@ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
@ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard
VS

SEAT Leon vs Skoda Octavia Combi – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether SEAT Leon or Skoda Octavia Combi fits your lifestyle better.

Leon @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

SEAT León vs Skoda Octavia Combi: Which European Contender Reigns Supreme?

In the world of European automobiles, few debates can rival the fierce rivalry between the SEAT León and the Skoda Octavia Combi. Known for their style, practicality, and innovative technology, these two vehicles have captured the hearts of enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. Let's dive into a detailed comparison, exploring their technical prowess and groundbreaking innovations.

Octavia Combi @ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard

Design and Dimensions

The SEAT León epitomizes the modern hatchback with its sleek contours and dynamic stance. With a length of 4368 mm, a width of 1799 mm, and a height ranging from 1442 to 1460 mm, it offers a compact yet roomy profile. The hatchback configuration also means it's easier to navigate in tight urban environments compared to larger vehicles.

On the other hand, the Skoda Octavia Combi presents itself as a streamlined wagon. Its dimensions—ranging from 4698 to 4709 mm in length, 1829 mm in width, and a height between 1455 and 1491 mm—provide ample space for passengers and cargo, with a cavernous trunk capacity of 640 liters. This makes the Octavia Combi a preferred choice for those needing extra storage, especially families or travelers.

Leon @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

Under the Hood

Both vehicles offer a range of engine options aimed at different drivers. The SEAT León provides diverse possibilities, from traditional petrol engines to modern MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) and plug-in hybrid solutions. With horsepower ranging between 110 and 272 HP, and torque spanning from 220 to 360 Nm, the León adapts to both efficiency-driven and performance-minded drivers. The León can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in as swiftly as 7.7 seconds, and reach top speeds of up to 220 km/h, depending on the engine choice.

The Skoda Octavia Combi's range includes petrol, MHEV, and diesel options, with power outputs from 116 to 265 HP and torque figures between 220 and 370 Nm. While it takes about 6.5 to 10.7 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h, the Octavia's top speed can hit up to 250 km/h. Notably, it also offers all-wheel-drive capabilities, enhancing traction on diverse driving surfaces.

Octavia Combi @ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

With increasing emphasis on sustainability, both cars offer impressive fuel efficiency. The SEAT León boasts consumption figures starting from 4.5 L/100km for diesel variants and offers an electric range of up to 133 km on its plug-in hybrid model. The León’s CO2 efficiency classes range between D and B, demonstrating its commitment to reduced emissions.

Conversely, the Skoda Octavia Combi delivers consumption as low as 4.4 L/100km, particularly in its diesel variants, with CO2 emissions falling between 114 and 157 g/km. The Octavia has a slightly higher CO2 efficiency class span ranging from D to F, reflecting broader engine efficiency and output variations.

Leon @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

Technological Advancements

Both vehicles have embraced technological advancements to enhance driver and passenger experience. The León features a modern infotainment system with a high-resolution touchscreen, offering intuitive controls and connectivity options to keep drivers connected. The Octavia Combi doesn’t fall behind, sporting Skoda's proprietary tech suite, offering seamless integration of smartphone functionalities and advanced driver-assistance systems.

Octavia Combi @ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Fit

Your choice between the SEAT León and Skoda Octavia Combi rests on what you prioritize in a vehicle. If you seek a dynamic hatchback with cutting-edge hybrid options, the León stands out as a compelling choice. Meanwhile, if your needs align more with the practicality, space, and versatility of a wagon, the Octavia Combi rises to the occasion. Both vehicles, however, carry their brand’s legacy of reliable performance and innovation, ensuring you steer with pride and confidence on European roads.

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

Leon @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Skoda Octavia Combi has a slight advantage in terms of price – it starts at 24400 £, while the SEAT Leon costs 24500 £. That’s a price difference of around 34 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: SEAT Leon manages with 1.20 L and is therefore significantly more efficient than the Skoda Octavia Combi with 4.40 L. The difference is about 3.20 L per 100 km.

Octavia Combi @ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the SEAT Leon has a hardly perceptible edge – offering 272 HP compared to 265 HP. That’s roughly 7 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Skoda Octavia Combi is a bit quicker – completing the sprint in 6.50 s, while the SEAT Leon takes 7.70 s. That’s about 1.20 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Skoda Octavia Combi performs slightly better – reaching 250 km/h, while the SEAT Leon tops out at 220 km/h. The difference is around 30 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Skoda Octavia Combi pulls slight stronger with 370 Nm compared to 360 Nm. That’s about 10 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, SEAT Leon is slight lighter – 1344 kg compared to 1366 kg. The difference is around 22 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Skoda Octavia Combi offers significantly more room – 640 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 260 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Skoda Octavia Combi performs distinct better – up to 1700 L, which is about 399 L more than the SEAT Leon.

When it comes to payload, Skoda Octavia Combi hardly perceptible takes the win – 534 kg compared to 521 kg. That’s a difference of about 13 kg.

Who wins the race?

The SEAT Leon proves to be outperforms in nearly all aspects and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
SEAT Leon is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £24,500
Leon @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

SEAT Leon

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

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.

details

Skoda Octavia Combi

The Skoda Octavia Combi is the sensible family wagon that somehow turns grocery runs and long trips into a pleasant, unshowy experience — spacious, practical and built like it prefers reliability over flash. With smart touches, clever storage and a cabin that feels grown-up rather than frugal, it’s an easy recommendation for buyers who want maximum utility without sacrificing comfort or style.

details
SEAT Leon
Skoda Octavia Combi
Leon @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
Octavia Combi @ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard

Costs and Consumption

Price
24500 - 36400 £
Price
24400 - 42300 £
Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 5.5 L
Consumption L/100km
4.4 - 6.9 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
133 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
27 - 126 g/km
co2
113 - 157 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 45 L
Fuel tank capacity
45 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1344 - 1657 kg
Curb weight
1366 - 1553 kg
Trunk capacity
270 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
640 L
Length
4368 mm
Length
4698 - 4709 mm
Width
1799 mm
Width
1829 mm
Height
1442 - 1460 mm
Height
1455 - 1468 mm
Max trunk capacity
1187 - 1301 L
Max trunk capacity
1700 L
Payload
473 - 521 kg
Payload
471 - 534 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 272 HP
Power HP
116 - 265 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.7 - 10.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 10.7 s
Max Speed
197 - 220 km/h
Max Speed
203 - 250 km/h
Torque
220 - 360 Nm
Torque
220 - 370 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 200 kW
Power kW
85 - 195 kW
Engine capacity
1498 - 1968 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, D, C
Brand
SEAT
Brand
Skoda
What drive types are available for the SEAT Leon?

The SEAT Leon is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.