Cupra Formentor vs Alfa Romeo Tonale
What's the difference?

Cupra Formentor

$49,990 - $94,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Alfa Romeo Tonale

$64,990 - $79,000

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

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Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Cupra Formentor

2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale

By Jack Quick

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

—

Inline 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

—

5.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Well-equipped
Massive range boost for PHEV
Fun and engaging to drive

Sculpted looks
Improved spec
Driver-centric interior

Dislikes

Small boot in PHEV
Formentor S runs out of puff
Lots of tyre roar

Fun but not thrilling
Not the most practical SUV
Pricey servicing, bleak residuals

2026 Cupra Formentor Summary

We’ve waited more than two years and it’s finally here.

Cupra has introduced the updated version of its most popular car in Australia, the Formentor.

A spicy small SUV rival to the likes of the Mini Countryman, BMW X2 and Audi Q3, among others, this design-led small SUV is now offered in more flavours than ever before.

It’s our first time testing out this updated Formentor on local soil, so read on to see how it stacks up.

View full pricing & specs

2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale Summary

Alfa Romeo’s Tonale has been a success for the company globally, but you wouldn’t know it in Australia.

Alfa, along with brands like Fiat, Peugeot, Renault and even Skoda are scrabbling for traction in our oversaturated market, absolutely heaving with mainstream mid-size SUVs and cheap competition.

Euro alternatives are on the back foot and the Tonale looks like it’s on the precipice of extinction, registering just 50 units in the sales data this year.

That hasn’t stopped Alfa from introducing this new updated model with a raft of improvements it says will help boost its chances.

Is it worth a second look? Let’s find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Cupra Formentor 2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale

Verdict

It’s clear that Cupra has listened to feedback as this updated Formentor addresses many key criticisms of the pre-update car. Overall it makes it easier to live with and to recommend than before.

Although the VZe's updated PHEV powertrain offers double the amount of electric range, the V forms as a sweet spot of the line-up as it offers all the power and equipment you'd ever need. It's hard to look past the top-spec VZx though as power is a drug.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

Stuck between efficiency and performance, the Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce Ibrida can’t really decide what kind of car it wants to be.

Fun, but not fun enough. Efficient, but not truly frugal. Pragmatically sized, but not super practical. Improved on inclusions, but not on price point.

The one area this car truly excels at is looking really good no matter what it’s doing. I’m not sure that’s enough to increase its appeal in what has become the most competitive new car market in the world.

Cupra Formentor vs Alfa Romeo Tonale What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cupra Formentor vs Alfa Romeo Tonale
What's the difference?