Mahindra XUV500 vs Cupra Formentor
What's the difference?

Mahindra XUV500

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2018 price

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Cupra Formentor

$49,990 - $94,990

2026 price

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Summary

2018 Mahindra XUV500

2026 Cupra Formentor

By Andrew Chesterton

By Jack Quick

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.2L

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Fuel Type

Diesel

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.7L/100km (combined)

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Seating

Likes

Cheap way into seven seats
Petrol/auto combination a winner
Hugely spacious third row

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

Dislikes

Underwhelming safety
Steering that requires plenty of guesswork
Cheap-feeling interior

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

2018 Mahindra XUV500 Summary

Just in case attacking Australia's crowded SUV market with a virtually unheard of Indian brand wasn't a high enough hurdle to leap over, Mahindra had made its task even harder - think a Bollywood version of Mission Impossible - by launching its XUV500 SUV here with a diesel engine (which nobody wanted) and a manual gearbox (which few could even remember how to use).

Fortunately, it fixed one of those issues late in 2016, finally adding an automatic transmission to the line-up. And now, at long last, it's fixed the other.

This, then, is the petrol-powered XUV500 SUV. And, on paper at least, it's the most sense-making Mahindra to date.

For one, it's a ferociously cheap way into a new seven-seat SUV. For another, it's pretty well equipped, even from the base level. There's a long warranty, an equally long roadside assistance offering, and there's capped-price servicing, too.

So, should the mainstream SUV players be looking over their shoulders?

Spoiler alert: no.

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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

2018 Mahindra XUV500 2026 Cupra Formentor

Verdict

This petrol-powered and well-priced XUV500 W6 might mark Mahindra's most convincing effort at cracking Australia's congested SUV market, but we're still not completely convinced.

That said, it's certainly cheap, the ownership credentials stack up and it's a very comfortable way to transport seven people.

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.

Mahindra XUV500 vs Cupra Formentor What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mahindra XUV500 vs Cupra Formentor
What's the difference?