Volvo XC60 vs Cupra Ateca
What's the difference?

Volvo XC60

$74,990 - $101,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Cupra Ateca

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2025 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2026 Volvo XC60

2025 Cupra Ateca

By Emily Agar

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

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Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.6L/100km (combined)

7.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Tried and tested family practicality
Pretty road manners
Relative value for segment

The 'mysterious' brand
Volkswagen quality and engineering
Lower price into the Ateca model

Dislikes

Facelift is too subtle
Gremlins in media system
Big price jumps between trims

Safety tech could be more cutting edge
Fuel economy on the high side
No head-up display

2026 Volvo XC60 Summary

The Volvo XC60 has long been an understated achiever of the premium mid-size SUV crowd.

It doesn’t shout for attention like some of its rivals, but it’s built a reputation for quiet confidence and family-friendly practicality. For 2026, the XC60 Ultra B5 Dark keeps the same engine but has received a facelift in other areas. Is it enough to keep family buyers who want a mix of practicality and luxury happy?

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2025 Cupra Ateca Summary

Not many people even know what a Cupra Ateca V is… and this is the second best thing about this small SUV. The first best thing is that Cupra is owned by Volkswagen.

So, this means you can have your mysterious SUV not many other people drive while knowing it’s underpinned by one of the largest car manufacturers in the world which makes cars millions of people drive and one which also has a reputation for high quality vehicles.

The big news here is the Ateca model range has a new and lower entry fee with the arrival of this V grade. See, until now the only Ateca Australians could buy is the high-performance VZx which while really sporty also came with a pretty big price tag.

So, how much is the Ateca V and what do you get for the money? We found this out at the Australian launch along with how practical and safe it is and what it’s like to drive.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Volvo XC60 2025 Cupra Ateca

Verdict

The facelifted Volvo XC60 Ultra B5 Dark is the car at school pick-up that doesn’t need to brag. It just gets on with things and it looks good doing it. It offers a strong mix of family-focused features, comfortable and composed road manners and thoughtful practicality throughout the cabin.

The updated media system is crisp and responsive, though it could use a few tweaks to be truly intuitive. Overall, the XC60 mild-hybrid remains a solid choice for families who value understated luxury, comfort and safety over flash. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does what it does well.

Verdict

The Cupra Ateca V is a much needed more affordable way into this small SUV while still offering a high-end feeling with plenty of standard features. Yes, the V isn't as high-powered as the VZx but it's still great to drive in the city and on the open road. Big on the inside and small on the outside the Cupra Ateca can perform urban and (small) family duties well.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

Volvo XC60 vs Cupra Ateca What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volvo XC60 vs Cupra Ateca
What's the difference?