Cupra Formentor vs Haval H9
What's the difference?

Cupra Formentor

$49,990 - $94,990

2026 price

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Haval H9

$17,758 - $24,990

2019 price

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Summary

2026 Cupra Formentor

2019 Haval H9

By Jack Quick

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

—

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

—

10.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Great value
Advanced safety equipment
Spacious and practical

Dislikes

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

Seats could be more comfortable
Agricultural driving dynamics
No diesel engine available

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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2019 Haval H9 Summary

Not content with being China’s biggest auto brand, Haval is trying to win Australia over and is now throwing everything it’s got at us in the form of its H9 flagship SUV.

Think of the H9 as an alternative to seven-seat off-roaders such as the SsangYong Rexton or Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and you’re on the right track.

We tested the top-grade Ultra in the H9 range when it came to live with my family for a week.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Cupra Formentor 2019 Haval H9

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

There's a lot to like about the Havel H9 - it's great value, practical and spacious, packed with advanced safety tech, and also darn good looking. More comfortable seats would be an improvement and so would a better feel to the cabin materials and switchgear.

As for the H9's on-road performance - the 2.0-litre engine isn't the most responsive and the ladder frame chassis limits its dynamics.

So, unless you need an off-road SUV the H9 is borderline overkill in the city, where you could step into something without four-wheel drive and with more car-like comfort and handling.

Cupra Formentor vs Haval H9 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cupra Formentor vs Haval H9
What's the difference?