CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 36.4%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,000
Average Price: Around £16,000

Seat Arona (2017-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Light controls make it easy to drive in town	Diesel engines discontinued from mid-2021
Spacious boot by class standards	No hybrid option
Composed and comfortable ride	Some owners complain of squeaks and rattles

Quick Summary

The Seat Arona (2017-present) is a stylish and practical small SUV that combines attractive design with genuine family-friendly functionality. Built on the Ibiza platform with added ground clearance and a taller body, it offers surprising interior space for its compact size. The 400-litre boot exceeds that of a Volkswagen Golf, whilst the cabin accommodates six-foot adults comfortably. Light steering and well-controlled handling make it easy to manoeuvre in town, whilst the composed ride handles challenging road surfaces with aplomb. Equipment levels are generous across the range, with most models featuring an eight-inch touchscreen and smartphone connectivity.

Engine options include 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol units (95bhp or 110bhp) and earlier 1.5-litre and 1.6-litre diesel variants, all delivering fuel economy exceeding 50mpg in official tests. Real-world figures typically range from 50mpg for petrol versions to 55-60mpg for diesels. CO2 emissions remain below 120g/km across the range, keeping road tax and insurance costs reasonable. The Arona represents excellent value in the crowded small SUV segment, with strong resale values and low running costs making it an inexpensive car to own.

Best for: Younger buyers with or without families, those seeking stylish practicality with personalisation options, and drivers wanting an easy-to-use town car with genuine boot space.

Not ideal for: Buyers requiring diesel engines (post-2021 models), those seeking hybrid technology, or drivers prioritising the most engaging driving dynamics in the segment.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Arona if: You're seeking stylish practicality with personalisation options, want an easy-to-use town car with genuine boot space, or are a younger buyer with or without a family.

Consider alternatives if: You require diesel engines (post-2021 models), seek hybrid technology, or prioritise the most engaging driving dynamics in the segment.

Competitive Position: The Seat Arona is a strong contender in the crowded small SUV market, offering an attractive package of style, practicality, and equipment. Whilst the Skoda Kamiq and Ford Puma score higher on expert ratings and user satisfaction, the Arona remains excellent value with its generous standard kit and spacious interior. The Volkswagen T-Cross offers similar appeal but with less distinctive styling. For budget-conscious buyers seeking a stylish, practical small SUV with low running costs and strong resale values, the Arona represents a sensible choice that doesn't compromise on design or functionality.

Read our full Seat Arona Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.