The Seat Tarraco, a mid-size SUV that debuted in 2018, is officially being retired. This news comes from Seat themselves, marking the end of the road for this Spanish contender in the crowded SUV market. While Seat acknowledges the Tarraco's "success," sales figures tell a slightly different story.
Here's the lowdown: after a promising start with nearly 30,000 units sold in Europe during 2019, Tarraco sales took a nosedive, dropping to a mere 12,872 units by 2022. This pales in comparison to its close cousin, the Skoda Kodiaq, which saw peak sales of over 88,000 units in Europe during the same year.
So, what's next for Seat in the mid-size SUV segment? Enter the Cupra Terramar. This upcoming offering from Seat's sportier sibling brand, Cupra, will take the Tarraco's place. The Terramar boasts a sportier aesthetic, advanced technology, and a focus on electrification, featuring both mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains shared with the Volkswagen Tiguan. However, keep in mind that the Cupra is a more compact option, measuring a full 9.25 inches shorter than the Tarraco.
This move by Seat isn't entirely surprising. The Tarraco's absence from their March 2024 reboot presentation hinted at its fate, while other Seat models like the Ibiza, Arona, Ateca, and Leon received lifespans extended until the "end of the combustion era." This suggests a strategic shift towards smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles for the core Seat brand.
Despite the official announcement, you might still find Tarracos lingering on Seat's website for a while. Dealerships will likely continue selling them until current inventory runs out. So, if you've been eyeing the Tarraco, it might be your last chance to snag this Spanish SUV.
The future of the mid-size SUV segment for Seat lies with the Cupra Terramar. While it offers a sportier and potentially more fuel-efficient option, its smaller size might not be ideal for everyone who loved the Tarraco's spaciousness. Only time will tell if the Terramar can recapture the market share that eluded the Tarraco.