Cupra Formentor vs Volkswagen Tiguan
What's the difference?

Cupra Formentor

$49,990 - $94,990

2026 price

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Volkswagen Tiguan

$36,990 - $80,690

2025 price

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Summary

2026 Cupra Formentor

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

By Jack Quick

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Engine Type

—

Turbo 4, 1.4L

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

The driver's mid-size SUV
Straightforward, well-equipped range
Super practical cabin

Dislikes

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

Hybrid? Look elsewhere
One too many touch controls
Ride harsher than expected

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 Volkswagen Tiguan Summary

The third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan is likely to be the most important new vehicle Volkswagen launches in 2025.

The popular mid-sizer has proven to have impressive staying power for the brand, with the outgoing version still impressing buyers despite being nearly a decade old.

What does this ground-up new version change? Does it have what it takes to maintain the nameplate’s reputation in one of Australia’s most hotly contested market segments? And what are some surprises this time around?

We went to its local launch to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Cupra Formentor 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

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 Tiguan is as confident as ever in its identity, even in such a crowded mid-size SUV space where there are so many models worthy of your attention.

No matter which version you choose, this is still the mid-size SUV for a driving enthusiast who doesn’t quite have premium dollars to spend.

While it may not quite expand its appeal as much as the brand hopes precluding a hybrid variant, those who are choosing this as their family hauler for the right reasons won’t be disappointed.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Cupra Formentor vs Volkswagen Tiguan What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Cupra Formentor vs Volkswagen Tiguan
What's the difference?