Cupra Formentor vs Audi SQ8
What's the difference?

Cupra Formentor

$49,990 - $94,990

2026 price

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Audi SQ8

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2025 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2026 Cupra Formentor

2025 Audi SQ8

By Jack Quick

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

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Twin Turbo V8, 4.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

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11.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Understated but elegant looks
Gusty engine that delivers serious power
Comfortably fits a large family

Dislikes

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

Never hits any thrilling notes
Technology is harder than it needs to be
Internal storage could be better

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

2025 Audi SQ8 Summary

The Audi SQ8 has had a mid-life refresh but this upper large SUV still offers luxury with its powerful V8 engine that fans know and love, as well as the features you would expect in a top model.

It competes against the Mercedes-AMG GLE and Porsche Cayenne but we’re family testing the SQ8 to see how it handles domestic life.

Keep reading to see what we’ve discovered.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Cupra Formentor 2025 Audi SQ8

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

The Audi SQ8 isn’t your typical performance SUV. It’s more refined and less flashy. The tech can be more complicated than it needs to be and if you’re wanting that V8 soundscape, you won’t find it here.

However, the handling and on road experience are superb plus you can comfortably haul the family around and look good doing it.

Cupra Formentor vs Audi SQ8 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cupra Formentor vs Audi SQ8
What's the difference?