Cupra Formentor vs Mahindra Scorpio-N
What's the difference?

Cupra Formentor

$49,990 - $94,990

2026 price

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Mahindra Scorpio-N

$48,990 - $48,990

2026 price

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Summary

2026 Cupra Formentor

2026 Mahindra Scorpio-N

By Jack Quick

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.2L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

7.2L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Capable 4WD
Reasonable on-road
Now it has more safety gear

Dislikes

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

No mechanical changes
It costs more
No ANCAP safety rating

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 Mahindra Scorpio-N Summary

The Mahindra Scorpio is back – but now it has upgraded safety tech (including AEB) and it’s only available in one variant: the Z8L+.

This is a 4WD wagon with a fair bit of appeal: seven seats, a stack of standard features, a low-range transfer case, an automatic rear diff lock and its price-tag – at just under $50 grand – won’t kick you in the space near the pocket where you keep your wallet.

It hasn’t undergone any mechanical changes so is the Scorpio any good off-road?

Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Cupra Formentor 2026 Mahindra Scorpio-N

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

It may seem like I've been harsh on this Mahindra but I reckon the Scorpio Z8L+ is a positive product for the company.

It’s nice enough to drive on-road – reasonably refined and comfortable – and it’s also a capable 4WD, with some trade-offs.

But this seven-seat wagon remains a good value-for-money prospect with the addition of more driver-assist tech onboard boosting its safety and adding to its overall appeal.

Cupra Formentor vs Mahindra Scorpio-N What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cupra Formentor vs Mahindra Scorpio-N
What's the difference?