SEAT is the brand that put Spain on wheels. Founded in 1950, it transformed a recovering nation with the legendary "600." Later acquired by Volkswagen, it became the group's "youthful, emotional" arm. Today, however, it faces its biggest challenge yet: being overshadowed by its own successful spinoff, Cupra.
Explore the current production vehicles.
The heart of the modern SEAT brand. The Leon is the Spanish sibling to the VW Golf, but with a sharper, more emotional design and a sportier driving character. The high-performance Cupra versions were legendary hot hatches that spawned a new brand.
A European icon and the car that put SEAT on the global map. The Ibiza is a stylish and fun-to-drive supermini, with the original Giugiaro-designed model being a massive success. It has always been the youthful, energetic soul of the brand.
The brand's first-ever SUV and a critically acclaimed success. The Ateca is a sharp-handling and stylish compact SUV that brought SEAT's signature driving dynamics and design flair to the booming crossover market. A true driver's choice in its class.
The flagship 7-seat SUV of the SEAT lineup. The Tarraco is the Spanish counterpart to the VW Tiguan Allspace and Škoda Kodiaq, offering a blend of sharp design, family-friendly practicality, and a premium, spacious interior.
The funky and customizable small crossover built for the city. The Arona is a stylish and agile urban SUV known for its contrasting roof colors and a host of personalization options, making it a popular choice for expressive, modern drivers.
Before it was a brand, it was a legend. 'Cupra' (for Cup Racing) was the badge on the fastest and most desirable SEATs. From the Ibiza to the Leon, Cupra models were giant-killing performance icons, especially on the Nürburgring.
The versatile and incredibly spacious family car that was a cornerstone of the brand for decades. The original Giugiaro-designed Toledo was a masterpiece of packaging, a sedan with the cargo capacity of a huge hatchback. A true family champion.
The car that put Spain on wheels. The SEAT 600 was a license-built version of the Fiat 600, a tiny, rear-engine city car that became a symbol of the country's economic miracle in the post-war era. A true national icon and a beloved classic.
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To understand SEAT (Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo), you must understand the SEAT 600. Launched in 1957 (as a licensed Fiat 600), it was the first car most Spanish families could afford.
It didn't just transport people; it changed the culture. It allowed families to go on holidays to the coast, sparking domestic tourism. In Spain, the "Pelotilla" (Little Ball) is not just a car; it is a national monument of freedom.
In the early 80s, SEAT broke up with Fiat. They needed a new car to survive, but they didn't have the engineering resources. So, they hired Porsche to design an engine for them.
The result was the SEAT Ibiza Mk1 (1984). If you lift the hood of an early Ibiza, stamped right on the engine block are the words "System Porsche." It remains one of the coolest flexes in hatchback historyâa budget car with a German sports car pedigree.
In 1986, Volkswagen Group bought SEAT. They positioned it as the "Spanish Alfa Romeo"âemotional, sporty, and designed in Barcelona, but built with reliable German parts.
This era gave us the SEAT Leon. Essentially a VW Golf in a tighter dress, the Leon became the default choice for young European drivers who found the Golf too boring and the Audi A3 too expensive.
Today, SEAT is in a strange position. In 2018, they spun off their performance division, Cupra, into a standalone brand. Cupra became a massive hit, selling higher-margin cars.
This success has threatened the parent. Volkswagen has hinted that SEAT may stop making cars in the future and pivot to "urban mobility" (scooters and quadricycles), leaving the car manufacturing to Cupra. It is a case of a child eating its parent.
If you are buying used, SEAT is often the smartest buy in the VW Group.
SEAT is the brand of the sunny Mediterranean: vibrant, loud, and full of life, even if its future remains uncertain.
No, SEAT does not officially sell new vehicles in the United States in 2026. The brand remains focused on the European and Latin American markets. While its sister brand, Cupra, has announced long-term plans for a US entry after 2030, SEAT has been repositioned as the "entry-level" brand for the Volkswagen Group in existing markets and is not slated for a North American launch.
Under the 25-year import rule, any SEAT manufactured in 2001 or earlier is officially eligible for legal import to the USA in 2026. This allows collectors to bring in iconic models that were never sold in North America, such as:
These vehicles are exempt from FMVSS and EPA restrictions once they reach exactly 25 years from their specific manufacture date.
Despite earlier rumors of a total phase-out, SEAT has confirmed a brand renewal for 2026. While Cupra has taken over the high-performance and premium electric segments, SEAT continues to produce internal combustion engine (ICE) and mild-hybrid (eTSI) vehicles. In 2026, the updated Ibiza and Arona models feature refreshed LED lighting and modernized cabins, maintaining SEAT's role as the accessible, youth-oriented brand within the VW Group.
The 2026 SEAT Leon continues to offer a balanced driving experience. The flagship engine in the SEAT-badged lineup is the 1.5 eTSI mild-hybrid producing 150 horsepower. It features a 48V system that assists with acceleration and improves fuel efficiency. For US enthusiasts importing older units, the 2001 Leon Cupra R is the performance benchmark, delivering 210 hp and a 0-60 mph time of roughly 7.0 seconds.
Yes, maintenance for a SEAT in the USA is surprisingly manageable. Because SEAT is part of the Volkswagen Group, most models share engines, transmissions, and suspension components with the VW Golf, Jetta, and Audi A3. US owners of imported 2001 Leons or Ibizas can source mechanical spares from local VW dealers or specialized European parts retailers like FCP Euro and ECS Tuning.
The SEAT MÃ is the brandâs urban mobility division, specializing in 100% electric scooters and micro-mobility solutions. In 2026, the SEAT MÃ 125 Performance is popular in European cities for its 133 km range and "e-Boost" function. While not officially sold in the US, these e-scooters represent SEATâs pivot toward becoming a comprehensive urban mobility provider.
To import a SEAT Ibiza to the US in 2026, the vehicle must have been manufactured in or before the corresponding month of 2001. You must provide original registration documents or a manufacturer certificate of conformity. Once it clears U.S. Customs using the HS-7 and 3520-1 forms, it can be titled as a classic vehicle in most states, allowing it to bypass modern crash-test requirements.
The 2026 SEAT Arona, the brand's compact crossover, features a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Standard technology includes Travel Assist (combining Lane Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control), Front Assist with emergency braking, and Blind Spot Detection. These systems are powered by the latest VW Group sensor suite, ensuring the Arona remains one of the safest vehicles in the entry-level segment.
In 2026, SEAT primarily focuses on Internal Combustion and Hybrid powertrains. The brand has delayed its transition to full-scale electric cars until the late 2020s to keep prices accessible. For those seeking a fully electric Spanish vehicle in 2026, the Cupra Born or Tavascan are the designated choices, as the VW Group has positioned Cupra as the primary EV pioneer for the Martorell facility.
The 2026 SEAT Ibiza offers a practical 355-liter trunk capacity, which is competitive for the B-segment hatchback class. With the rear seats folded, this expands significantly for larger items. American fans of small hatchbacks often compare the Ibizaâs dimensions to the VW Polo, noting its agile handling and "Spanish flair" in design compared to its German cousins.