The Seat Arona is one of the best compact SUVs on the market. Although it costs more than a similar Ibiza hatchback, all variants come with many standard features, making it a very affordable option. It is also economical and fun to drive.
The Seat Arona, which debuted in 2018, immediately rose to the top of the compact SUV market. It was an easy victory for Seat because competitors such as the previous-generation Nissan Juke, Ford EcoSport, and Vauxhall Crossland X failed to attract customers to dealerships. But today’s market is vastly more competitive, so the Arona has received a significant upgrade. By reading our comprehensive review, find out if the 2022 Seat Arona is still one of the best compact SUVs.
The 2022 Seat Arona, which sits below the Seat Ateca and Tarraco in the brand’s lineup, combines all the attractive features of the Ibiza hatchback with a high ride height and a sleek SUV design. But don’t assume that because of its ride height and SUV-like design, it’s an off-road vehicle. The all-wheel drive Seat Arona isn’t available for purchase, but that’s fine unless you want to wade through deep mud.
Since it’s an Ibiza on stilts, it’s fun to drive and inexpensive to operate. The SEAT Arona’s incredible speed in and out of town is one of its main selling features. If you’re a passionate driver, the Ford Puma will likely make you smile, but the SEAT Arona changes directions enthusiastically, and the light steering comes in handy on city streets.
The Seat Arona offers only a small range of engines, including 1.0 and 1.5-liter petrol engines and a 1.6-liter TDI diesel (for short). It’s excellent news that the 1.0-liter engine powers the majority of Arona models since it’s such an agile little engine, especially the more powerful type with 115 PS. Its power was later reduced to 110 PS, although you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference in the actual world.
According to official fuel economy testing, the 1.0-liter engine can get 51.4 mpg, making the diesel somewhat outdated. You’ll be better off with one of the petrol alternatives, even on the highway, because the TDI is a relatively slow vehicle. If you spend much time on the open road, the 150-horsepower 1.5-liter naturally aspirated will be handy (and you like to put your foot down).
The SEAT Arona’s driving Seat does not feel as high as many competitors, even though a high riding position is desirable for a compact SUV. While it’s easy to get in and out of, it won’t be as towering over other vehicles as it does on larger SUVs like the Skoda Karoq.
While it lacks some of the flares of the early versions, the interior looks good. This is remarkably accurate for the less expensive trim levels. However, if you opt for the SEAT Arona FR or higher, you will begin to enjoy amenities such as the leather-covered dashboard and sports seats. During the 2021 redesign, cabin quality has improved dramatically, and a new infotainment system has been included.
It’s a roomy option, with room in the back for two. There are competitors with larger trunks, but the Seat Arona’s box is usefully square, and all models come with an adjustable trunk floor. The rear seats can always be folded down if you need extra space.
All Seat Aronas are well-equipped, but the more expensive trim levels feel more luxurious. The entry-level SE is far from a “rental car,” with a touchscreen media system, cruise control, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The SEAT Arona offers excellent value for money.
Do you need a 2022 SEAT Arona?
The SEAT Arona will fit right into your driveway if you’re looking for a stylish little SUV that’s both practical and fun. In addition to feeling better put together than a Nissan Juke or a Renault Captur, it is more modern than a Skoda Kamiq. Yet, the Ford Puma is a more contemporary option with the appeal of effective mild-hybrid engines.
Which SEAT Arona model and engine should you pick?
The SEAT Arona’s most common engine is the 1.0-liter gasoline unit. While it may seem minor, the turbocharged engine has much power, particularly the more potent 115 PS (after 110 PS) type. This also sports a six-speed manual transmission, unlike the 95PS unit’s five-speed gearbox. It is unquestionably a benefit if you intend to spend a lot of time on the freeway.
Regarding the trim level, we’d suggest the SEAT Arona SE Technology because of its standard solid equipment levels without exceeding the budget. The Arona FR’s ambient lighting, sports seats, and leatherette dash are just a few of the lovely amenities that come with pricier variants.
Which other vehicles compare well to the SEAT Arona?
Considering the SEAT Arona, you should also consider the Skoda Kamiq. While it has the same mechanical components as the Arona, it is roomier and provides more incredible value. They and the VW T-Cross have much in common, although the Volkswagen seems a little more upscale.
We’d also suggest the Peugeot 2008, Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, and Ford Puma (especially if you’re looking for a compact SUV that’s entertaining to drive). There is the MG HS if you want something more significant for the same price.
SEAT Arona’s interior comfort and style
“Many consumers see a high seating position as one of the most crucial characteristics of a compact SUV; however, the SEAT Arona lacks this trait. The seat height isn’t much higher than in the standard Ibiza hatchback.
The SEAT Arona’s Seat has good adjustability, but you must make all your adjustments by hand. Even high-spec versions lack electric seats and adjustable lumbar support. It may be a deal-breaker if you have back problems, but the centers support lengthy trips for the rest of us.
Apart from the seats, the SEAT Arona’s interior is slick but lacks flair. While, with the possible exception of the Peugeot 2008, none of the SEAT Arona’s competitors has fascinating interiors, we’d expect a bit more given the unique exterior color options.
If you spend extra money on one of the higher-spec versions, you will get a cabin with a little more style. If you often stroke your dashboard, the SEAT Arona FR, for instance, has a leatherette-finished dashboard (which feels better to the touch than the essential dash). Front passengers can access sports seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with a flat bottom.
Due to its white dashboard and ambient lighting, which come as standard equipment, the upscale SEAT Arona Xcellence does seem a little more opulent.
Even so, the inside of the SEAT Arona is practical and well-designed. The driver has easy access to everything they would need while driving, and we like that SEAT has continued to use traditional buttons for functions like temperature control. The infotainment system shouldn’t be used as an excuse to be needlessly preoccupied.
quality and execution
Early SEAT Arona interiors weren’t very luxurious, but they were well-built and capable of handling family life. The comparable Skoda Kamiq has more soft-touch materials, but a MINI Countryman seems much more upscale.
With the 2021 makeover, the inside significantly improved perceived quality thanks to a more upscale dashboard design and soft-touch materials. Even the base SEAT Arona SE now has leather on the steering wheel and gear knob. At the same time, SEAT Arona FR variants and higher come standard with enticing features like illuminated air vents and ambient interior lighting.
The SEAT Arona’s infotainment system has a touchscreen, USB, navigation, and a radio.
The base SEAT Arona SE model from the first three years of production has a 6.5-inch media system mounted in the dashboard. Despite the rather tacky appearance, this is very useful. Standard features include DAB radio, Bluetooth, and smartphone connectivity (including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). This allows you to effortlessly access your music playlists and utilize third-party applications like Google Maps for navigation. Since CD players were optional, society has advanced significantly.
Yet with its connection pack plus, we believe it’s worthwhile to go for a SEAT Arona SE Technology or above. This has an eight-inch navigation system that fills the dashboard considerably more effectively (and can give you directions without relying on your smartphone).
The 2021 makeover included an improvement to the entertainment system. Today, an 8.2-inch touchscreen media system is standard on all SEAT Arona SE models. It is conveniently mounted high on the dashboard (making it much easier to glance at while driving than before). A larger 9.2-inch display, navigation, and several linked services are available in higher-spec trim levels (such as online map updates).
High-end variants starting in the middle of 2018 include SEAT’s posh Digital Cockpit configuration. With this, a 10.25-inch digital display that can be customized to show a variety of driving, navigation, and entertainment elements takes the place of the outdated analog speedometer and rev counter. Compared to younger competitors, it makes the SEAT Arona seem adequately current. And although some could argue that it might be a little distracting, there are simplified options that display the most critical data, such as your speed.
Space and practicality: SEAT Arona boot space
The Ibiza hatchback’s proportions are hardly more significant than the SEAT Arona’s. Its dimensions are 4138mm long, 1780mm wide (door mirrors included), and 1543mm high, so it should fit in a small parking spot or even a garage (if you’re one of the few individuals who still uses a garage to keep a vehicle nowadays).
As we’ve already said, you don’t sit nearly as high in the SEAT Arona as you would in other competitors. Nonetheless, the low seats mean there is a ton of headroom in the front, which is beneficial if you’re incredibly tall.
You won’t run out of storage to keep your miscellaneous items while still having plenty of shoulder room. Get a top-notch model with its included storage pack if that is a top priority. Highlights include a front center armrest and a drawer installed beneath the front passenger seat. Just picture all the little things you may collect there.
Despite being a tiny SUV (below the Ateca in the SEAT lineup), the SEAT Arona has a surprisingly large backseat. Teens will be comfortable back there, with plenty of head and leg space. However, carrying three people in the back seats won’t be without its issues.
The SEAT Arona may not have the giant boot in its class, but it can haul 400 liters of baggage, which puts it on par with the VW Golf. This rises to 823 liters when the back seats are removed, which is still a respectably small volume when compared to, for instance, the Skoda Kamiq. Since the boot floor is height-adjustable by default, you don’t have to pull bulky objects over an irritating boot lip. While the rear seats do not swivel (like in a Renault Captur), they can still be folded down if you need additional room.
Is the Seat Arona leading it in terms of handling and ride quality?
“Although clickability isn’t a major factor for the majority of compact SUV buyers, the Seat Arona is right up there with the Ford Puma in terms of handling.” You won’t even notice the vehicle’s higher center of gravity compared to the small Ibiza hatchback since it’s so sloppy to drive and has such brisk handling.
Most SEAT Arona models have a ride profile function that makes the steering heavier during everyday driving and heavier during sport mode. Although a bit gimmicky, it will be helpful if you want to transport Arona after dropping the kids off at school.
It’s more important how simple the SEAT Arona is to drive around town. Even if you don’t sit that high, the scenery is excellent and has a very modest footprint. The clutch pedal and the transmission, as is the steering, are light enough. Driving the Seat Arona will not be difficult for everyone.
With rear parking sensors as standard across the board, parking is also a breeze (except for the entry-level SE model). A rearview camera, front parking sensors, and SEAT’s self-parking capabilities to assist in parking were all included in the top-end Xcellence Lux (later XPerience Lux) model.
The Seat Arona has a much firmer ride than the Volkswagen T-Roc and Skoda Kamiq. This is especially true of higher-spec cars, such as the FR versions, which have a sport suspension and larger alloy wheels.
What SEAT Arona engine and transmission options are available?
The little 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine is the best option for the SEAT Arona. Even though it is minor, the SEAT Arona delivers a powerful punch, particularly in 110 or 115 PS form (the economy SEAT Arona line-up also has a 95 PS model).
While not as precise as the Puma’s finicky gear shift, the standard manual gearbox is adequate. It’s essential to remember that the 95PS version has a five-speed transmission rather than the more powerful model’s six-speed transmission. Moreover, a DSG automatic gearbox with the more powerful 115 PS 1.0-litre engine is available.
You may choose the 1.5-liter gasoline if you often drive in the outer lane of the freeway. Despite the low sales volume, most customers will find the 1.0-liter engine more than sufficient.
The 1.6-liter diesel, removed from the lineup in 2020, may be considered equivalent. Ordinarily, we’d advise diesel for drivers who log a lot of kilometers, but the 1.6 TDI’s lack of power (just 95 PS available) makes it seem even less suited to long highway drives than the base 1.0-liter petrol.
While the SEAT Arona has a higher ride height and a rougher appearance, all variants are just two-wheel-drive and shouldn’t be expected to go far into the wilderness. In our opinion, a pair of winter tires will get you through the majority of driving conditions you’re likely to see daily. Nevertheless, if you genuinely want a four-wheel drive, consider the Ford EcoSport or Hyundai Kona. You might also give Peugeot’s outstanding 2008 model with its clever Grip Control system some thought.
Noise levels and sophistication
Because of the SEAT Arona’s SUV-like form, which makes it less aerodynamic than the Ibiza hatchback, you’ll have to put up with more wind noise at high speeds. But it’s usually quite refined, and road noise isn’t audible even with large alloy wheels installed.
The 1.0-liter engine is loud, mainly if you give it some beans, as many other comparable three-cylinder petrol engines are. Yet it has personality and isn’t too obnoxious (well, maybe a little if you buy the 95PS model with the five-speed gearbox and regularly drive on the motorway).
Mainly when the engine is cold, the 1.6-liter TDI SEAT Arona is grumpier, and the interior vibrates slightly more.
Safety equipment: How secure is the SEAT Arona?
Even the most basic Seat Arona models are equipped with several practical safety features, such as a system for alerting drivers when they are weary, hill-hold control, and emergency brake assist with the front assist. Particularly the latter might save your life; when it notices the automobile in front is stopping, it applies the brakes to avoid an uncomfortable accident.
Only FR models and higher get an alarm system, an anomaly in the lineup. The absence of it elsewhere in the spectrum is strange, but it shouldn’t be a deal-breaker. The SEAT Arona received a maximum of five stars out of five for safety in a 2017 Euro NCAP crash test.
MPG and fuel costs: How much does it cost to operate a SEAT Arona?
No matter which engine you pick, the SEAT Arona won’t be very expensive to fuel.
The 1.6-liter TDI diesel engine is the go-to option for anybody who travels a lot, so it shouldn’t be unexpected that it was removed from the lineup in 2020 as more and more consumers shift away from diesel vehicles. But many of them are available on the secondhand market, and their official fuel economy rating is an impressive 65.7 mpg (dropping to 64.2 mpg with the automatic gearbox). It’s reasonable to suggest that real-world mpg in the late 50s should be possible.
Officially, the 1.0-liter gasoline engine can get up to 51.4 mpg. It may decrease somewhat in practice, especially if you travel a lot of miles on the highway (its native habitat is the city), but it won’t break the budget. With the automatic gearbox, this decreases to 47.9 mpg. In official testing, the more powerful 1.5 gasoline achieves up to 45.6 mpg.
What is the SEAT Arona’s reliability?
On the 2020 HonestJohn.co.uk Satisfaction Index, the SEAT Arona fared less than average in dependability, achieving just 8.64 out of 10. It is less stable than stablemates like the VW T-Cross and Skoda Kamiq.
The 1.5 TSI gasoline engine was the main problem, and it began to affect numerous vehicles made by the VW Group in early 2019. The issue primarily affects 1.5 TSI vehicles with manual transmissions and causes the car to hesitate when cold, producing a “kangarooing” sensation. But after a patch was implemented, there haven’t been many complaints of new issues.
Costs and insurance groups
The insurance categories for the SEAT Arona vary from 8 to 18. As a result, insurance costs are somewhat higher than for a similar Ibiza, although comparable to compact SUV competitors like the Skoda Kamiq. Unsurprisingly, 95-PS 1.0-liter gasoline-powered Aronas cost the least to insure. The most expensive is a 1.5-liter TSI with a DSG transmission.
Trim levels and standard accessories
The Seat Arona SE opens the lineup with a large amount of equipment. You get metallic paint, 17-inch alloy wheels, a 6.5-inch media system with DAB radio and smartphone connectivity, interior ambient lighting, a leather steering wheel, cruise control, and air conditioning, which will be updated to an 8.2-inch system starting in 2021. Some of these goodies are ones that we’d only anticipate at the top of the range, but SEAT takes pride in its substantial standard equipment levels and manageable option lists.
Nonetheless, SE Technology models are recommended for tech enthusiasts. This adds the Connectivity Pack Plus, which includes a wireless phone charger, a USB-C port, and an eight-inch (later 9.2-inch) touchscreen sat-nav to the SEAT Arona SE’s existing equipment. It also comes equipped with rear parking sensors.
An elegant option is the Seat Arona FR. Tinted rear windows, colored door mirrors, LED headlights, LED taillights, chrome window trim, and chrome roof rails are all standard equipment. Front sport seats, a leatherette dashboard, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel with red stitching are all inside. Standard features include an alarm system, automatic rain-sensing wipers, sport suspension, and dual-zone temperature control.
The Seat Arona FR Sport, a sporty vehicle, seems more unique. It has 18-inch alloy wheels on the exterior, a digital cockpit, microsuede upholstery, and heated front seats inside.
The Seat Arona Xcellence (later renamed the Arona Xperience) is a compact SUV with some luxury. It has stylish 17-inch alloy wheels, a white dashboard, storage pockets on the backs of the front seats, the Storage Pack (which includes a front center armrest and a drawer under the front passenger seat), adaptive cruise control, and keyless entry and starts.
The Xcellence Lux is at the top of the SEAT Arona lineup (or Xperience Lux). Features include heated front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, a digital cockpit, leatherette upholstery, a leatherette dash, and front parking sensors.
