Cupra Formentor vs Kia Niro
What's the difference?

Cupra Formentor

$49,990 - $94,990

2026 price

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Kia Niro

$28,990 - $54,990

2023 price

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Summary

2026 Cupra Formentor

2023 Kia Niro

By Jack Quick

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Electric

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Decent driving range
Pleasant interior design
Easy-to-use tech

Dislikes

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

Rougher ride
Doughy acceleration from a full stop
Expensive compared to rivals

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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2023 Kia Niro Summary

Kia has released the newly updated Niro, which is the smaller and less sporty sibling to Kia’s popular, EV6. As far as EVs go, it has a decent driving range and specs that should entice first-time electric vehicle owners to dip their toes into the EV pool.

However, the updated model does come with a price hike… which might not excite a budget-conscious buyer, especially with such affordable competitors like the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric also available.

I’ve been hanging in it for a week with my family of three to see how it handles!

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Cupra Formentor 2023 Kia Niro

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 Kia Niro S Electric is a solid little SUV that has decent space inside and some nice specs, but it's more expensive than its nearest rivals. The EV powertrain can take a little getting used to and I would have liked a smoother ride, but the 460km driving range is good.

For first-time EV owners, this wouldn’t be a bad option if you wanted to dip your toes in the water but it will suit urban dwellers and smaller families, like mine, best. This gets a 7.5/10 from me.

My son wasn’t in love with this one. Not enough buttons for him to press and he did comment on how bumpy the ride was in the back. He gives it a 6.0/10.

Cupra Formentor vs Kia Niro What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cupra Formentor vs Kia Niro
What's the difference?