@ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.
@ Renault Group Media
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CUPRA Formentor vs Renault Rafale – Which car suits you better?

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether CUPRA Formentor or Renault Rafale fits your lifestyle better.

Formentor @ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.

An Exciting SUV Showdown: CUPRA Formentor vs Renault Rafale

In the competitive world of automotive engineering, SUVs have carved out a significant niche, combining performance with practicality. Two models have recently caught attention: the CUPRA Formentor and the Renault Rafale. Both vehicles have their unique appeals, offering a diverse array of features and technologies. Here's a detailed comparison.

Rafale @ Renault Group Media

Performance and Power

The CUPRA Formentor brings multiple engine types to the table, including petrol, plug-in hybrid, petrol mild-hybrid, and diesel, with a peak performance of 333 HP. The variety in power output ranges from 150 HP to 333 HP, catering to diverse driving preferences. In contrast, the Renault Rafale offers full hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines, providing a choice between 200 HP and up to 300 HP, focusing on efficient yet powerful performance.

Acceleration-wise, the CUPRA dashes from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 4.8 seconds, while the Rafale clocks in at a respectable 6.4 seconds. Despite this speed difference, both models maintain excellent drivability and control on the road.

Formentor @ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.

Efficiency and Eco-Friendliness

When it comes to fuel consumption and environmental impact, the Renault Rafale's hybrid technology shines, achieving consumption figures as low as 0.6 L/100km in its plug-in variant. On the other hand, the CUPRA Formentor's consumption starts at 0.4 L/100km in its plug-in hybrid form. The Rafale is equally impressive with CO2 emissions as low as 14 g/km, while the Formentor's emissions span from 9 to 199 g/km depending on the configuration, showcasing a wider range of efficiency classes from E to B.

Rafale @ Renault Group Media

Drivability and Handling

The Formentor offers a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, combined with manual or dual-clutch automatic transmissions, catering to driving enthusiasts who seek a more involved experience or prefer automatic convenience. The Rafale sticks to a straightforward automatic gearbox with front-wheel drive, focusing on simplicity and reliability in various driving conditions.

Formentor @ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.

Interior and Space

Both vehicles offer spacious interiors for five passengers, but they differ in cargo capacity. The Renault Rafale boasts an impressive trunk capacity of up to 627 liters, surpassing the Formentor's maximum of 450 liters. This makes the Rafale an excellent choice for families and travelers looking for additional luggage space.

Rafale @ Renault Group Media

Design and Dimensions

In terms of size, the Renault Rafale is slightly larger, measuring 4710 mm in length, 1886 mm in width, and 1613 mm in height. The CUPRA Formentor, with dimensions of 4451 mm in length, 1839 mm in width, and a maximum height of 1537 mm, adopts a more compact, sporty posture. This translates into nimble handling and easier parking in tight urban environments.

Formentor @ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.

Conclusion: Which Is the Right Choice?

Choosing between the CUPRA Formentor and the Renault Rafale depends largely on your personal preferences and needs. The Formentor impresses with its performance diversity and sporty appeal, perfect for those who love to drive. Meanwhile, the Rafale appeals to eco-conscious drivers who prioritize space and efficiency. Both SUVs push boundaries in their ways, offering remarkable innovations and engineering excellence in the 2024 lineup.

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

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

CUPRA Formentor has a minimal advantage in terms of price – it starts at 35200 £, while the Renault Rafale costs 37500 £. That’s a price difference of around 2301 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Renault Rafale manages with 0.60 L and is therefore decisively more efficient than the CUPRA Formentor with 1.40 L. The difference is about 0.80 L per 100 km.

As for range, the CUPRA Formentor performs distinct better – achieving up to 126 km, about 29 km more than the Renault Rafale.

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the CUPRA Formentor has a hardly perceptible edge – offering 333 HP compared to 300 HP. That’s roughly 33 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the CUPRA Formentor is noticeable quicker – completing the sprint in 4.80 s, while the Renault Rafale takes 6.40 s. That’s about 1.60 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the CUPRA Formentor performs distinct better – reaching 250 km/h, while the Renault Rafale tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 70 km/h.

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, CUPRA Formentor is distinct lighter – 1434 kg compared to 1734 kg. The difference is around 300 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Renault Rafale offers distinct more room – 627 L compared to 450 L. That’s a difference of about 177 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Renault Rafale performs distinct better – up to 1910 L, which is about 405 L more than the CUPRA Formentor.

When it comes to payload, CUPRA Formentor somewhat takes the win – 526 kg compared to 444 kg. That’s a difference of about 82 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Renault Rafale shows itself to be is largely superior and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £37,500
Rafale @ Renault Group Media

Renault Rafale

  • Engine Type : Plugin Hybrid, Full Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 200 - 300 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 0.6 - 5 L
  • Electric Range : 97 km

CUPRA Formentor

With coupe-like lines and a muscular stance the Cupra Formentor blends sporty drama with everyday sense, so it looks like it’s in motion even at a standstill. Inside and out it’s tuned for drivers who want engaging handling and a grown-up cabin — practical enough for daily life, playful enough to make the commute feel like a short track session.

details

Renault Rafale

5 (3)
rate

The Renault Rafale dresses bold coupé-inspired lines around a practical crossover body, turning heads without trying too hard. Inside it serves up a comfortable, well-equipped cabin and engaging driving manners, making it a clever choice for buyers who want a bit of panache with their daily commute.

details
CUPRA Formentor
Renault Rafale
Formentor @ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.
Rafale @ Renault Group Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
35200 - 55000 £
Price
37500 - 49500 £
Consumption L/100km
1.4 - 8.8 L
Consumption L/100km
0.6 - 5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
117 - 126 km
Electric Range
97 km
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
32 - 199 g/km
co2
14 - 109 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L
Fuel tank capacity
55 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1434 - 1742 kg
Curb weight
1734 - 2025 kg
Trunk capacity
345 - 450 L
Trunk capacity
539 - 627 L
Length
4451 mm
Length
4710 mm
Width
1839 mm
Width
1886 mm
Height
1511 - 1537 mm
Height
1613 mm
Max trunk capacity
1415 - 1505 L
Max trunk capacity
1826 - 1910 L
Payload
458 - 526 kg
Payload
415 - 444 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Full Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 333 HP
Power HP
200 - 300 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.8 - 9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.4 - 8.9 s
Max Speed
205 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
250 - 420 Nm
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
110 - 245 kW
Power kW
147 - 221 kW
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3
Engine capacity
1199 cm3

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, E, D, F, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, C
Brand
CUPRA
Brand
Renault
What drive types are available for the CUPRA Formentor?

Available configurations include All-Wheel Drive or Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.