SEAT Arona facelift: what’s new inside and out

Gareth J. Hargreaves • August 28, 2026 13:08

Since its launch in 2017, the SEAT Arona has shifted more than 350 000 units, quickly cementing its place as one of the Spanish brand’s key models.

Four years on, it has now received the customary mid-life update, arriving with a raft of changes designed to keep its success story rolling.

There are styling tweaks on the outside, but they are far from dramatic, with SEAT directing most of its attention towards the cabin.

The interior has been extensively reworked, bringing improved ergonomics, stronger connectivity, larger screens and, above all, a noticeable step up in perceived quality - the same approach was applied to the Ibiza, revealed alongside this Arona. In doing so, it falls into line with the rest of the Martorell line-up, following recent updates for the Ateca and Tarraco SUVs and the arrival of a new generation of Leon.

Exterior styling changed… only slightly

From the outside, the most obvious update is the new front bumper and the repositioned (optional) fog lights. They now sit higher up and adopt a round shape. Are we the only ones who think they look inspired by those on the CUPRA Formentor?

The headlights now feature LED technology as standard - with Full LED available as an option - and, together with the revised radiator grille, help give this B-SUV a more distinctive look. The aim is a tougher, more rugged presence, particularly in the new Xperience trim level, which leans harder into the model’s off-road-inspired cues.

At the rear, the key additions are a new spoiler and a new air diffuser, plus the model name rendered in a raised, handwritten-style script - a detail already seen on the latest models from the Spanish manufacturer.

Rounding out the refreshed Arona’s exterior are three new alloy wheel designs, ranging from 17” to 18”, and a 10-colour palette that introduces three brand-new shades: Camouflage Green, Asphalt Blue and Sapphire Blue. Buyers can also choose from three different roof colours (Midnight Black, Magnetic Grey and the new Candy White), allowing each Arona to be tailored to personal taste.

In total, the new SEAT Arona will be offered in four trim levels: Reference, Style, Xperience (replacing Xcellence) and FR.

Interior revolution

The Arona’s cabin was beginning to show its age, and SEAT has addressed that head-on with this update to its smallest SUV. The outcome is a major overhaul inside, with improvements delivered across almost the board.

One of the headline changes is the new infotainment system, featuring an 8.25” central screen (or 9,2” as an option). This display has been moved higher up, which helps ergonomics, safety and ease of use, and it is paired with a 10,25” Digital Cockpit to create a fully digital driving environment.

Using the Full Link system, it is possible to integrate a smartphone wirelessly with the infotainment via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There are also online functions (including traffic information, parking, filling stations and internet radio), alongside SEAT CONNECT services.

SEAT also says it has refined assembly and finishing quality for a more upmarket feel overall. That is reflected in the new Nappa multifunction steering wheel (standard on Xperience and FR) and the redesigned dashboard. Another new feature is the LED-illuminated surrounds for the air vents.

Improved safety

The updated SEAT Arona also expands its driver assistance offering. In addition to retaining fatigue detection, Front Assist and adaptive cruise control, it now includes a travel assistant that enables semi-autonomous driving at any speed. This system ensures the vehicle maintains speed in line with traffic, and it works alongside lane assist (to keep the vehicle centred in its lane) and traffic sign recognition.

Also added are a new side assist to support safer lane changes, blind-spot monitoring with a range of up to 70 metres, high-beam assist and Park Assist.

What about the engines?

The new SEAT Arona is available with four petrol engines (EcoTSI), producing between 95 cv and 150 cv, plus a 90 cv CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) option. All petrol engines use a turbocharger and direct injection technology:

1.0 EcoTSI - 95 cv and 175 Nm; 5-speed manual gearbox;
1.0 EcoTSI - 110 cv and 200 Nm; 6-speed manual gearbox;
1.0 EcoTSI - 110 cv and 200 Nm; 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch);
1.5 EcoTSI - 150 cv and 250 Nm; 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch);
1.0 TGI - 90 cv and 160 Nm; 6-speed manual gearbox.

No Arona variant is planned with hybrid power - neither a conventional hybrid nor a plug-in hybrid - and there is no fully electric version on the cards either. Electrified versions of the small Spanish SUV are only expected with the next generation.