The 2026 Cupra Formentor remains recognisable as the same sporty SUV, but the facelift brings several important changes to the Australian range.
Cupra has introduced a new entry-level S, increased power for the V, VZe and VZx, significantly upgraded the plug-in hybrid system and added the limited-run VZ5 flagship. Styling, infotainment and safety equipment have also been updated, although the basic vehicle and warranty package remain familiar.
Cupra Formentor price: Old Formentor vs new Formentor
The 2026 range starts with a new S grade priced at $53,990 drive-away. The V and VZx are more expensive than before, while the VZe is unchanged in price despite receiving a major powertrain upgrade. The VZ5 joins the range as a new flagship.
| Model | Old price | New price | Change |
| Formentor S | Not offered | $53,990 | New |
| Formentor V | $56,490 | $61,990 | +$5500 |
| Formentor VZe | $74,490 | $74,490 | No change |
| Formentor VZx | $70,790 | $74,990 | +$4200 |
| Formentor VZ5 | Not offered | $101,990 | New |
The S creates a new lower entry point, but it does not directly replace the previous V as a like-for-like model.
The VZe is the most interesting value comparison. It costs the same as before, but now offers more power, a much larger battery and DC fast charging.
Cars24 Australia says that the new range offers more choice, but the V and VZx are more expensive. The VZe provides the strongest upgrade without a price increase.
Read more: 2026 Cupra Formentor gets a new $53,990 entry point
New Formentor S vs old entry point
The biggest range change is the arrival of the Formentor S. It uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid assistance. The engine produces 110kW and 250Nm, with power sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Standard equipment includes:
- 18-inch alloy wheels.
- LED headlights.
- Heated steering wheel.
- Heated front seats.
- Sports bucket seats.
- 10.25-inch digital instrument display.
- 12.9-inch touchscreen.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Wireless phone charging.
- Tri-zone climate control.
- Hands-free power tailgate.
- Surround-view camera.
- Adaptive cruise control.
- Blind-spot monitoring.
This gives buyers a lower-priced way into the Formentor range, while also providing a substantial amount of standard equipment.
Cars24 Australia says that the new S makes the Formentor more accessible, although buyers should remember that it is a front-wheel-drive mild hybrid rather than a direct replacement for the more powerful V.
Cupra Formentor Formentor V: Old vs new
The Formentor V continues with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Its power output rises from 140kW to 150kW, while torque remains unchanged at 320Nm.
| Specification | Old Formentor V | 2026 Formentor V |
| Engine | 2.0-litre turbo-petrol | 2.0-litre turbo-petrol |
| Power | 140kW | 150kW |
| Torque | 320Nm | 320Nm |
| Transmission | Seven-speed DCT | Seven-speed DCT |
| Drive | AWD | AWD |
| 0–100km/h | Not listed | 6.7 seconds |
| Fuel economy | Not listed | 7.0L/100km |
| Drive-away price | $56,490 | $61,990 |
The V is therefore more powerful, but its $5500 price increase is considerably larger than the performance gain.
Cars24 Australia says that the new V is faster and more competitive, but the old model was cheaper.
VZe: Old vs new
The VZe receives the most significant technical upgrade in the regular Formentor range. System output increases from 180kW to 200kW. More importantly, the new model gains a 20kWh battery, compared with the smaller battery in the outgoing version.
Cupra claims 114km of electric range under the WLTP testing procedure. The old model was quoted at 58km under the older NEDC procedure, so the figures are not directly comparable. Even with that testing difference, the new VZe should offer substantially greater electric-only usability. The 2026 model also adds 50kW DC fast charging and supports 11kW AC charging.
| Specification | Old Formentor VZe | 2026 Formentor VZe |
| System power | 180kW | 200kW |
| Battery | Smaller battery | 20kWh |
| Electric range | 58km NEDC | 114km WLTP |
| DC charging | Not available | 50kW |
| AC charging | Not listed | 11kW |
| Drive | FWD | FWD |
| Drive-away price | $74,490 | $74,490 |
The VZe remains front-wheel drive, but it is now better suited to buyers who want to complete regular short trips using electric power.
Cars24 Australia says that the new VZe is the biggest improvement in the range because it delivers more performance and considerably greater electric capability at the same price.
VZx: Old vs new
The VZx remains the performance-focused four-cylinder Formentor, but power increases from 228kW to 245kW. The updated model continues with:
- A 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
- All-wheel drive.
- A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
- A torque-vectoring rear differential.
Cupra claims a 0–100km/h time of 4.8 seconds for the new model. The price rises by $4200, from $70,790 to $74,990 drive-away.
Cars24 Australia says that the new VZx is faster and more powerful, but it also costs more. The upgrade is meaningful for performance buyers, although the old model offered a lower entry price.
VZ5: New flagship vs no old equivalent
The VZ5 is entirely new to the Australian Formentor range. It uses a 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine producing 287kW and 480Nm. Power is sent through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to all four wheels.
| Specification | Formentor VZ5 |
| Engine | 2.5-litre turbo five-cylinder |
| Power | 287kW |
| Torque | 480Nm |
| Transmission | Seven-speed DCT |
| Drive | AWD |
| 0–100km/h | 4.2 seconds |
| Fuel economy | 9.3L/100km |
| Price | $101,990 drive-away |
The VZ5 is expected to be limited to fewer than 100 examples in Australia. It also adds equipment that is optional on the VZx, including:
- Six-piston Akebono front brakes.
- Matrix Ultra LED headlights.
- Sabelt sports bucket seats.
- Carbon-fibre exterior elements.
The VZ5 changes the character of the range by offering a more exclusive, five-cylinder performance flagship rather than simply being a more powerful version of the existing VZx.
Cars24 Australia says that the VZ5 is the most dramatic addition to the 2026 line-up, but its high price and limited availability make it a specialist choice.
Cupra Formentor exterior: Old Formentor vs new Formentor
The 2026 model is a facelift rather than a clean-sheet redesign. The overall shape and proportions remain familiar, but the front end has been sharpened with:
- A new shark-nose design.
- Triangular daytime running lights.
- Revised front styling.
- New alloy wheel designs.
At the rear, the Formentor receives revised lighting and an illuminated Cupra logo. The changes are noticeable when the two cars are viewed side by side, but the updated Formentor is still clearly related to the outgoing model.
Cars24 Australia says that the new model looks sharper and more distinctive, but the underlying design remains familiar.
Cupra Formentor interior and technology: Old vs new
The basic dashboard layout carries over, but the 2026 Formentor receives a technology update. The most visible change is the larger 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, while the cabin gains redesigned backlit controls. The Supersport steering wheel also incorporates the start/stop and drive-mode controls. Higher grades continue to offer features such as:
- Sennheiser audio.
- Leather-appointed upholstery.
- Sports seats.
- Additional performance-focused trim and equipment.
Cars24 Australia says that the new Formentor has a more modern cabin experience, although it is an evolution of the existing interior rather than a complete redesign.
Safety: Old Formentor vs new Formentor
The updated Formentor gains a broad set of active-safety and driver-assistance features. Standard equipment includes:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go.
- Autonomous emergency braking.
- Pedestrian and cyclist detection.
- Blind-spot monitoring.
- Lane-centring assistance.
- Rear cross-traffic alert.
- Safe exit assist.
- Surround-view monitor.
- Autonomous parking assist.
- Front and rear parking sensors.
- Traffic sign recognition.
- Driver attention monitoring.
The updated model carries a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on Euro NCAP testing conducted in 2025. It is also available with up to 10 airbags.
Cars24 Australia says that the new Formentor wins on safety technology, particularly through its more comprehensive standard driver-assistance package.
What has stayed the same?
Despite the significant updates, several parts of the Formentor remain unchanged. Both versions continue to use the same basic SUV platform and familiar body shape. The V and VZx retain their 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engines, while the VZe remains a front-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission continues across the petrol variants, and the regular Formentor remains approximately 4451mm long. The ownership package also carries over:
- Five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty.
- Eight-year or 160,000km warranty for the VZe battery.
Old vs new: Key differences
| Area | Old Formentor | 2026 Formentor | Advantage |
| Entry model | Previous entry grade | New S | New |
| Starting price | Higher | $53,990 drive-away | New |
| V power | 140kW | 150kW | New |
| VZe power | 180kW | 200kW | New |
| VZe battery | Smaller battery | 20kWh | New |
| VZe electric range | 58km NEDC | 114km WLTP | New |
| VZe DC charging | Not available | 50kW | New |
| VZx power | 228kW | 245kW | New |
| VZ5 | Not offered in Australia | New 287kW flagship | New |
| Infotainment | Previous system | 12.9-inch touchscreen | New |
| Exterior design | Pre-facelift styling | Updated front and rear | New |
| Warranty | Five years/unlimited km | Unchanged | Draw |
| Basic vehicle | Existing model | Facelifted model | Draw |
Is the 2026 Formentor a big change?
The 2026 Cupra Formentor is not an all-new SUV, but it is a substantial update to the Australian range.
The new S lowers the starting price and adds a well-equipped front-wheel-drive entry point. The V and VZx become more powerful, although both are more expensive. The VZe receives the most important technical upgrade, with 200kW of system power, a 20kWh battery, DC fast charging and a claimed 114km WLTP electric range.
The new VZ5 is the headline addition. Its five-cylinder engine, 287kW output and limited production make it a much more exclusive performance model than anything previously offered in the Australian Formentor range.
In simple terms:
- Choose the new S for the lowest-cost entry into the Formentor range.
- Choose the new V or VZx if you want more performance.
- Choose the new VZe for its much stronger electric-driving capability at the same price.
- Choose the VZ5 for rarity, five-cylinder character and maximum performance.
- Consider the outgoing model only if a dealer offers a substantial discount, particularly on the V or VZx.
Overall, the facelifted Formentor is more than a styling exercise. It keeps the same basic SUV underneath, but expands the range, improves performance and makes the VZe considerably more capable.
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