Cupra Formentor vs KGM Rexton
What's the difference?

Cupra Formentor

$49,990 - $94,990

2026 price

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KGM Rexton

$49,218 - $60,383

2026 price

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Summary

2026 Cupra Formentor

2026 KGM Rexton

By Jack Quick

By Marcus Craft

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

Family friendly
Low-key functional
Reasonable off-road performance

Dislikes

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

Lacklustre engine
Vulnerable underbody
Clunky auto rear diff lock

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 KGM Rexton Summary

KGM – formerly SsangYong – has revised its seven-seat Rexton range for 2026, with some minor changes throughout the Australian line-up and a name-change for the Adventure, which has now become the Advance.

The Advance is a seven-seat large SUV with high and low-range gearing, an auto-locking rear differential and 3.5 tonne towing capacity.

Is this a value-for-money rival for the likes of GWM Tank 500, Mahindra Scorpio and LDV D90, or could it be a viable (cheaper) alternative to the Isuzu MU-X, Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport or even Ford Everest?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Cupra Formentor 2026 KGM Rexton

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 KGM Rexton Advance is a large 4WD wagon packing an adequate amount of appeal.

It’s nice to drive on the open road, it’s comfortable and it signals continued incremental progress for KGM in terms of quality and functionality.

It’s fine for light off-roading but its 4WD efficacy is lacking. While it's not in the same class as something like the Ford Everest in terms of refinement, comfort, and general quality, ultimately, a lot of its rivals represent greater value for money and all-round driveability as family vehicles.

And even though it does offer owners a chance to take their urban-focussed SUV into the bush, its price is climbing, and other rival vehicles offer a more refined overall driving experience.

Cupra Formentor vs KGM Rexton What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cupra Formentor vs KGM Rexton
What's the difference?