The SEAT Tarraco is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured by the Spanish automobile manufacturer SEAT from 2018 to 2020. Positioned as the brand’s flagship SUV, the Tarraco was designed to compete in the highly popular family SUV segment, primarily within the European market. It’s notable as SEAT’s largest SUV, offering seating for up to seven passengers. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding the Tarraco provides insight into the evolving SUV landscape and SEAT’s engineering capabilities within the Volkswagen Group.
SEAT Tarraco 2.0 TDI: Overview and Market Positioning
The Tarraco, named after a city in Catalonia, Spain, represents SEAT’s ambition to move upmarket and offer a more premium SUV experience. It shares its platform – the Volkswagen Group’s MQB architecture – with models like the Škoda Kodiaq and the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. This platform allows for a spacious interior and a range of efficient engine options. The Tarraco aimed to provide a compelling alternative to established players in the European SUV market, focusing on practicality, technology, and a sporty driving experience characteristic of the SEAT brand.
Engine & Performance
The 2.0 TDI variant of the SEAT Tarraco features a four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine displacing 1,968 cubic centimeters (120.09 cubic inches). This engine produces 190 horsepower at 3,500-4,000 rpm and a substantial 400 Newton-meters (295.02 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG) and a 4Drive all-wheel-drive system. This combination allows for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 8 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 7.6 seconds. The Tarraco 2.0 TDI achieves a maximum speed of 210 km/h (130.49 mph). Fuel economy, measured using the WLTP cycle, ranges from 7.0 to 7.6 liters per 100 kilometers (33.6 to 30.9 US mpg), with CO2 emissions between 183 and 200 grams per kilometer.
Design & Features
The SEAT Tarraco is a five-door SUV with a distinctive exterior design, incorporating SEAT’s characteristic sharp lines and sporty styling cues. Its spacious interior is a key selling point, offering comfortable seating for up to seven passengers across three rows. The Tarraco’s interior is well-appointed, with a focus on practicality and user-friendly technology. Standard features typically include a touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, and a range of driver-assistance systems. Safety features are comprehensive, including ABS, electronic stability control, and multiple airbags. The Tarraco’s large trunk offers 230 liters (8.12 cu. ft.) of space with all seats in place, expanding to 700 liters (24.72 cu. ft.) with the third row folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4,735 mm (186.42 in) in length, 1,839 mm (72.4 in) in width, and 1,674 mm (65.91 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,790 mm (109.84 in).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | SEAT |
| Model | Tarraco |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 TDI (190 Hp) 4Drive DSG 7 Seat |
| Start of production | December, 2018 |
| End of production | September, 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 7.0 – 7.6 l/100 km (33.6 – 30.9 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 183 – 200 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 190 Hp @ 3500-4000 rpm |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 1750-3250 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft. @ 1750-3250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | EA288 / DFHA |
| Engine displacement | 1968 cm3 (120.09 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 95.5 mm (3.76 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 15.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.7 l (4.97 US qt | 4.14 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1770 kg (3902.18 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2550 kg (5621.79 lbs.) |
| Max load | 780 kg (1719.61 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 230 l (8.12 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 700 l (24.72 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 2300 kg (5070.63 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2300 kg (5070.63 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4735 mm (186.42 in.) |
| Width | 1839 mm (72.4 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2118 mm (83.39 in.) |
| Height | 1674 mm (65.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2790 mm (109.84 in.) |
| Front track | 1585 mm (62.4 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1574 mm (61.97 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission DSG |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 340 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 300 mm |
| Tires size | 235/50 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 19 |
The SEAT Tarraco, while not available in the US market, represents a significant offering in the European SUV segment. Its combination of spaciousness, efficiency, and technology made it a competitive choice for families seeking a versatile and practical vehicle.
