VS

CUPRA Formentor vs Kia Sportage comparison

Compare performance (390 HP vs 288 HP), boot space and price (35,200 £ vs 29,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – CUPRA Formentor or Kia Sportage?

CUPRA Formentor vs Kia Sportage: Key differences

CUPRA Formentor

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • considerably more electric range
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • marginally lighter
details

Kia Sportage

5 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly cheaper
  • markedly more trunk space
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Formentor

Overview: CUPRA Formentor VS Kia Sportage — sporty crossover meets practical SUV

The CUPRA Formentor VS Kia Sportage matchup pits a characterful, driver-focused crossover against a roomy, comfort‑first compact SUV. The CUPRA Formentor announces itself with taut handling, sporty seats and a design that leans on performance cues, while the Kia Sportage prioritises interior space, a serene highway ride and useful family-focused features. Choosing between them is rarely about which is objectively “better” and more about whether you prefer sharper driving manners or more everyday practicality. Expect the Formentor to feel livelier and more engaging at the wheel, and the Sportage to feel easier and more relaxed on long trips and around kids or luggage.

Sportage

Character and driving feel

The CUPRA Formentor is tuned to reward the driver: immediate steering, a firmer chassis and performance variants that pull decisively when asked. The Kia Sportage, by contrast, trades edge for composure — steering and body control are competent but deliberately muted, prioritising calm over thrills. That means the Formentor feels alive on twisty roads and gives confidence to someone who enjoys being involved, whereas the Sportage masks bumps and micro‑shifts for a more undemanding, predictable experience. If you enjoy a spirited commute or want a car that feels planted in corners, the Formentor leans into that; if you prefer a relaxed, confidence-inspiring manner, the Sportage will suit you better.

Formentor

Comfort, cabin feel and perceived quality

Inside, the CUPRA Formentor projects a sportier cabin with bolstered seats and upgraded surfaces where your hands rest, but it still leaves some areas with harder plastics and a more driver‑centric layout. The Kia Sportage offers a roomier, airier interior with softer seats and a calmer ambience that reads more family‑oriented and premium to many occupants. Both use touchscreen-focused controls, yet the Formentor’s large central display and illuminated sliders aim for a modern, cockpit-like feel while the Sportage’s interface focuses on clarity and user comfort even if some touch controls demand attention. In short, the Formentor feels tighter and more purposeful; the Sportage feels more relaxed and classically comfortable, which will influence how each car ages in daily use.

Sportage

Usability and practicality for everyday life

Practical differences are where the Sportage pulls ahead: it gives more usable boot space, a flexible 40:20:40 rear bench and clever loadfloor options that simplify family packing and weekend gear. The CUPRA Formentor has a competent, well-shaped boot but that capacity shrinks on some drivetrain choices, so real‑world luggage needs can quickly become a deciding factor. The Sportage also tends to offer more rear legroom and storage touches that parents appreciate, while the Formentor rewards buyers who prioritise driving dynamics and can live with slightly tighter cargo practicality. If you regularly carry bulky items, rear passengers or child seats, the Sportage will make fewer compromises day to day; if luggage is occasional and driving feel matters, the Formentor stays compelling.

Formentor

City friendliness and long‑distance behaviour

In urban life the Formentor’s compact footprint and direct steering make it nimble for quick manoeuvres, but its long bonnet and firmer ride mean you’ll want cameras and parking aids for confidence in tight spots. The Sportage feels more composed in city traffic thanks to an upright seating position, softer damping and wide visibility for occupants, even if its rear pillars can obscure the view without a camera. On motorways the Sportage’s quieter cabin and relaxed cruising demeanour reduce fatigue over long hauls, whereas the Formentor’s sportier setup transmits more road and wind noise — enjoyable for engaged drivers, tiring for passengers on long trips. Also consider that the Formentor’s plug‑in and high‑power options bring real advantages for short, charged commutes, while the Sportage’s hybrid choices prioritise seamless, economical cruising when you rarely plug in.

Sportage

Buyer fit and final trade‑offs before the technical deep dive

If you’re choosing by emotion and driving engagement — daily commutes that double as a mini thrill — the CUPRA Formentor fits that brief with sharper dynamics and a sportier cabin. If your priority is family practicality, long-distance calm, and a more forgiving interior for passengers and cargo, the Kia Sportage is the clearer fit. Both cars have sensible tech and safety kits, but the decision narrows to whether you value driver involvement over cargo versatility and highway hush. Below this editorial comparison we’ll unpack the technical differences so you can match specific engines, trim choices and real‑world efficiency to the lifestyle trade-offs that matter most.

Frequently compared as well

CUPRA Formentor
CUPRA Terramar
VS
Choosing between the Cupra Formentor and the Cupra Terramar means deciding whether you want a sporting, head-turning compact crossover or a more conventional compact SUV that leans toward comfort and space. The Formentor emphasizes sharper handling, bold styling and a driver-focused feel, while the …
Kia Sportage
Skoda Karoq
VS
The Kia Sportage flaunts a bolder design, plush cabin and tech-heavy kit that feels like buying the future — perfect if you want comfort and a bit of showmanship on your commute. The Skoda Karoq plays the sensible sibling: conservative looks, clever packaging, enjoyable handling and better value, …

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Formentor

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Kia Sportage is markedly cheaper – starting at 29,100 £ , while the CUPRA Formentor costs 35,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 6,107 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the CUPRA Formentor uses 1.4 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Kia Sportage with 2.9 L/100km. The difference is about 1.5 L/100km.

As for electric range, the CUPRA Formentor offers considerably more range – reaching up to 126 km, about 60 km more than the Kia Sportage.

Sportage

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the CUPRA Formentor offers markedly more power – delivering 390 HP compared to 288 HP. That’s roughly 102 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the CUPRA Formentor is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 4.2 s, while the Kia Sportage takes 7.5 s. That’s about 3.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the CUPRA Formentor delivers clearly more torque with 480 Nm compared to 380 Nm. That’s about 100 Nm more.

Formentor

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, CUPRA Formentor is marginally lighter – 1,434 kg compared to 1,552 kg. The difference is around 118 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Kia Sportage offers markedly more boot space – 587 L compared to 450 L. That’s a difference of about 137 L.

When it comes to payload, the Kia Sportage carries very slightly more – 580 kg compared to 526 kg. That’s a difference of about 54 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The CUPRA Formentor is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £35,200
Formentor

CUPRA Formentor

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 150 - 390 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.4 - 10.1 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 117 - 126 km
details
CUPRA Formentor
Kia Sportage

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

CUPRA Formentor

The CUPRA Formentor blends sporty driving dynamics with crossover practicality, delivering sharp handling and an engaging character that makes it fun on twisty roads as well as in daily driving. Inside, it pairs a driver-focused cabin and premium materials with clever practicality, offering a confident, distinctive alternative to conventional SUVs.

details
CUPRA-Formentor-VZ5_12_HQ
CUPRA-Formentor-VZ5_04_HQ
CUPRA-Formentor-VZ5_09_HQ
CUPRA-Formentor-VZ5_17_HQ
CUPRA-Formentor-VZ5_18_HQ

Reviews CUPRA Formentor

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate
Waldemar
7 Feb 2026, 09:46:20

For me, a mature man, the "civilian" version was enough — an automatic, very well-equipped, with the 150‑hp engine in Magnetic Tech.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage is a roomy, well-equipped compact SUV that balances comfort and practicality for daily driving. It delivers a modern interior, composed ride, and strong value for buyers who want versatility without fuss.

details
Kia_Sportage_M22_24
Kia_Sportage_M22_37
Kia_Sportage_M22_25
Kia_Sportage_M22_84

Reviews Kia Sportage

5 (3 Reviews)
rate
EM
24 Apr 2026, 11:56:00

Low fuel consumption, spacious, responsive acceleration, quiet

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Peter
3 Jan 2026, 23:20:52

I drove the Toyota RAV4 and the Kia Sportage on business — the Kia’s engine and automatic gearbox are much better. It doesn’t jerk or scream, and the shifts are smooth. Comfort in both cars is very similar.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Company car / Business
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Lello
14 Nov 2025, 09:58:29

Perfect car in every way, good trim, excellent fuel economy and reliability, price competitive with brands that have been established for longer...

Frequently compared as well

CUPRA Formentor
CUPRA Leon
VS
Choose the CUPRA Formentor if you want SUV presence, extra boot space and a comfy ride that still hides a spicy engine under the hood; pick the CUPRA Leon if you crave a lower, sharper hot-hatch feel with crisper handling and more driver-focused thrills. In short: the Formentor impresses with …
CUPRA Formentor
VW T-Roc
VS
The Cupra Formentor and the VW T‑Roc are compact crossovers that balance everyday practicality with distinct personalities—one leaning sporty and style‑focused, the other aiming for broad appeal and comfort. This quick comparison highlights how the Formentor’s sharper driving character and design …
Kia Sportage
Omoda 5
VS
The Kia Sportage and the Omoda 5 go head-to-head in the compact SUV class, offering very different takes on style, technology and everyday practicality. This comparison will help you choose between the Sportage's proven comfort, refinement and broad dealer support and the Omoda 5's striking design, …
Hyundai Kona
Kia Sportage
VS
The Hyundai Kona and Kia Sportage go head-to-head in the compact-SUV ring — the Kona is cheeky, city-savvy and punchy, while the Sportage leans into grown-up comfort and family-friendly practicality. We’ll break down which one gives you sharper driving thrills, better everyday usability and the …
BYD Seal U
Kia Sportage
VS
In one corner, the sleek, spoiler-tinged BYD Seal U — an electric fastback that flirts with sports-car dynamics while packing a tech-bomb of range and gadgets; in the other, the practical, ever-adaptable Kia Sportage — a compact SUV that blends comfort, space and sensible running costs into a tidy …
Kia Sportage
Kia EV5
VS
Choosing between the Kia Sportage and the Kia EV5 comes down to whether you want a versatile, familiar compact SUV with petrol/hybrid options or a new all-electric crossover focused on efficiency and advanced tech. I’ll highlight the real-world differences in driving feel, running costs, interior …
Kia Sportage
MG HS
VS
Two likeable compact crossovers go head-to-head: the well-rounded Kia Sportage versus the value-packed MG HS and its electrified twin, the EHS. Which wins on everyday practicality, kit and style — and which one is the clever buy for your driveway and wallet?
Kia EV3
Kia Sportage
VS
The Kia EV3 and the Kia Sportage serve different needs: the EV3 is a small electric crossover built for efficiency and city life, while the Sportage is a mainstream compact SUV focused on space, comfort and a range of powertrain choices. This comparison cuts through their range, practicality, …
CUPRA Formentor
Kia Sportage

Costs and Consumption
Price
35,200 - 62,500 £
Price
29,100 - 47,100 £
Consumption L/100km
1.4 - 10.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 7.8 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
117 - 126 km
Electric Range
63 - 66 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
32 - 229 g/km
co2
67 - 177 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,434 - 1,742 kg
Curb weight
1,552 - 1,896 kg
Trunk capacity
345 - 450 L
Trunk capacity
526 - 587 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,839 - 1,852 mm
Width
1,865 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
439 - 526 kg
Payload
533 - 580 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 390 HP
Power HP
136 - 288 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.2 - 9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.5 - 11.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 480 Nm
Torque
250 - 380 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 5
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
110 - 287 kW
Power kW
100 - 212 kW
Engine capacity
1,498 - 2,480 cm3
Engine capacity
1,598 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, E, D, F, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, D, E, G, B
Brand
CUPRA
Brand
Kia
What drive types are available for the CUPRA Formentor?

The CUPRA Formentor is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.