Cupra Formentor Returns Sharper, Hotter And Wilder Yet
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Call it a facelift if you must, but the 2026 CUPRA Formentor has been treated to something more ambitious – new drivetrains, second generation PHEV tech, a sterner face and a cabin that feels like it drank two espressos. CUPRA says it is the most expressive Formentor yet, and they are not lying.
More choice, more shove
The range now stretches from efficient urban commuter to spicy all-wheel performer, with four key variants on offer. Formentor S – 110kW mild hybrid – is the sensible entry point at $49,990 RRP ($53,990 driveaway national), offering a 48V system to smooth city life and save fuel. Formentor V – 150kW AWD – gets bumped to 150kW and remains the confident daily driver at $57,490 RRP ($61,990 driveaway).
Then things get interesting. Formentor VZe – 200kW Gen2 plug-in hybrid – is CUPRA’s proper PHEV play: almost double the battery capacity, DC fast charging and electric range nudging past 100km, all for $68,990 RRP ($74,490 driveaway). Finally the Formentor VZx – 245kW AWD – lifts power and adds a torque vectoring rear differential for sharper handling, priced at $69,990 RRP ($74,990 driveaway).
Design that tuts at blandness
The new face is sharper, sculpted into a shark-nose front with triangular daytime running lights and an illuminated CUPRA logo at the rear. New alloys, a refined palette that includes matte finishes, and a silhouette that actually announces itself rather than whispers – this Formentor wants attention and knows how to get it.
Inside: instinct and immersion
The cabin has been reworked with a larger 12.9-inch infotainment screen, backlit climate and volume controls, and a standard Supersport steering wheel that keeps engine start and drive-mode buttons under your thumbs. Dinamica upholstery is standard on the S and V, driver memory seats come as standard and Sennheiser audio is available if you like your soundtrack with better fidelity.
Optional extremes and everyday usability
The Extreme Package is now offered on both VZx and VZe and is not shy: Sabelt bucket seats with carbon fibre backs, performance brakes from Akebono or Brembo depending on the variant, matrix cascading headlights and darker interior accents replace the copper trim. The package sharpens the VZe into one of the liveliest PHEVs in its class and turns the VZx into a more track minded daily driver.
The Formentor remains the compact performance SUV that built CUPRA’s tribe – roomy enough in the rear, practical in the boot and loud enough in personality. Orders are open now, showrooms receive cars from April and first deliveries begin in late May. Prices quoted are RRP; ask your local dealer about national driveaway offers.
Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.
