Cupra Formentor vs Lexus LS
What's the difference?

Cupra Formentor

$49,990 - $94,990

2026 price

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Lexus LS

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2023 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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Summary

2026 Cupra Formentor

2023 Lexus LS

By Jack Quick

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

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Twin Turbo V6, 3.4L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

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10.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Business class interior
Japanese feel and quality
Thumping turbo V6

Dislikes

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

Feels a bit old-fashioned to drive
The hybrid would be nicer to be driven in
Dated multimedia software

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 Lexus LS Summary

Surprisingly, for people who would rather be driven than drive themselves, there are quite a few options available in the large luxury sedan market.

While on the whole sedans have fallen from favour, this niche corner of the market continues to let the three-box design thrive.

The options here have changed a bit in the last few years, though, so how does the Lexus flagship, the LS fit into the picture? I drove one around for a week to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Cupra Formentor 2023 Lexus LS

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 LS500 is the least logical version of the most logical option in the ultimate luxury sedan segment in which logic doesn’t often apply at all.

Take from that what you will, but if it was me being driven around I would definitely be opting for the hybrid version of the LS instead for its smooth electrified driving characteristics and lower operating costs.

Cupra Formentor vs Lexus LS What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cupra Formentor vs Lexus LS
What's the difference?