The CUPRA Formentor is already a reality, but is it worth more than a CUPRA León?

It has been some time since the birth of CUPRA, an independent brand that emerged from SEAT and its range of sporty vehicles. First came the Ateca, a high-performance SUV that was the brand’s only product until quite recently. Later, CUPRA showed us its involvement in motorsport and previewed a future member through a concept car, the Formentor.

Today, CUPRA already has three models in its range, but the newly presented Formentor is undoubtedly one of the most eye-catching; this is because it is the first 100% CUPRA product, as it does not derive from any existing SEAT vehicle. However, its mechanical and technological similarities with the new León lead us to ask a question: which of the two is worth more?

Design and technology

The Spanish brand has changed the rules of the game by adopting a new design language for both the new León and the Formentor. Both models share canons, patterns and lines, but CUPRA has endowed the latter with the characteristic DNA of a crossover, which also helps it display a more muscular look than its compact sibling.

Of course, design is entirely subjective and you may like it more or less, but it is true that the Formentor has a more threatening and imposing presence than the León. Technologically, something very similar happens: CUPRA has used the presentation of its two new members to announce an improved and advanced infotainment system, a point that will be decisive when choosing between one or the other depending on the available trims and equipment levels.

Both models feature a fully digital 10-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster that boasts a more advanced and modern infotainment system. This is complemented by a 12.3-inch touchscreen central display that will host CUPRA’s new infotainment system.

Engines

Regarding the powertrains, both the CUPRA León and the CUPRA Formentor share the same engine range: we can choose between a 245 CV 2.0 TSI — only available on the León — a 310 CV 2.0 TSI — 300 CV in the case of the compact-bodied León — or a 245 CV 1.4 TSI with PHEV technology, which allows a range of 50 kilometres — 60 in the case of the León — under the WLTP cycle. With this premise, there is only one point where we could determine a winner without yet knowing the price difference between both models: their interior space.

Load capacity and interior space

The CUPRA León is a vehicle that measures 4.36 metres long, 1.45 metres high and 1.80 metres wide. The León’s Sportstourer bodywork increases the length to 4.64 metres and slightly reduces the height to 1.44 metres, while the width remains unchanged. If we look at the Formentor, we quickly realise that it is a bigger car in every respect, with a length of 4.45 metres, a height of 1.51 metres and a width of 1.84 metres; dimensions that are not excessive in either case but which can be decisive when choosing between one and the other.

Both accommodate up to five occupants, but those in the Formentor will enjoy more headroom thanks to its 1.51-metre height compared to the León’s 1.45 metres. It also wins in storage capacity with 450 litres versus the León’s 380 litres, though we must not forget that the Sportstourer bodywork takes the lead with 617 litres. In this way, we have two very interesting options within the same brand that will put more than one potential customer in a bind, so we will have to decide between one and the other depending on our personal needs and price difference.

Technical specifications of the cars in this article

HatchbackCUPRA Leon26 versions · from 35,232 €

CrossoverCUPRA Formentor17 versions · from 39,062 €