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Renault Rafale vs SEAT Leon comparison

Compare performance (300 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (37,700 £ vs 24,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Renault Rafale or SEAT Leon?

Renault Rafale vs SEAT Leon: Key differences

Renault Rafale

4.8 (11 Reviews)
rate
  • very slightly more power
  • visibly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • noticeably more trunk space
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SEAT Leon

4.4 (2 Reviews)
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  • substantially cheaper
  • significantly more efficient
  • markedly more electric range
  • noticeably lighter
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Rafale

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

SEAT Leon is substantially cheaper – starting at 24,800 £ , while the Renault Rafale costs 37,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 12,909 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the SEAT Leon uses 1.2 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Renault Rafale with 2 L/100km. The difference is about 0.8 L/100km.

As for electric range, the SEAT Leon offers markedly more range – reaching up to 133 km, about 36 km more than the Renault Rafale.

Leon

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Renault Rafale offers very slightly more power – delivering 300 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 28 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Renault Rafale is visibly quicker – completing the sprint in 6.4 s, while the SEAT Leon takes 7.7 s. That’s about 1.3 s quicker.

Rafale

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, SEAT Leon is noticeably lighter – 1,344 kg compared to 1,734 kg. The difference is around 390 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Renault Rafale offers noticeably more boot space – 627 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 247 L.

When it comes to payload, the SEAT Leon carries a bit more – 521 kg compared to 444 kg. That’s a difference of about 77 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The SEAT Leon is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £24,800
Leon

SEAT Leon

  • Engine Type Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 116 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.2 - 5.5 L/100km
  • Electric Range 133 km
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Frequently compared as well

Renault Austral
Renault Rafale
VS
The Renault Austral and Renault Rafale represent two different takes on the modern Renault SUV: the Austral is a practical, family-oriented compact SUV, while the Rafale aims for a sportier, more premium coupé-SUV character. This comparison focuses on real-world driving, features and ownership …
SEAT Arona
SEAT Leon
VS
City-smart crossover or grown-up hatchback — the SEAT Arona vs SEAT Leon is the clash many buyers face when choosing between style and substance. We take both on the road, test fuel use, boot space and driving feel, and pick the one that fits your commute, weekend plans and bank balance.
Renault Rafale
SEAT Leon

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Renault Rafale

The Renault Rafale dresses bold coupé-inspired lines around a practical crossover body, turning heads without trying too hard. Inside it serves up a comfortable, well-equipped cabin and engaging driving manners, making it a clever choice for buyers who want a bit of panache with their daily commute.

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Reviews Renault Rafale

4.8 (11 Reviews)
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Wiktor
4 Jul 2026, 13:09:04

Comfortable, fast, solidly built, modern, elegant, everyone turns to look at it!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
andy
19 Jun 2026, 12:58:24

Very good value for money for a well-equipped car.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Company car / Business
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Low Budget Urus
4 May 2026, 18:28:11

Resonably good, efficiant and very good looking family hyper Hybrid....

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
PILI
18 Feb 2026, 08:48:58

Very good car — responsive, supple, comfortable and reasonably economical. Not quite at the German premium level for noise insulation, but very close... Exceptional chassis.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Martin
4 Dec 2025, 08:40:43

As a Rafale owner, I'm happy with my choice. The car is spacious, feels luxurious, quiet, robust and very efficient at the same time. I also feel more “up to date” compared to the RAV4.

SEAT Leon

SEAT Leon pairs sharp, modern styling with a cabin that's sensible and slightly sporty, making it an appealing choice for buyers who want flair without fuss. It drives with eager composure and offers a neat balance of comfort and agility, so you get everyday usability with a wink of fun.

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Reviews SEAT Leon

4.4 (2 Reviews)
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FaBio
4 Jan 2026, 21:30:20

Mechanically the car is fairly well built, apart from the rear axle.
The air conditioning is effective and visibility is good, while the FR setup paired with the 18" wheels, in my view, hurts comfort — getting in and out can be awkward. Once on board, though, the seats are very comfortable. The infotainment is comprehensive, with a generously sized screen and full-link smartphone connectivity; the factory sat-nav does what it can, but obviously Maps is superior in every way.
All in all, a fun/sporty car that also winks at family life thanks to a roomy boot and modest fuel consumption.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Frequently compared as well

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Toyota RAV4
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Choosing between the Renault Rafale and the Toyota RAV4 comes down to whether you prioritize style and a more premium hybrid driving experience or proven practicality and long-term reliability. The Rafale focuses on coupe‑SUV styling, refined cabin materials and a sporty hybrid setup, while the …
Peugeot 3008
Renault Rafale
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In the competitive landscape of compact SUVs, the Peugeot 3008 and Renault Rafale stand out with their distinctive designs and advanced features. The 3008 offers an engaging driving experience and a premium interior, while the Rafale impresses with its bold aesthetics and a focus on practicality. …
Renault Arkana
Renault Rafale
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The Renault Arkana and Renault Rafale represent two different takes on Renault's crossover line-up: the Arkana is a compact, value-focused coupe-SUV, while the Rafale aims higher as a larger, more premium fastback crossover packed with technology. This comparison strips away the marketing to help …
Renault Symbioz
Renault Rafale
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The Renault Symbioz is pure concept theatre — a bold, electric vision of autonomous living that dazzles with ideas rather than keys. The Renault Rafale, meanwhile, brings that drama back to the driveway as a stylish, coupe‑SUV you can actually buy: handsome, practical and exactly the kind of …
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Lamborghini Urus
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In a surprising showdown, the Renault Rafale takes on the luxury powerhouse Lamborghini Urus, showcasing how diverse the automotive landscape can be. While the Urus boasts an unmistakable blend of opulence and raw performance, the Rafale impresses with its practicality and innovative tech features, …
SEAT Leon
Toyota Corolla
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SEAT Leon and Toyota Corolla go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice. || Unsure whether the SEAT Leon or the Toyota …
Hyundai Tucson
Renault Rafale
VS
In the competitive compact SUV segment, the Hyundai Tucson and Renault Rafale stand out for their unique design and impressive features. The Tucson offers a spacious interior equipped with cutting-edge technology, while the Rafale impresses with its sporty dynamics and eco-friendly engine options. …
Peugeot 208
SEAT Leon
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In the tussle between the nimble Peugeot 208 and the dynamic SEAT León, both compact contenders offer unique perks for the discerning driver. The Peugeot 208 boasts a chic aesthetic with a modern interior that appeals to city dwellers seeking style and functionality, especially with its efficient …
Renault Rafale
SEAT Leon

Costs and Consumption
Price
37,700 - 49,700 £
Price
24,800 - 36,800 £
Consumption L/100km
2 - 5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 5.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
97 km
Electric Range
133 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
43 - 108 g/km
co2
28 - 126 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,734 - 2,025 kg
Curb weight
1,344 - 1,657 kg
Trunk capacity
539 - 627 L
Trunk capacity
270 - 380 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,886 mm
Width
1,799 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
415 - 444 kg
Payload
473 - 521 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
200 - 300 HP
Power HP
116 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.4 - 8.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.7 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
-
Torque
220 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
147 - 221 kW
Power kW
85 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,968 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B
Brand
Renault
Brand
SEAT
What drive types are available for the Renault Rafale?

The Renault Rafale is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.