2026 Cupra Formentor gets a new $53,990 entry point

A new S grade cuts the entry price, while the V, VZe and VZx gain more power and the five-cylinder VZ5 joins the range later this year.

Megan C

Megan C

August 24, 2026

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7 mins read

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Megan C
Megan C

24 August, 2026

Access Time

7 mins read

The 2026 Cupra Formentor has expanded to five variants in Australia, giving buyers a choice of mild-hybrid, petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The range now starts with the new Cupra Formentor S, while the V, VZe and VZx continue with upgraded powertrains. The headline addition is the Cupra Formentor VZ5, which will bring a 287kW five-cylinder engine to Australia in late 2026 or early 2027. Fewer than 100 examples of the VZ5 are expected to reach Australia.

2026 Cupra Formentor price in Australia

The 2026 Cupra Formentor starts at $53,990 drive-away and extends beyond $100,000 for the limited-run VZ5.

ModelDrive-away price
2026 Cupra Formentor S$53,990
2026 Cupra Formentor V$61,990
2026 Cupra Formentor VZe$74,490
2026 Cupra Formentor VZx$74,990
2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5$101,990

The new Cupra Formentor S is now the most affordable way into the brand’s sporty SUV, while the V and VZx cater to buyers after more performance. The VZe is the only plug-in hybrid in the range, while the VZ5 sits above the rest as a limited-production performance flagship.

2026 Cupra Formentor engines and performance

2026 Cupra Formentor

The five variants use four different powertrain configurations.

ModelEnginePowerTorqueDrive0-100km/h
2026 Cupra Formentor S1.5L turbo-petrol MHEV110kW250NmFWD9.0sec
2026 Cupra Formentor V2.0L turbo-petrol150kW320NmAWD6.7sec
2026 Cupra Formentor VZe1.5L turbo-petrol PHEV200kW system400NmFWD7.2sec
2026 Cupra Formentor VZx2.0L turbo-petrol245kW420NmAWD4.8sec
2026 Cupra Formentor VZ52.5L turbo-petrol five-cylinder287kW480NmAWD4.2sec

The entry-level Cupra Formentor S uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system. It sends 110kW and 250Nm to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Cupra Formentor V moves to a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder with 150kW and 320Nm. It also gets all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

The V’s output has increased from 140kW in the previous model to 150kW. The Cupra Formentor VZe combines a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor and 20kWh battery. The system produces 200kW and 400Nm, with drive sent to the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Cupra Formentor VZx is the quickest four-cylinder model, producing 245kW and 420Nm. It has all-wheel drive and a torque-vectoring rear differential.

At the top of the range, the Cupra Formentor VZ5 gets a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 287kW and 480Nm. Its claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.2 seconds makes it the quickest Formentor available in Australia.

Read more: 2026 Mazda CX-60 gets major PHEV price cut in Australia 

Cupra Formentor VZe gets a much longer electric range

The VZe is one of the biggest technical changes for the updated Formentor. Its 20kWh battery gives it a claimed 114km electric-only range under WLTP testing.

That is a significant increase over the previous VZe’s claimed 58km range, which was measured under the older NEDC testing cycle. The VZe can also accept up to 50kW DC charging or 11kW AC charging.

For buyers who can charge regularly at home or work, the VZe could cover many daily commutes using electric power alone.

What does the 2026 Cupra Formentor look like?

The facelift brings a sharper design to the Formentor. The front end adopts Cupra’s shark-nose design, while triangular daytime running lights give the SUV a distinctive lighting signature. At the rear, the Cupra badge is illuminated and integrated into the redesigned tail-light treatment. Wheel designs also vary between variants, with larger and sportier options available on the higher grades.

2026 Cupra Formentor interior and technology

Inside, the Formentor gets a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, along with a 10.25-inch digital instrument display. The entry-level Cupra Formentor S also comes with:

  • Heated steering wheel
  • Heated front seats
  • Sports bucket front seats
  • Wireless phone charger
  • Four USB-C ports
  • DAB+ digital radio
  • Tri-zone climate control
  • Ambient interior lighting
  • Hands-free power tailgate
  • Keyless entry
  • 12-way power driver’s seat with memory
  • Six-speaker sound system

The Leather and Sound Package costs $2200 for the S and V. It adds leather-appointed upholstery, a 12-way power front passenger seat and a 12-speaker Sennheiser sound system. The Cupra Formentor VZe also gets the Sennheiser system as standard.

2026 Cupra Formentor fuel economy

Fuel consumption varies considerably across the range, particularly between the plug-in hybrid and performance versions.

ModelClaimed fuel economy
2026 Cupra Formentor S5.5L/100km
2026 Cupra Formentor V7.0L/100km
2026 Cupra Formentor VZe1.7L/100km
2026 Cupra Formentor VZx8.3L/100km
2026 Cupra Formentor VZ59.3L/100km

The VZe’s 1.7L/100km figure is based on its plug-in hybrid testing cycle and assumes regular charging. The VZ5 is the least economical of the range, with a claimed 9.3L/100km. The S, V and VZe require 95-octane premium unleaded, while the VZx and VZ5 require 98-octane premium unleaded.

How practical is the 2026 Cupra Formentor?

2026 Cupra Formentor

The Formentor measures 4451mm long across the S, V, VZe and VZx variants, while the VZ5 is slightly longer at 4484mm. Boot capacity depends on the powertrain.

ModelBoot capacity
2026 Cupra Formentor S450-1400L
2026 Cupra Formentor V420-1370L
2026 Cupra Formentor VZe345-1311L
2026 Cupra Formentor VZx420-1370L
2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5420-1370L

The VZe has the smallest boot because of its plug-in hybrid hardware. Braked towing capacity ranges from 1500kg to 1700kg depending on the variant. The VZ5 does not have a listed braked towing capacity.

2026 Cupra Formentor safety

The Cupra Formentor has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on Euro NCAP testing conducted in 2025. Standard safety features include:

  • Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
  • Autonomous emergency braking
  • Pedestrian and cyclist detection
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Lane-centring
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Surround-view monitor
  • Autonomous parking assist
  • Safe exit assist
  • Traffic sign recognition
  • Driver attention monitoring
  • Tyre pressure monitoring

The Formentor has up to 10 airbags, including front, front-side, rear-side, curtain, driver’s knee and front-centre airbags. The front-centre airbag is not available on the VZ5 or when the Extreme Package is fitted.

2026 Cupra Formentor warranty and servicing

Cupra covers the Formentor with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. The VZe’s high-voltage battery receives an eight-year or 160,000km warranty. Scheduled servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. Prepaid servicing plans are available:

Model3-year plan5-year plan
2026 Cupra Formentor S, V, VZe and VZx$1090$2190
2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5$1690$2790

Five years of roadside assistance is also included.

2026 Cupra Formentor options

The Formentor is available with several optional upgrades. The Leather and Sound Package costs $2200 on the S and V. The Extreme Package costs $6500 on the VZe and $7000 on the VZx. It adds performance-focused equipment including:

  • Brembo four-piston front brakes on the VZe
  • Akebono six-piston front brakes on the VZx
  • Matrix Ultra LED headlights
  • Sabelt sports bucket seats
  • Carbon-fibre seat backs
  • Enceladus Grey upholstery
  • Gloss-grey interior accents

A panoramic sunroof costs $2000 on the other variants and is standard on the VZ5.

2026 Cupra Formentor colours

The Australian range is available in nine exterior colours, although availability depends on the variant. They are:

  • Glacial White
  • Magnetic Tech
  • Fiord Blue
  • Midnight Black
  • Graphene Grey
  • Dark Void
  • Century Bronze Matte
  • Magnetic Tech Matte
  • Enceladus Grey Matte

Graphene Grey and Dark Void cost extra, while the matte finishes are available only on the VZe, VZx and VZ5.

2026 Cupra Formentor: what has changed?

The updated Formentor gives Australian buyers more choice than before. The new Cupra Formentor S brings the starting price down to $53,990 drive-away, while the V gains more power. The VZe gets a substantially larger electric range, and the VZx is now more powerful. The biggest arrival is still to come. The Cupra Formentor VZ5 will bring a 287kW five-cylinder engine to Australia, although its limited production and six-figure price will make it a niche option.

For buyers looking for a small SUV with a sportier character, the 2026 Cupra Formentor offers something unusual: there is an economical mild-hybrid at one end, a long-range PHEV in the middle and a five-cylinder performance flagship at the other.

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