Cupra Formentor vs Lexus LC
What's the difference?

Cupra Formentor

$49,990 - $94,990

2026 price

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Lexus LC

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2021 price

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Summary

2026 Cupra Formentor

2021 Lexus LC

By Jack Quick

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

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V8, 5.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

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12.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Punchy engine
Throaty exhaust
Climate-controlled cabin

Dislikes

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

Disconnect from the drive experience
Lexus trackpad tech persists
Thirsty

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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2021 Lexus LC Summary

Being a true Jack of all trades in the car world is rare.

Generally speaking, a vehicle is either capable or comfortable. Attractive or aerodynamic. Practical or performance orientated. And problems arise when cars try to do all those things well, all at the same time.

Which make the Lexus LC 500 Convertible such an interesting proposition. Because it is, without doubt, stylish, and lavishly equipped. It’s also rather large and rather heavy. All of which is perfect for cruising the Bondi foreshore.

But it’s also equipped with a thumping V8 engine and a throaty exhaust that sounds like bricks in a blender on the overrun. It’s stiffer than the LFA supercar, and plenty powerful, which should deliver one of Lexus’ sportiest-ever drives.

So can the LC 500 really do it all? Let’s find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Cupra Formentor 2021 Lexus LC

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

Stunning to behold, and even more so to listen to, the LC 500 Convertible with no doubt turn as many heads as its owners surely want it to. It's not the final word in performance, but it's a lavishly equipped transporter none the less.

Cupra Formentor vs Lexus LC What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cupra Formentor vs Lexus LC
What's the difference?