Cupra Formentor vs Mini Countryman
What's the difference?

Cupra Formentor

$49,990 - $94,990

2026 price

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Mini Countryman

$45,900 - $81,800

2025 price

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Summary

2026 Cupra Formentor

2025 Mini Countryman

By Jack Quick

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Gorgeous Mini styling
Strong on-road performance
Lots of personalisation available

Dislikes

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

Lacking a few features for a top-grade model
An expensive endeavour for a Mini
Not much separates the two trim levels

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 Mini Countryman Summary

The Mini Countryman is the not-so-mini cousin to the iconic and smaller Mini Cooper.

The new generation offers a larger body-size, fun new interiors and a whole suite of updated technology.

We're in the flagship John Cooper Works grade in Favoured trim to find out if this small SUV is still urban-friendly and fun after all of these changes.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Cupra Formentor 2025 Mini Countryman

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 new Mini Countryman John Cooper Works in Favoured trim offers everything you’d expect it to - the iconic Mini styling, a powerful driving performance and a well-equipped cabin. It’s a wonderfully quick urban dweller that you can park anywhere but is just as happy on the open-road. For me, this is pure fun and offers more personality than a lot of its rivals.

Cupra Formentor vs Mini Countryman What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cupra Formentor vs Mini Countryman
What's the difference?