Cupra Formentor vs Volkswagen Tayron
What's the difference?

Cupra Formentor

$49,990 - $94,990

2026 price

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Volkswagen Tayron

$48,950 - $76,550

2026 price

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Summary

2026 Cupra Formentor

2026 Volkswagen Tayron

By Jack Quick

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

8.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Thoughtful family features
Comfortable daily driver
Great boot space

Dislikes

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

Lacks the finesse and power of Touareg
Third row is still a 'sometimes seat'
Expensive ownership

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 Volkswagen Tayron Summary

Volkswagen has a new large SUV in the Tayron (pronounced TIE-ron), and it arrives with a fair bit riding on it. Replacing the Tiguan Allspace and taking on some of the duties left by the departing Touareg, it’s now the brand’s key seven-seat family offering.

We’re testing the flagship 195TSI R-Line with established petrol rivals like the Kia Sorento GT-Line, Skoda Kodiaq RS and Toyota Kluger Grande in mind. After a few weeks of school-holiday mayhem, complete with feral kids, does it sink or swim?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Cupra Formentor 2026 Volkswagen Tayron

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

So, does the new Volkswagen Tayron 195TSI R-Line sink or swim? It's definitely swimming as it delivers a solid blend of features and comforts for families seeking a 'sometime' seven-seater. It's not yet on the podium as it doesn’t hit every mark. Purchase price and servicing costs may put some buyers off but it packs in a number of thoughtful, family-oriented features. Whether it will go on to become Volkswagen’s standout seven-seat offering remains to be seen, but it’s a capable, well-rounded option in the segment.

Cupra Formentor vs Volkswagen Tayron What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cupra Formentor vs Volkswagen Tayron
What's the difference?