Suzuki S-Cross vs Cupra Formentor
What's the difference?

Suzuki S-Cross

$22,490 - $34,495

2024 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 GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Summary

2024 Suzuki S-Cross

2026 Cupra Formentor

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Jack Quick

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

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Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.2L/100km (combined)

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Seating

Likes

Strong turbo powertrain
Practical and spacious cabin
Surprisingly agile handling

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

Dislikes

High prices
Dated design
Needs 95 RON premium unleaded

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

2024 Suzuki S-Cross Summary

Would you consider a European-made small SUV with a terrific turbo engine from one of our all-time favourite hot hatches, a reliable torque-converter auto, ample room for five plus luggage, and all from under $40K?

You’d be at the very least a bit curious, right?

Behold the latest Suzuki S-Cross! Okay. It’s been around the sun nearly a dozen times. And you can clock its age in a couple of key areas.

But this crossover from the class of 2013 is not even close to being the oldest-in-show (stand up, Mitsubishi ASX). And, as our testing revealed, the S-Cross can still teach far newer rivals like the Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Haval Jolion and Subaru Crosstrek a thing or two.

Because thoughtful design is timeless. Time, then, to crack open the S-Cross.

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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

2024 Suzuki S-Cross 2026 Cupra Formentor

Verdict

Back in the day, you’d hear people say they’d never buy an all-new car, but instead get the last of the old model that would have had all the bugs ironed out.

If this sort of homespun logic makes sense, then maybe the latest S-Cross might just be the perfect SUV car for you.

Not only has it been in production for years, there is nothing fundamentally wrong with it. Indeed, for performance, packaging and ease, it does plenty that's right. Thoughtful design is timeless.

But there are newer alternatives that look way fresher (particularly inside) yet cost the same or less, and offer more, including updated driver-assist safety.

Still, you can do a lot worse than take an S-Cross for a test drive.

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.

Suzuki S-Cross vs Cupra Formentor What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Suzuki S-Cross vs Cupra Formentor
What's the difference?