Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether CUPRA Formentor or SEAT Arona fits your lifestyle better.
Navigating the crowded landscape of compact SUVs can be challenging, yet two models consistently stand out: the CUPRA Formentor and the SEAT Arona. Both vehicles offer their own unique blend of style, performance, and practicality. In this article, we pit these two impressive SUVs against each other to help you decide which one suits your needs best.
The CUPRA Formentor makes an immediate impression with its sporty, aggressive stance. It measures 4451 mm in length, 1839 mm in width, and varies slightly in height between 1511 mm to 1537 mm, depending on the configuration. In contrast, the SEAT Arona maintains a more understated design with urban-friendly dimensions, coming in at 4153 mm in length and 1780 mm in width, while sharing a similar height of 1537 mm.
Versatility shines in the CUPRA Formentor's engine offerings, ranging from petrol and plug-in hybrid options to petrol MHEV and diesel engines. Power outputs stretch from 150 HP to a formidable 333 HP, facilitated by either a manual gearbox or a dual-clutch automatic transmission. Notably, the Formentor also offers an electric range of up to 125 km with a 19.7 kWh battery, which caters to eco-conscious drivers.
Conversely, the SEAT Arona keeps it straightforward with petrol engines exclusively. Its power varies from 95 HP to 150 HP. The Arona ensures efficient and reliable performance with consumption ranging between 5.4 to 5.6 liters per 100 km, paired with a front-wheel-drive system and transmission choices of manual or dual-clutch automatic.
Acceleration enthusiasts will appreciate the Formentor's impressive timing of 4.8 seconds to 100 km/h in its high-performance guise, while still offering a practical 6.5 seconds in its more moderate configurations. Its top speed peaks at 250 km/h, ideal for adrenaline seekers. In terms of torque, it offers up to 420 Nm.
The SEAT Arona, built for urban maneuverability, offers a modest 8.4 seconds to 100 km/h, reaching maximum speeds of up to 210 km/h. While its torque is lower, peaking at 250 Nm, it balances this with exceptional city driving characteristics.
Both SUVs accommodate five passengers comfortably. The CUPRA Formentor stands out with a boot capacity of up to 450 liters, ensuring ample space for weekend getaways. Meanwhile, the SEAT Arona offers practicality with a slightly smaller but efficient 400-liter trunk, catering well to daily needs.
The choice between the CUPRA Formentor and SEAT Arona ultimately hinges on what you value most in a vehicle. The Formentor attracts with its high-performance capability and stylish, tech-forward features, making it ideal for those who seek a dynamic driving experience. On the other hand, the Arona is a commendable city SUV, offering efficiency and practicality at a competitive price point.
Deciding between these two comes down to personal preference: whether you lean toward performance and versatility or favor practicality and urban agility.
Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.
SEAT Arona has a decisively advantage in terms of price – it starts at 19300 £, while the CUPRA Formentor costs 35200 £. That’s a price difference of around 15939 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: CUPRA Formentor manages with 1.40 L and is therefore convincingly more efficient than the SEAT Arona with 5.40 L. The difference is about 4 L per 100 km.
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 clearly edge – offering 333 HP compared to 150 HP. That’s roughly 183 HP more horsepower.
In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the CUPRA Formentor is convincingly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.80 s, while the SEAT Arona takes 8.40 s. That’s about 3.60 s faster.
In terms of top speed, the CUPRA Formentor performs to a small extent better – reaching 250 km/h, while the SEAT Arona tops out at 210 km/h. The difference is around 40 km/h.
There’s also a difference in torque: CUPRA Formentor pulls decisively stronger with 420 Nm compared to 250 Nm. That’s about 170 Nm difference.
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 curb weight, SEAT Arona is clearly perceptible lighter – 1188 kg compared to 1434 kg. The difference is around 246 kg.
In terms of boot space, the CUPRA Formentor offers slightly more room – 450 L compared to 400 L. That’s a difference of about 50 L.
In maximum load capacity, the CUPRA Formentor performs a bit better – up to 1505 L, which is about 225 L more than the SEAT Arona.
When it comes to payload, CUPRA Formentor slight takes the win – 526 kg compared to 522 kg. That’s a difference of about 4 kg.
Overall, the CUPRA Formentor shows itself to be outperforms in nearly all aspects 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.
@ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.
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.
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@ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.
@ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.
@ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.
@ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.
@ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.
The SEAT Arona is a cheeky urban crossover that mixes sharp styling with sensible practicality, making it an appealing choice for buyers who want personality without fuss. It’s zippy in traffic, comfortable enough for daily driving, and brings enough character to make routine journeys feel a little more fun.
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@ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
@ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
@ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
@ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
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@ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.
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@ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
35200 - 55000 £
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Price
19300 - 29300 £
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Consumption L/100km
1.4 - 8.8 L
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Consumption L/100km
5.4 - 5.6 L
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
117 - 126 km
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Electric Range
-
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Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
32 - 199 g/km
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co2
122 - 128 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L
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Fuel tank capacity
40 L
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Dimensions and Body |
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Body Type
SUV
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Body Type
SUV
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
5
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Doors
5
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Curb weight
1434 - 1742 kg
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Curb weight
1188 - 1268 kg
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Trunk capacity
345 - 450 L
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Trunk capacity
400 L
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Length
4451 mm
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Length
4153 mm
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Width
1839 mm
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Width
1780 mm
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Height
1511 - 1537 mm
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Height
1537 mm
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Max trunk capacity
1415 - 1505 L
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Max trunk capacity
1280 L
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Payload
458 - 526 kg
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Payload
502 - 522 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
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Engine Type
Petrol
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Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
150 - 333 HP
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Power HP
95 - 150 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.8 - 9 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.4 - 11.3 s
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Max Speed
205 - 250 km/h
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Max Speed
182 - 210 km/h
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Torque
250 - 420 Nm
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Torque
175 - 250 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
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Power kW
110 - 245 kW
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Power kW
70 - 110 kW
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Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3
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Engine capacity
999 - 1498 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2024 - 2025
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Model Year
2025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
G, E, D, F, B
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D
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Brand
CUPRA
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Brand
SEAT
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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.
Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Norge
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
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