Cupra Formentor vs MG MGS5 EV
What's the difference?

Cupra Formentor

$49,990 - $94,990

2026 price

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MG MGS5 EV

$22,990 - $50,190

2025 price

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Summary

2026 Cupra Formentor

2025 MG MGS5 EV

By Jack Quick

By Laura Berry

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

Great to drive
Stunning styling
Excellent practicality

Dislikes

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

More driving range would be better
No front boot
No head-up display

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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2025 MG MGS5 EV Summary

MG’s latest electric vehicle has arrived in Australia. The MG S5 EV replaces the super popular MG ZS EV. But don’t think of the MG S5 EV as just a replacement because if first impressions ring true this small budget electric SUV could be the new benchmark for the class.

The arrival could not be better timed. A multitude of new Chinese brands have been landing in Australia with small affordable electric SUVs such as the BYD Atto 3, Chery Omoda E5 and Zeekr X, while the MG ZS EV was getting older and uncompetitive even if its price was almost unbeatable.

Now the S5 EV has landed and our first impressions show it to be outstanding. We’ve tested it and can tell you how well it stacks up against the ZS EV and after you read this review you'll also know how well it may compare to its small budget electric SUV rivals.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Cupra Formentor 2025 MG MGS5 EV

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

Benchmark is a big word. But I’ve been testing cars long enough to know when and where to use it, and if my motoring instincts are correct the MG S5 EV could be the new benchmark for budget small electric SUVs.

Still we’ve only driven one grade - the Essence with the bigger 62kWh battery. We need to get the other grades into the garage to test them too, but on first impressions the MG S5 is outstanding for price, practicality, styling, ownership, and the way it drives.

Cupra Formentor vs MG MGS5 EV What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cupra Formentor vs MG MGS5 EV
What's the difference?