Lexus NX300H vs Cupra Formentor
What's the difference?

Lexus NX300H

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2022 price

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Cupra Formentor

$49,990 - $94,990

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Summary

2022 Lexus NX300H

2026 Cupra Formentor

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Jack Quick

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.5L

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Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.9L/100km (combined)

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Seating

Likes

Powertrain choice
Cabin presentation
Design

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

Dislikes

Still some road noise
Some fiddly dashboard switchgear remain
Australian road tuning would make it even better

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

2022 Lexus NX300H Summary

One of the great, unsung success stories over the last few years has been the Lexus NX.

Out since 2014, it turned Toyota's ailing luxury brand around, connecting with buyers gravitating towards luxury midsized SUVs like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Mercedes GLC and Volvo XC60. Today, no school run is complete without them!

Now there's an all-new one. And, as Lexus' bestseller by far, any new NX is a big deal. The recipe is much the same – including petrol, turbo and hybrid versions – but with fresher and better ingredients. Plus, there's also a new plug-in hybrid flagship to really shake things up.

Is it time to cancel your order for that German, British or Swedish luxury midsized SUV? Keep reading to find out...

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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

2022 Lexus NX300H 2026 Cupra Formentor

Verdict

The all-new NX is a massive step forward over its popular predecessor.

In every way, it is an improvement, with better refinement, comfort, performance, efficiency, safety and choice.

Indeed, look out, Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Volvo: the NX has finally come of age. If we were in the market for a luxury medium-sized SUV, we'd definitely have the Lexus on our shortlist, especially the incredibly efficient hybrids.

Europe, you've been warned.

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.

Lexus NX300H vs Cupra Formentor What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Lexus NX300H vs Cupra Formentor
What's the difference?