SEAT Leon running costs and reliability

Item: SEAT Leon (2020 onwards)
Rating: 4
Author: Murray Scullion

2020 onwards (change model)

Running costs rating: 4 out of 54.0

Written by Murray Scullion Updated: 22 August 2023

Miles per pound (mpp) ⓘ

Low figures relate to the least economical version; high to the most economical. Based on WLTP combined fuel economy for versions of this car made since September 2017 only, and typical current fuel or electricity costs.

Petrol engines	5.8 - 7.8 mpp
Diesel engines	6.9 - 8.4 mpp
Plug-in hybrid petrol engines *	6.6 - 8.0 mpp

* Fuel economy of the engine when operating without assistance from the electric motor and battery.

What is miles per pound?

Fuel economy ⓘ

Low figures relate to the least economical version; high to the most economical. Based on WLTP combined fuel economy for versions of this car made since September 2017 only.

Petrol engines	39.8 - 53.3 mpg
Diesel engines	54.3 - 65.7 mpg
Plug-in hybrid petrol engines *	44.8 - 54.3 mpg

* Fuel economy of the engine when operating without assistance from the electric motor and battery.

View mpg & specs for any version

Petrol, diesel, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid available
Plug-in is the mpg and CO2 champ
Diesel still a happy medium between petrol and plug-in

What are the running costs?

The SEAT Leon range does well when it comes to fuel economy. Diesels may be falling out of fashion, but they’re still the most economical way to run a SEAT Leon if you don’t want to choose the plug-in hybrid. All models come with stop-start to minimise fuel usage when stationary, and fuel tank capacity is 50 litres.

During our time of testing, the 1.5-litre 130hp petrol engine ranged between 45.0-46.3mpg on a mix of motorway and country lanes. Low-speed town driving saw this drop to figures in the high 30s but it didn’t take long to see them rise again.

It can shut down two of its cylinders to further minimise fuel usage and this happened quite often in our test car, helping pinch the pennies and save fuel when you’re cruising. A full tank saw a predicted range of nearly 500 miles, which is jolly impressive for a petrol hatchback of this size.

The highest achiever in terms of mpg is the plug-in hybrid. As with any plug-in the official mpg figures is a pipe dream. On our hour and a half test drive we achieved 73mpg with a full battery at the start. Not bad at all for a mixed route of motorways, a-roads and b-roads.

The diesel is a great halfway house if you can’t make the plug-in lifestyle work for you. It’s easily capable of more than 50mpg in day-to-day driving and there’s no faffing with plugs.

Servicing and warranty

The Leon is offered with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty. This is par for the course and seems a bit stingy compared with the 10-year warranty that Toyota offers.

SEAT offers a variety of service plans. They mostly involve paying a monthly fee and receiving interim (every 12 months or 10,000 miles) and major (every 24 months and 20,000 miles) services. They generally include a two-year warranty on parts used and a courtesy car.

Reliability

Broadly good reliability
But several bad owners reviews
And a few recalls

Owner’s reviews are pointing to the Leon being reliable, but complaints about the infotainment system are becoming apparent.

The Leon has been subject to a few recalls. The most worrying related to seat belts not being anchored properly. If you’re buying used, ensure these recalls have been actioned.