Cupra Formentor

Country of production

The Cupra Formentor is produced in Spain, at SEAT S.A.’s Martorell (Barcelona) plant, and it is Cupra’s first fully “dedicated” model (not directly derived from an equivalent Seat).

Market launch

March 2020: debut of the production version (digital presentation).

• September 2020: start of production in Martorell.

• Late 2020: start of deliveries in major European markets.

• April 2024: presentation of the facelift (Model Year 2024/2025 depending on market).

• 2024–2025: full commercialization of the updated version, with revised engine line-up and equipment.

Facelifts and key updates

• 2024 facelift (significant update): redesigned front end (“shark nose”), updated lighting signature, and infotainment/UX improvements (larger central screen and revised hardware).

• Updated powertrains: introduction/strengthening of e-HYBRID plug-in variants with over 120 km of electric range in homologation, plus DC charging up to 50 kW (a notable step for the PHEV category).

• VZ and dynamics: confirmation of the sporty positioning with VZ versions (up to 333 hp with AWD and solutions such as a torque splitter on some configurations).

• Special editions: historically present (e.g., VZ5 and limited series), with availability varying by market allocation and model year.

The Cupra Formentor is a sporty coupé-crossover in the C/D segment, tuned to be more dynamic than the average: sharp steering, a carefully calibrated chassis, and a brand image consistent with Cupra’s identity. It is available with petrol, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Post-facelift e-HYBRID versions have taken a meaningful leap in usability thanks to higher electric range and DC charging capability (where available), while VZ models represent the most performance-focused end of the range.

Powertrain and performance

Note: electric range/consumption figures and some performance values can vary by homologation, wheels/tyres, and market/model-year specification.

Dimensions and capacity

Main trims and prices 
(Indicative list prices; they may vary due to promotions, options, and on-the-road fees.)

Practical note: e-HYBRID versions often have a more variable trim/pack structure from one year to the next; it is best to refer to the price list at the time of purchase.

Maintenance and early service (indicative costs)
(Estimates for a premium/sporty crossover : high variability by network, city, driving style, and tyres.)

Pros

• Distinctive Cupra design and brand image, especially after the 2024 facelift.

• Broad range: from the rational 1.5 to high-performance VZ versions.

• Updated e-HYBRID: high electric range for a PHEV and DC charging capability (where offered).

• Strong driving dynamics for the category: steering and chassis tuning feel sportier than average.

Cons

• Pricing and options: the final figure can rise quickly with packs, larger wheels, and trims.

• Weight and tyres: on higher-performance versions (and larger wheels) running costs can increase.

• Real-world PHEV range and consumption are highly sensitive to route, temperature, and driving style.

• Trunk is solid (450 L), but practicality can vary by version (especially PHEV packaging/architecture).

In summary
The Cupra Formentor remains a well-targeted choice for those who want a crossover with a clear sporty personality and a polished driving feel. The 2024 facelift improved perceived tech content and made e-HYBRID versions more credible as “almost-electric” daily drivers thanks to higher EV range and DC fast charging (where available). The right choice depends on usage: 1.5 to contain costs, e-HYBRID to maximize electric running, and VZ for those prioritizing performance and character.

Verdict — Cupra Formentor (model year 2025)

The Cupra Formentor is one of the few compact “SUV coupés” that genuinely puts a more sporty-than-average driving feel at the center, without giving up everyday usability. Its strength is the breadth of the range: there is a credible entry version (1.5), a mild-hybrid that improves urban driving, a diesel for high-mileage users, a well-balanced AWD choice (204), two petrol VZ options for those who want outright performance (265 and 333), and the new-generation e-Hybrids (204/272) for those who want 100+ km potential electric range and the flexibility of a combustion engine.

The recent facelift has modernized the Formentor inside and out: a new front-end family look and a larger, updated infotainment system, with targeted work on ergonomics and connectivity as well. The result is a model that remains image-led, but more mature and competitive in real life.

Key technical points:

• Engines

  • Petrol: 1.5 TSI 150 hp (FWD), 2.0 TSI 4Drive 204 hp (AWD), VZ 2.0 TSI 265 hp (FWD), VZ 2.0 TSI 333 hp (AWD).

  • Mild-hybrid: 1.5 Hybrid DSG 150 hp (FWD).

  • Diesel: 2.0 TDI DSG 150 hp.

  • Plug-in hybrid: 1.5 e-Hybrid 204 hp and VZ 1.5 e-Hybrid 272 hp (new generation).

• Performance (reference figures)

  • 1.5 TSI 150 hp: 0–100 9.0 s, top speed 205 km/h.

  • 1.5 Hybrid 150 hp DSG: 0–100 9.0 s, top speed 205 km/h.

  • 2.0 TSI 4Drive 204 hp: 0–100 6.7 s, top speed 225 km/h.

  • VZ 2.0 TSI 265 hp: 0–100 6.5 s, top speed 245 km/h.

  • VZ 2.0 TSI 4Drive 333 hp: 0–100 4.8 s, top speed 250 km/h, torque 420 Nm.

  • e-Hybrid 204 hp: 0–100 7.9 s, top speed 210 km/h.

  • e-Hybrid VZ 272 hp: 0–100 7.2 s, top speed 220 km/h, torque up to 400 Nm.

• Plug-in hybrid: battery and charging

  • New PHEV battery: 19.7 kWh.

  • Claimed electric range: up to about 119–123 km (depending on homologation/variant).

  • Charging: AC up to 11 kW; DC up to 50 kW (10–80% typically in under ~30 min in favorable conditions).

• Dimensions and practicality

  • Indicative footprint: length about 4.45 m, width about 1.84 m, height about 1.51–1.52 m, wheelbase about 2.68 m.

  • Boot: 450 L (FWD), 420 L (4Drive), 345 L (e-Hybrid).

• Market launch and updates

  • Market launch: early October 2020 (first on-road deliveries by late 2020).

  • Mid-cycle update: facelift unveiled in 2024, with new design and 12.9" infotainment; refreshed PHEV offer with larger battery and DC charging.

Who it is for
Drivers who want a compact SUV with a sporty imprint and a strong identity, but do not want to give up 5 seats and normal day-to-day usability. Also a strong fit for those who can charge often and want a PHEV with meaningful electric range.

Who should consider alternatives
If you want maximum soft comfort, maximum “big SUV” quietness, or if boot space is the top priority in the plug-in version. In these cases, more family/comfort-oriented SUVs or PHEVs with more favorable packaging may be better.

Recommended configuration

• 2.0 TSI 4Drive 204 hp: the best balance if you want AWD and strong performance without VZ-level costs/firmness.

• 1.5 e-Hybrid 204 hp: the smart choice if you charge often and want potentially lower running costs, accepting the smaller boot.

• VZ 1.5 e-Hybrid 272 hp: for those who want the most performance-focused PHEV, with DC charging and a sportier feel.

• VZ 2.0 TSI 333 hp: for those who want the top performance version (and accept costs and tire wear).

• 1.5 Hybrid DSG 150 hp: ideal if you do a lot of city/extra-urban driving and want simplicity + mild-hybrid support, without charging constraints.