Hyundai Palisade vs Cupra Formentor
What's the difference?

Hyundai Palisade

$66,800 - $93,400

2026 price

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Cupra Formentor

$49,990 - $94,990

2026 price

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Summary

2026 Hyundai Palisade

2026 Cupra Formentor

By Emily Agar

By Jack Quick

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.5L

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Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.8L/100km (combined)

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Seating

Likes

Refined ride and handling
Timeless design
Easy to manoeuvre

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

Dislikes

Rear bench-style seats are firm
Safety systems sometimes clunky
More expensive than rivals

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

2026 Hyundai Palisade Summary

If you’re in the market for an eight-seat family SUV, the Hyundai Palisade has probably already crossed your radar. But now there’s a twist. Hyundai has taken this well-established large SUV and given it a hybrid powertrain.

That puts it up against familiar rivals like the Toyota Kluger GXL Hybrid and Kia Sorento Sport+ Hybrid which are both strong players in the family-friendly space. The version we’re looking at for this review is the mid-spec Elite and we're family-testing it to see if the new hybrid powertrain makes for a winning combo.

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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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Deep dive comparison

2026 Hyundai Palisade 2026 Cupra Formentor

Verdict

The new hybrid powertrain for the Hyundai Palisade is a welcome addition for families looking for an efficient three-row SUV that doesn’t drive like a brick and looks good at the school pick up or client lunch. Overall, the Palisade remains a solid, all-round package that deserves praise and the eighth seat is an added bonus.

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.

Hyundai Palisade vs Cupra Formentor What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai Palisade vs Cupra Formentor
What's the difference?