Toyota Prius vs Cupra Formentor
What's the difference?

Toyota Prius

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2021 price

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Cupra Formentor

$49,990 - $94,990

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2021 Toyota Prius

2026 Cupra Formentor

By Tom White

By Jack Quick

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 1.8L

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Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

3.4L/100km (combined)

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Seating

Likes

Seamless hybrid drive
Incredible fuel efficiency
Comfortable and spacious

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

Dislikes

Polarising exterior
Dorky central instrument cluster
Not so engaging to drive

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

2021 Toyota Prius Summary

What to say about the Toyota Prius in 2021? A car that was once a technology trailblazer seems now to have become properly retro, even while it’s still being built and sold.

The awkward-looking wedge, an eco-punk icon, not only brought Toyota’s hybrid synergy drive to the masses, it also debuted the brand’s excellent TNGA architecture and set the scene for the company's absurd hybrid success, which now sees the RAV4 version topping the sales charts.

So, after all these years (25 to be precise), is the Prius’s time finally over? Or does this quaint hybrid hero still have more to offer? I took a top-spec I-Tech for a week 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

2021 Toyota Prius 2026 Cupra Formentor

Verdict

The Prius can rest its weary head. The Age of the Hybrid has begun. Even though this iconic eco car might have lost its ultimate purpose to more mainstream models in the last few years, it’s still the best execution of Toyota’s hybrid tech on the market and if you can look past its divisive-as-ever looks, it’s comfortable and practical, too.

The brand’s Australian division promises the Prius will stick around in one form or another, so we’re keen to see what its next iteration will look like. Plug-in? Fully electric? Time will tell.

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.

Toyota Prius vs Cupra Formentor What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Toyota Prius vs Cupra Formentor
What's the difference?