SEAT's first SUV had to be a good one, and thankfully the Ateca has scored a direct hit. More than that, it's combination of style, space, quality, driving enjoyment and value earned it the title of Crossover of the Year 2016 at our New Car Awards. The Spanish brand's sharp design language ensures that the SEAT Ateca is one of the best looking SUVs of its kind. There's substance underneath, too, with a wide range of punchy and efficient engines and a well-tuned chassis making the Ateca the best in its class on the road. A lack of kit for the cheapest models and slightly dull interior may deter some, but the impressive space on offer, general air of solidity and availability of four-wheel drive gives the Ateca all it needs to beat the Nissan Qashqai.
The Seat Ateca breaks new ground for Seat, because the Spanish brand has previously built as many SUVs as it has spaceships. But while Seat is undoubtedly very late to the party, it’s drawing on the experience of others and offering keen pricing. Underneath the sharp bodywork is essentially the same mechanicals that sits beneath the much more expensive Volkswagen Tiguan. True, the Ateca misses out on some of that car’s practical features, such as reclining and sliding rear seats, but it still has a large boot and masses of rear seat space. We think many people will happily give up the VW’s extra flexibility when they consider that a very well equipped four-wheel-drive Ateca will cost the same as a mid-range two-wheel-drive Tiguan.
The SEAT Ateca is an affordable, practical and desirable SUV that gives buyers a great alternative to the Renault Kadjar and Nissan Qashqai. SEAT has never had an SUV in its line-up before, but the SEAT Ateca has quickly become one of our favourites, giving potential Renault Kadjar and Nissan Qashqai owners a great alternative. The Spanish manufacturer hasn’t exactly started from a standstill, as most of you will know the Ateca shares a considerable amount with the Volkswagen Tiguan. But, the SEAT did get a small head start in the UK, going on sale first, costing less and looking rather stylish, too.
Pros Very well priced Looks fantastic Good to drive
Cons Slightly firm ride Not a completely flat loading area Tiny five-inch screen on cheaper models
The 2017 Jeep Renegade is the smallest Jeep you can buy, appealing both to commuters and off-roaders, but its design can outshine its performance. The 2017 Jeep Renegade, the smallest crossover you can buy from Fiat Chrysler's fabled off-road brand, continues for its third model year with only minor changes. It's the smallest Jeep sold since the Willys Jeep launched as a post-war civilian vehicle, but it's a modern utility vehicle with features GIs never dreamed of. Trim levels for the little Renegade run from Sport through Latitude and Limited, and include the tougher off-road Trailhawk version as well.
Pros Genuine Jeep Mostly quiet Off-road ability if needed Neat design touches Clever removable roof
Cons Styling borders on cute Cramped rear seat Fuel economy so-so
The 2017 Jeep Renegade ranks 3 out of 12 Subcompact SUVs. The 2017 Jeep Renegade ranks high on our list of subcompact SUVs for its balanced on- and off-road performance – which is an exceedingly rare combination in any SUV, much less the subcompact SUV class – and its quality interior.
Pros Incredible off-road abilities Upscale cabin Lithe yet comfortable handling
Cons Very few standard features Poor fuel economy compared to rivals
The Jeep Renegade certainly isn't the first carlike Jeep, but it's the first one to prove that Jeep styling and playfulness can translate successfully to a subcompact crossover. It's rewarding to drive yet still practical. The 2017 Jeep Renegade essentially carries over from the previous year. Xenon headlights (delayed availability), automatic high beams, and keyless ignition and entry are new features this year.
Pros Lots of character with a classic Jeep look Agile handling when going around turns Plenty of easy-to-use technology features Best-in-class off-road capability with Trailhawk model
Cons Middling fuel economy Confused and clunky nine-speed automatic transmission Tight rear seat legroom for adults Limited cargo capacity compared to rivals Boxy shape makes for lots of wind noise on the highway.
