Mitsubishi ASX vs Cupra Formentor
What's the difference?

Mitsubishi ASX

$37,740 - $46,490

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Cupra Formentor

$49,990 - $94,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Mitsubishi ASX

2026 Cupra Formentor

By Tim Nicholson

By Jack Quick

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

—

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.6L/100km (combined)

—

Seating

Likes

Flexible, practical interior
Sprightly turbo engine
Fun to drive

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

Dislikes

Base LS missing several features
Temporary spare wheel should be standard
Much more expensive than previous ASX

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

2026 Mitsubishi ASX Summary

For 15 years the Mitsubishi ASX has been one of the most popular SUVs in Australia. Well into its life cycle, it maintained strong sales thanks to keen pricing and a reputation for reliability.

The second-generation ASX is finally here, but it’s a very different proposition to the original.

For starters, the new model is a twin of French brand Renault’s Captur small SUV. That model is not currently sold here, so Mitsubishi has clear air, for now.

Secondly, it’s no longer cheap. Pricing puts this new model into the high-$30,000 section of the segment, but it also gains modern tech and specs.

Whether buyers care that the ASX has gone upmarket remains to be seen. But we attended the Australian launch to see if French flair has improved the ASX formula.

View full pricing & specs

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.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Mitsubishi ASX 2026 Cupra Formentor

Verdict

There is no question the new ASX is a much better car to drive than the model it replaces. This one is actually fun behind the wheel. The tech represents a massive upgrade, so too does the interior design and practicality. The fact is, it’s a much more expensive car than the old ASX. It is a European built and designed small SUV with loads more tech and features so when you consider that, the pricing makes more sense.

Regardless of the previous model, this new ASX impresses. It’s not perfect - the LS is missing too many items, no hybrid, slightly firm ride - but it’s now a genuine rival for higher quality rivals in the small SUV segment. If the ASX is in your price bracket, it might be time to add it to the consideration list.

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.

Mitsubishi ASX vs Cupra Formentor What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mitsubishi ASX vs Cupra Formentor
What's the difference?