Cupra Formentor vs Subaru Forester
What's the difference?

Cupra Formentor

$49,990 - $94,990

2026 price

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Subaru Forester

$43,490 - $55,990

2026 price

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Summary

2026 Cupra Formentor

2026 Subaru Forester

By Jack Quick

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

Seating

Likes

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

Nice interior
Refined on-road
Suitably capable off-road

Dislikes

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

Sluggish acceleration
Needs all-terrain tyres
Intrusive driver alert system

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 Subaru Forester Summary

The sixth-generation of Subaru’s Forester has landed and while the new hybrid versions constitute the biggest news of this batch, the petrol-only variants should not be ignored.

The five-seat mid-size SUV has a 2.5-litre four-cylinder 'boxer' engine, Subaru’s well-regarded 'symmetrical all-wheel drive' system and some new changes inside and out.

So, does the top-spec Touring offer the best value-for-money in the petrol Forester line-up?

Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Cupra Formentor 2026 Subaru Forester

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 MY26 Subaru Forester packs plenty of punch in terms of standard features, a roomy and functional interior and overall driveability. Sure, it’s not the most exciting vehicle to drive on- or off-road but to get stuck on that is to miss the point entirely. This is a decent all-rounder with a solid background and an AWD system that long ago set the gold standard for vehicles of this type.

In a tough mid-size SUV market segment aimed more at those intent on driving through car parks rather than adventuring through national parks, the Forester offers greater versatility than most and should not be ignored.

Cupra Formentor vs Subaru Forester What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cupra Formentor vs Subaru Forester
What's the difference?