Skoda vs SEAT: which is best?

SEAT and Skoda are two car brands that are very closely related, not only because some of their models have a similar look and feel, but also because they’re owned by the same parent company, Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Group. 

With many of the same parts under the bonnet, you might be wondering what makes these two car brands different - and which one is the best? That’s what we’re going to help you work out!

Guide Contents:

Maintenance Costs

Model Range

Reliability

Warranty and Roadside Assistance

Are Skoda and SEAT engines the same?

Skoda vs SEAT: Maintenance Costs

One of the most important questions you can ask when you’re looking to buy a new car is “how much will it cost to maintain?”

This is particularly important when the car makes that you’re interested in are very similar, like Skoda and SEAT. So which one is the cheapest?

In this case, SEAT comes out on top, with an average service and repair price of just £181.50 compared to Skoda’s average price of £223.68. Generally, full service and MOT prices between the two brands are quite similar, with only a few pounds between them. But over a year, these small differences can price add up.

Skoda vs SEAT: Model Range

Skoda has 12 key models, including the new Kodiaq, Karoq, Kamiq, Enyaq iV and Scala (pictured below), as well as the classic Fabia, Octavia and Superb. 

SEAT, on the other hand, has six key models, including the Mii city car, the iconic Ibiza, New Arona, Ateca, Tarraco and the Leon family.

Skoda vs SEAT: Reliability

Despite Skoda and SEAT cars sharing a number of similarities, their reliability differs from model to model and even between petrol and diesel engines. We’ve created a table using the What Car 2021 Reliability Survey to help you compare the different makes and models. 

Overall, Skoda models come out on top for reliability in each category, with the petrol Skoda Superb being the most reliable overall.

Skoda vs SEAT: Warranty and Roadside Assistance

SEAT vehicles come with a three year or 60,000 mile warranty - whichever comes first. If that doesn’t seem like enough, there are warranty extension options which can be discussed with your local dealer. They also have a three year paintwork warranty.

Similarly, Skoda offers a two year unlimited mileage warranty, including a third year of up to 60,000 miles. In addition to this, they provide a 12-year body protection warranty on all new Skoda's. And, if you want to extend your warranty, you can do so by up to five years or 10,000 miles. Prices start at just £180 for extensions.

Are Skoda and SEAT engines the same?

While Skoda and SEAT share a lot of technology, including many of the parts from which they are built, this doesn’t mean they are perfectly identical under the bonnet. Each car will be slightly different, though there are a few that are well known for being very similar. 

The Skoda Fabia, for example, is mechanically similar to the SEAT Ibiza, while the SEAT Leon (pictured below) is much like the Skoda Octavia. Typically, these cars have a similar level of performance, so it really comes down to price, appearance and reliability when you are choosing between them.

Enjoyed this article? There's more where that came from! 👇

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• Common problems with the Seat Arona

• Is the Skoda Fabia a good first car for new drivers?

• How much does an MOT cost for a Skoda?

• VW v Audi v Seat v Skoda: Which costs the most to maintain?