CUPRA Formentor Review: The Vertu VERDICT
“The CUPRA Formentor punches above its weight on many levels, making it a hugely desirable SUV, particularly for those who don't want to lose the style and zest of a sports hatchback or saloon. The Formentor looks great and there is great breadth in the range, whether you're after a decent value plug-in hybrid, or you're sold on the unexpectedly hot VZ5 flagship. In such a crowded marketplace, the Formentor is something of a welcome tonic."
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Video Review of the CUPRA Formentor
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CUPRA Formentor: The Key Features
- CUPRA - a portmanteau of 'Cup' and 'Racing' - was launched as its own outright brand in 2018 by SEAT having originally debuted as a trim level designated to the Spanish marque's performance models
- The Formentor was the first standalone model to be launched by the CUPRA brand, instead of being an existing modified SEAT model
- It has a broad engine range, including petrol, mild-hybrid petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains
- Power outputs range from 148bhp and the top-of-the-range all-wheel drive Formentor V5 with 335bhp on tap
- Low-slung, coupe-style SUV look brimming with unique CUPRA identifiers, including copper detailing, illuminated badging and triangular headlight arrangement
- Alloy wheels, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, LED headlights, automatic wipers and a full ADAS safety suite standard on each trim
- It has been awarded the maximum five-stars by EuroNCAP crash test assessment
- CUPRA Formentor comes with a standard 5-year/90,000-mile manufacturer warranty
- The Formentor has been a huge success for CUPRA, selling over 100,000 units across Europe in 2025 alone
Who is the CUPRA Formentor Best Suited To?
- Buyers who need a spacious, practical family SUV but don't want to sacrifice style and sportiness along the way
- Image conscious buyers who will appreciate the CUPRA's trendy reputation and strong residuals
- Company car drivers who will get a lower benefit-in-kind (BiK) tax band with the frugal e-HYBRID PHEV
- Couples and small families will find the Formentor is both an excellent daily driver for short journeys and a practical load lugger for trips away
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CUPRA Formentor Trim Levels & Equipment
CUPRA Formentor Trims | Powertrain Options | Standard Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| 18-inch alloy wheels (Sonora), automatic wipers, LED headlights, 13.2-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, 6-speaker audio system, USB-C ports, dual/front/side airbags, air-conditioning, sound insulating glass, keyless entry and start, ADAS safety suite, privacy glass | |
| 19-inch alloy wheels (Sandstorm), panoramic sunroof, roof rails, tinted rear windows, silent glass, ambient lighting, synthetic leather seats, heated front seats, power seats, integrated satellite navigation, wireless phone charging, front and rear parking sensors, 540-degree panoramic camera view, adaptive cruise control, remote opening windows (in addition to Pure) | |
| Power passenger seat, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, head-up display, 14.8-inch touchscreen display, 8-speaker sound system, air purification, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats (in addition to Deluxe) | |
| 19-inch alloy wheels (Artic), Matrix LED headlights, leather seating with embroidered logo, leather dashboard, door insert and side trim panel, top view camera, intelligent park assist, advanced lane assist, side assist with blind spot monitor (in addition to Tribe) | |
| 19-inch alloy wheels (Hailstorm), Sennhaiser audio system, CUP bucket seats, Akebono brake discs and calipers (4Drive only), Brembo brakes (TSI and e-HYBRID) (in addition to VZ2) | |
| 20-inch machined copper alloy wheels, rear diffuser with twin exhaust pipes (in addition to VZ3) |
CUPRA Formentor Technical Specifications
[Scroll left on table for full specifications]
CUPRA Formentor Technical Specifications | 1.5-litre TSI MHEV | 2.0-litre TSI 265 MHEV | 2.0-litre TSI 333 MHEV | 2.5-litre TSI MHEV | 1.5-litre eHybrid PHEV (25.8kWh) |
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Type | Sports SUV | Sports SUV | Sports SUV | Sports SUV | Sports SUV |
Seats | 5 Seats | 5 Seats | 5 Seats | 5 Seats | 5 Seats |
Trims | V1, V2, Tribe | VZ2, VZ3 | VZ2, VZ3 | VZ5 | V1, V2, Tribe, VZ2, VZ3 |
Powertrain | Turbocharged Mild-Hybrid Petrol | Turbocharged Mild-Hybrid Petrol | Turbocharged Mild-Hybrid Petrol (AWD) | Turbocharged Mild-Hybrid Petrol (AWD) | PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid) |
Power | 148bhp | 261bhp | 328bhp | 385bhp | 268bhp |
0-62mph | 9.0secs | 6.5secs | 4.8secs | 4.2secs | 7.2secs |
Fuel Economy | 44.8mpg | 36.2mpg | 32.1mpg | 28.0mpg | 176.6mpg |
EV Range (WLTP) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 77-miles |
CO2 Emissions | 142g/km | 177g/km | 198g/km | 230g/km | 35g/km |
Boot Space (5 Seats) | 450-litres | 450-litres | 420-litres | 420-litres | 345-litres |
Insurance Group | 21E - 22E | 30E - 31E | 34E - 35E | N/A | 26E - 30E |
EuroNCAP Safety Rating | 5-Stars | 5-Stars | 5-Stars | 5-Stars | 5-Stars |
What We Like About the CUPRA Formentor
- The CUPRA Formentor looks sleeker and more stylish than your average SUV - perfect for those who still want kerb appeal in their family car
- It's a young brand but CUPRA's attention to detail has become its signature - we love the copper flashes, bold use of lighting and moody colour schemes
- One of the few marques out there with an image that can stand up to premium brand rivals while maintaining attractive mainstream pricing
- Diverse range line-up has something for everyone - affordable daily-drivers, cost-efficient PHEVs and even a red hot performance flagship that'll hit 0-62mph in four seconds
- With up 75-miles of electric-only range, the Formentor e-HYBRID is one of the most appealing PHEVs on the market right now
- Interior is stylish and comfortably, while recent updates have made the large touchscreen better to navigate
- A used CUPRA Formentor makes an excellent value alternative too
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Sporty SUVs To Also Consider...
Audi Q3 Sportback
A recent update has brought the Audi Q3 SUV and its more rakish Q3 Sportback sibling into line with the rest of the Ingolstadt marque's range. Understated - yet attractive - styling on the outside gives way to a classy, well thought-out interior brimming with handy tech, while the driving experience remains as dynamic as you'd expect from Audi.
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BMW X2
The BMW X2 takes all the qualities associated with the Munich marque - involving dynamics, top notch quality and a sublime interior experience - and remixes it into a compact coupe-style SUV that cuts a dash wherever it goes.
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Range Rover Evoque
It's not the newest premium SUV out there but it is testament to the timeless quality of the Range Rover Evoque's design that it still turns heads even after all this time. Successfully distilling all of Range Rover's nous for premium quality into a comparatively compact package, the Evoque remains a status symbol to aspire to.
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* Details correct at the time of publication (September 2026)
Review Published: September 2026
Updated: September 2026
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