Cupra Formentor vs LDV D90
What's the difference?

Cupra Formentor

$49,990 - $94,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

LDV D90

$17,999 - $27,990

2020 price

View pricing & specs

Summary

2026 Cupra Formentor

2020 LDV D90

By Jack Quick

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Twin Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

9.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Makes more sense as a diesel
People-mover practicality
Affordable

Dislikes

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

Terrible software
Cheap interior
A bit unwieldy to drive

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

2020 LDV D90 Summary

It’s pretty hard to miss the LDV D90.

Mainly because it is gigantic; it's one of the biggest SUVs you can buy. In fact, I’d say what’s drawn you to this review is maybe you’ve seen one of these behemoths trucking past, and you’re wondering what the LDV badge is all about and how this relatively unknown SUV stands up against popular rivals and other notable newcomers.

To get one confusing thing out of the way, LDV once stood for Leyland DAF Vans, a now-defunct British company which has been brought back to life by none other than China’s SAIC Motor – yes, the same one which also resurrected MG.

So, is this MG big brother worth looking into? We took the recently released diesel version of the D90 on test for a week to seek some answers…

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Cupra Formentor 2020 LDV D90

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

Looking for a cheap, powerful diesel SUV with huge cabin space and a humane third row for adults? The D90 is a really sound offering, especially considering the price of entry for this top-spec diesel which should resonate with Aussies a bit better than the petrol version.

It has plenty of issues that could be ironed out, but they’re all so small and not sale-breaking it’s almost annoying how much better the D90 could be with just a little work. Rivals should be looking over their shoulder for what comes next.

Cupra Formentor vs LDV D90 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cupra Formentor vs LDV D90
What's the difference?