Cupra Formentor vs BYD Shark 6
What's the difference?

Cupra Formentor

$51,990 - $94,990

2026 price

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BYD Shark 6

$55,900 - $62,900

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2026 Cupra Formentor

2026 BYD Shark 6

By Jack Quick

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Handsome styling will win hearts
Solid equipment list
Sharply priced

Dislikes

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

One grade limits options
Under-calibrated safety tech
Underwhelming petrol engine

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 BYD Shark 6 Summary

The BYD Shark 6 Premium has burst onto the scene with plenty of hype and a bit of side-eye from Aussie ute loyalists.

We’re a tough crowd, especially when it comes to vehicles that need to juggle family life, work gear, and weekend adventures.

So we put this handsome newcomer to the test to see whether it delivers genuine practicality and fun, or if it’s simply talking the talk in a ute-shaped body.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Cupra Formentor 2026 BYD Shark 6

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 BYD Shark 6 Premium is perfect for weekend camping trips or ferrying the family around the city, but the underpowered engine, mixed handling, and quirky safety tech hold it back. If it could match its rivals’ capability while keeping its sharp looks, it would be a near-perfect package but right now, it just doesn’t.

Cupra Formentor vs BYD Shark 6 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cupra Formentor vs BYD Shark 6
What's the difference?