habits, ensuring economical running costs. Regular maintenance is simplified with the straightforward design and common parts, making it a practical vehicle for daily use, while servicing options are affordable, contributing to lower total ownership costs.
For hybrid and electric enthusiasts, the SEAT Arona also offers hybrid variants that align with contemporary trends in sustainable driving. Owners can benefit from lower running costs through reduced fuel consumption or, when charging their electric model, enjoy the perks of reduced emissions and government incentives for green vehicles. This flexibility caters to a broader audience keen on eco-friendly alternatives.
Heritage
Milestones & history
2018
SEAT Arona launched, establishing its presence in the market.
2020
Facelift introduced with updated design features and technology.
2022
Expansion of electric and hybrid variants aligns with environmental trends.
Read full launch story
The SEAT Arona was designed to address the increasing demand for compact SUVs that are adaptable to urban environments while maintaining a degree of off-road capability. Since its inception, the Arona has evolved to incorporate advanced technology, improved safety features, and more efficient powertrains, ensuring it remains relevant in a rapidly changing automotive landscape.
Compare with alternatives
The SEAT Arona SUV (2018 onwards) competes effectively by offering a balance of style, practicality, and features against its rivals.
Volkswagen T-Cross
The T-Cross is positioned as a stylish and versatile SUV that offers a premium feel within the small SUV segment.
- vs features
- The T-Cross provides a similar driving experience to the Arona with excellent handling and a comfortable ride. However, it typically features more advanced tech options and a slightly more upscale interior.
- vs price
- The T-Cross is generally more expensive than the Arona, reflecting its brand reputation and advanced features.
Nissan Juke
The Juke is known for its distinctive styling and sporty performance, appealing predominantly to younger buyers.
- vs features
- The Juke leans more towards spirited driving with a sportier suspension setup, but may sacrifice some cabin space and practicality compared to the Arona. Tech features are extensive but can be less intuitive.
- vs price
- The Juke typically falls within the same price range as the Arona, though some higher-end trims can be slightly more expensive.
Peugeot 2008
The 2008 stands out with its bold design and comfortable driving experience, targeting those seeking a stylish yet practical compact SUV.
- vs features
- The 2008 offers a comfortable ride quality with an engaging driving feel, comparable to the Arona. However, it may fall short in the sheer number of available tech features.
- vs price
- The pricing of the 2008 is generally similar to the Arona, though some variants can be pricier due to their premium features.
Available now
SEAT Arona SUV (2018 onwards) for sale on Motoring.Today
Gallery
(15)Specs by trim
SE 1.0 TSI 115PS DSG auto 5dPetrol Automatic · 2017–2018
- Power
- 113 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.7 s
- Top speed
- 113 mph
- Torque
- 200 Nm
- Economy
- 56 mpg
- Range
- 492 mi
- CO₂
- 113 g/km
- Insurance group
- 11
- Road tax
- £190
- New price
- £18,140
1.0 TSI SE 5dPetrol Manual · 2017–2018
- Power
- 93 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 10.8 s
- Top speed
- 108 mph
- Torque
- 175 Nm
- Economy
- 57 mpg
- Range
- 501 mi
- CO₂
- 111 g/km
- Insurance group
- 8
- Road tax
- £190
- New price
- £16,740
SE 1.6 TDI 95PS 5dDiesel Manual · 2017–2018
- Power
- 93 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 11.5 s
- Top speed
- 107 mph
- Torque
- 250 Nm
- Economy
- 65 mpg
- Range
- 572 mi
- CO₂
- 113 g/km
- Insurance group
- 10
- Road tax
- £190
- New price
- £18,640
Xcellence 1.0 TSI 115PS 5dPetrol Manual · 2017–2018
- Power
- 113 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.5 s
- Top speed
- 113 mph
- Torque
- 200 Nm
- Economy
- 57 mpg
- Range
- 501 mi
- CO₂
- 113 g/km
- Insurance group
- 12
- Road tax
- £190
- New price
- £21,140
Xcellence 1.0 TSI 115PS DSG auto 5dPetrol Automatic · 2017–2018
- Power
- 113 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.7 s
- Top speed
- 113 mph
- Torque
- 200 Nm
- Economy
- 56 mpg
- Range
- 492 mi
- CO₂
- 113 g/km
- Insurance group
- 12
- Road tax
- £190
- New price
- £22,140
Xcellence 1.6 TDI 115PS 5dDiesel Manual · 2017–2018
- Power
- 113 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 10 s
- Top speed
- 115 mph
- Torque
- 250 Nm
- Economy
- 65 mpg
- Range
- 572 mi
- CO₂
- 114 g/km
- Insurance group
- 13
- Road tax
- £190
- New price
- £23,000
+ 94 more trim variants
FAQs
- What makes the SEAT Arona a good choice for urban mobility?
- The SEAT Arona’s compact size, stylish design, and electric variant make it ideal for city driving, combining practicality with modern aesthetics.
- How does the SEAT Arona perform on the motorway?
- On the motorway, the Arona offers a quiet cabin and agile acceleration, focusing on comfort rather than sporty driving, making long journeys less tiresome.
- What are the running costs for the electric SEAT Arona?
- The electric variant of the SEAT Arona has operating costs around 2-3p per mile, making it significantly cheaper than petrol or diesel alternatives.
- What safety features does the SEAT Arona offer?
- The SEAT Arona boasts a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, ensuring peace of mind with advanced safety features designed for urban driving.
- What financing options are available for the SEAT Arona?
- With a starting price of £20,345, the SEAT Arona offers competitive financing options, including monthly payments around £247.31 at 4.9% APR.














