• Generous space in the first two rows
• Plus a large, flexible boot
• Third row less roomy than Kodiaq

How much space is there?

Passengers in the first two rows of the SEAT Tarraco won’t be complaining. Up front, adjustment in the seats is generous, and with plenty of leg and headroom available, it’s all very comfortable. It’s a similar story in the middle row, with space for three adults across the bench – although it’s worth pointing out there aren’t three individual seats. Still, the bench slides and tilts so you can adjust the positioning to get more comfortable.

• We rate the best seven-seater SUVs for 2020

Getting into the third row is a bit of a faff. While the seats tilt and slide forwards to get in, they don’t go quite far enough forwards, and there isn’t an awful lot of room when you get there – mainly because there’s not much space for your feet.

If you’re any taller than a small child, the middle row will need to remain slid forwards. It’s fine for occasional use, but the rear windows are small and could cause a bit of claustrophobia. It’s also worth noting that the Skoda Kodiaq has slightly more room, which is aided by the larger rear side windows, which result in more light for the passengers.

Storage cubbies throughout are plentiful though, with a flexible area for bottles and cups in the centre console, large doorbins throughout and a big glovebox.

The Tarraco is basically the same size as the Tiguan Allspace and Kodiaq. It’s not huge, and doesn’t feel it on the move so it’s reassuringly easy to manoeuvre and see out of. The reversing camera on some models aids things, but it’s not the highest resolution. Standard-fit parking sensors and light steering help here, aiding manoeuvrability.

Boot space and storage

At the back, SEAT claims the Tarraco’s boot measures at 700 litres with the third row folded into the floor (230 litres with the third row in place). Also, with a flat floor and space to store the load cover beneath the boot floor, it’s a very user-friendly interior. The second row folds down easily, too.

That big boot is one of the reasons we named this one of our recommended cars for dog owners.

Is it easy to park?

As a seven-seater SUV, the Kodiaq is a substantial car but don’t let that intimidate you. Parking it isn’t too traumatic as there’s good visibility and the high seating position means you can see over the bonnet and around its extremities.

There are parking sensors on the rear bumper as standard on all models, but FR models and above get self-parking capability. That and an area-view camera is also available, making parking a doddle.

How big is it?

View full specs

Safety

• All Tarracos come with a good amount of safety kit
• Five-star crash safety rating from Euro NCAP
• Should prove a safe family car

The SEAT Tarraco comes with an extensive list of safety equipment as standard across the range, which has contributed to its five-star crash safety rating from Euro NCAP.

It comes with seven airbags throughout the cabin, as well as active front headrests to reduce the impact of whiplash in a rear-end collision. Front assist measures the distance to the car in front and provides a warning, and includes autonomous emergency braking if it detects an imminent collision.

Lane assist is also standard, while higher-spec models come with adaptive cruise control fitted. In the event of a collision, an eCall system notifies the emergency services, while a tiredness recognition system also recommends breaks if it detects erratic driving.

Finally, Isofix points are fitted to the two outer seats in the middle row, as well as the passenger seat in the front.