Renault Arkana vs Cupra Formentor
What's the difference?

Renault Arkana

$36,990 - $45,990

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 EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Renault Arkana

2026 Cupra Formentor

By Emily Agar

By Jack Quick

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.3L

—

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

5.9L/100km (combined)

—

Seating

Likes

Stylish, distinctive design
Great boot space and practicality
Responsive handling

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

Dislikes

Mild-hybrid gains feel limited
Snug rear seat space
Slow off the mark

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

2026 Renault Arkana Summary

This time around my family of three has been reviewing the updated Renault Arkana Esprit Alpine mild-hybrid, and you might be wondering… why?

In a market that is positively bursting at the seams with established and new competition, including full-hybrid rivals like the Honda HR-V RS and Hyundai Kona Premium, the Arkana has its work cut out for it.

It’s also a slightly unusual proposition, pairing the raised ride height of an SUV with the swooping roofline of a coupe, while sticking with a mild-hybrid powertrain as more and more rivals make the jump to full-hybrid.

So, does this small French SUV coupe still have enough going for it to stand out from the crowd?

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 Renault Arkana 2026 Cupra Formentor

Verdict

The Renault Arkana Esprit Alpine mild-hybrid combines some serious design flair with a reasonable amount of practicality for a smaller family, but it’s hard to ignore the lack of improvement in efficiency following the addition of the mild-hybrid system. That said, it still succeeds on some fronts. It just does it quietly.

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.

Renault Arkana vs Cupra Formentor What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Renault Arkana vs Cupra Formentor
What's the difference?