Cupra Formentor vs Chery Tiggo 8
What's the difference?

Cupra Formentor

$49,990 - $94,990

2026 price

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Chery Tiggo 8

$42,990 - $46,990

2026 price

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Summary

2026 Cupra Formentor

2026 Chery Tiggo 8

By Jack Quick

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

Seating

Likes

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

Excellent value
Smart hybrid tech
Decent third row

Dislikes

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

Touchscreen dependence
Software should be better
Spongey driving dynamics

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.

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2026 Chery Tiggo 8 Summary

Once upon a time, not very long ago, there were tough choices to make when it came to buying a seven-seat SUV. Did you want lots of space? A hybrid? Or, for it to be affordable?

In a move that will no doubt horrify old favourites, Chery’s new Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid sets out to prove you can have all of these things at once.

Offering seven seats in an ideal upper mid-sized format, complete with a plug-in hybrid system at the price of a combustion rival, the Tiggo 8 ticks too many boxes to count.

Is it too good to be true? We went to its Australian launch to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Cupra Formentor 2026 Chery Tiggo 8

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

A bargain price, clever hybrid system, and a spacious interior with useful third row is a rare and potent combination which should continue to catapult Chery into a successful future.

Sure, the dull driving dynamics, sometimes befuddling software, and over reliance on touchscreens could and should be addressed, but at this price and with these ownership terms, the Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid is a tough proposition to argue with.

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

Cupra Formentor vs Chery Tiggo 8 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cupra Formentor vs Chery Tiggo 8
What's the difference?