VS

CUPRA Formentor vs Volvo XC40 comparison

Compare performance (390 HP vs 197 HP), boot space and price (35,800 £ vs 41,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – CUPRA Formentor or Volvo XC40?

CUPRA Formentor vs Volvo XC40: Key differences

CUPRA Formentor

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • slightly cheaper
  • clearly more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • somewhat lighter
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Volvo XC40

5 (6 Reviews)
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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

Head-to-Head: CUPRA Formentor vs Volvo XC40

CUPRA Formentor and the Volvo XC40 go head-to-head in this compact crossover comparison to help you decide which small SUV suits your life. This CUPRA Formentor VS Volvo XC40 duel pits a brash, coupe-like compact crossover against a composed, premium small SUV, so the differences are as much about attitude as they are about practicality. If you're hunting for a quick read that separates style from serenity, we'll cut through the brochure speak and show how each car behaves in real traffic, at the school run and on a long motorway run. Expect the usual suspects — perceived comfort, cabin feel, usability and how each model shapes your daily routine — with a few wry observations along the way.

XC40

The Character Clash: Sporty Swagger vs Scandinavian Restraint

The CUPRA Formentor arrives with a sporty posture and a deliberate, driver-focused personality, while the Volvo XC40 answers with calm, measured refinement and an air of safety-first assurance. The Formentor projects headline-grabbing style and sharper steering responses that make everyday driving feel more engaging, whereas the XC40 soothes with a composed ride and interiors that prioritize tactile quality over flash. That contrast is visible the moment you approach either car: the Formentor leans into expression, the XC40 into understatement. Both have their fans — one wants to be noticed, the other wants to be trusted — and that defines how they behave on the road.

Formentor

Everyday Life: School Runs, City Streets and Long Trips

For daily commutes and tight urban parking, the Volvo XC40 plays the pragmatic card with a sense of space, user-friendly controls and a ride tuned for comfort, while the CUPRA Formentor rewards drivers who prefer a firmer, more connected feel at the wheel. Families will appreciate the XC40’s reassuring ergonomics and accessible cabin layout, whereas the Formentor trades a bit of rear-seat indulgence for a more dynamic driving experience up front. On long distances the XC40’s placid demeanour and composed seats lean towards relaxed cruising, whereas the Formentor keeps you attentive and entertained if you like to hustle between junctions. In short, one leans pragmatic comfort, the other leans engaged motoring — choose which daily mood suits you.

XC40

Buying on Image: What You’ll Be Saying Without Saying It

Choosing the CUPRA Formentor announces a willingness to be noticed — you’re after sporting looks and a car that feels alive in corners, even if it’s still perfectly usable day-to-day. Picking the Volvo XC40 signals a preference for understated refinement, Scandinavian design and an ownership experience built around calm competence rather than flash. Both cars justify themselves: the Formentor as a choice for someone who wants driving to feel like a small thrill, the XC40 for someone who values presence, perceived quality and low-stress motoring. Neither choice is shy; they just tell different stories about what matters to you when you step away from the garage.

Formentor

Who Should Be Considering the CUPRA Formentor?

The CUPRA Formentor fits buyers who prize style and spirited driving — the sort who will enjoy a car that looks aggressive in the driveway and rewards sharper inputs on twisty backroads. If you care more about engagement, distinctive design and a cabin that feels like it was tuned around the driver, then the Formentor is speaking your language. It’s a strong match for people who like their daily transport to double as weekend fun, and for those who place image and driving excitement high on the list. If that description sounds like you, the Formentor will feel like the more expressive choice compared with the XC40.

XC40

Who Should Be Considering the Volvo XC40 (and Why Formentor Still Matters)

The Volvo XC40 suits buyers who prioritise comfort, user-friendliness and a premium, safe image — think commuters who want a calm cabin and families who value practical ergonomics over being noticed. If low-stress driving, a composed ride and tactile interior quality top your priorities, the XC40 makes a persuasive, sensible case against the more extroverted Formentor. That said, if you occasionally crave a sharper, more dynamic feel you won’t regret giving the CUPRA Formentor a test drive first; it will remind you why some buyers trade a bit of polish for personality. Read on to see the detailed differences and decide which mood you want your next small SUV to be in every morning.

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 …
Volvo EX40
Volvo XC40
VS
The Volvo EX40 and Volvo XC40 put two sides of Volvo’s compact-SUV line-up head-to-head: the EX40 is a dedicated electric model focused on efficiency, range and modern tech, while the XC40 is a versatile compact SUV available with petrol, hybrid and electric options that delivers a more traditional …

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.

CUPRA Formentor is slightly cheaper – starting at 35,800 £ , while the Volvo XC40 costs 41,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 6,154 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the CUPRA Formentor uses 1.4 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.5 L/100km. The difference is about 5.1 L/100km.

XC40

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the CUPRA Formentor offers clearly more power – delivering 390 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 193 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the CUPRA Formentor is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.2 s, while the Volvo XC40 takes 7.6 s. That’s about 3.4 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the CUPRA Formentor delivers noticeably more torque with 480 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 180 Nm more.

Formentor

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 terms of curb weight, CUPRA Formentor is somewhat lighter – 1,434 kg compared to 1,688 kg. The difference is around 254 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Volvo XC40 carries only slightly more – 532 kg compared to 526 kg. That’s a difference of about 6 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The CUPRA Formentor is clearly superior 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 £35,800
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
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CUPRA Formentor
Volvo XC40

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.

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Reviews CUPRA Formentor

4.9 (2 Reviews)
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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

Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 blends Scandinavian design with practical versatility, offering a compact luxury crossover that feels composed and easy to live with. It’s refined and focused on safety with a high-quality interior, making it a smart choice for daily city driving and weekend escapes.

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Reviews Volvo XC40

5 (6 Reviews)
rate
Trentini Paolo
7 May 2026, 13:45:44

Delivered a few days ago — a radical change after 5 VW Golfs, most recently a T‑Roc.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
S. M.
20 Apr 2026, 09:07:56

Excellent

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

Frequently compared as well

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Ford Kuga
Volvo XC40
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The Ford Kuga is the zippier, more practical pick — roomy, better value and a bit more fun to drive — while the Volvo XC40 trades that scrappiness for a quieter, upmarket cabin, class-leading safety tech and unmistakable Scandinavian polish. If you want driving engagement and bang for your buck go …
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 …
Skoda Karoq
Volvo XC40
VS
The Skoda Karoq is the sensible, spacious family SUV that puts practicality and value first — roomy boot, low running costs and a no-nonsense interior that feels built to last. The Volvo XC40, by contrast, serves up Scandi style, sharper tech and a more premium cabin (plus safety kit you can brag …
Lexus NX
Volvo XC40
VS
The Lexus NX and Volvo XC40 are two leading compact luxury SUVs that blend premium craftsmanship with everyday practicality. The NX leans toward refined comfort and dependable hybrid tech, while the XC40 emphasizes clean Scandinavian design, clever packaging and class-leading safety—so choice …
Volvo V60
Volvo XC40
VS
The Volvo V60 is a sleek, premium estate built for refined cruising and carrying larger loads, while the Volvo XC40 is a compact SUV focused on city agility, practicality and a taller driving position. Choosing between them comes down to whether you want wagon-style space and long-distance comfort …
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 …
Hyundai Tucson
Volvo XC40
VS
The Hyundai Tucson turns heads with bold styling, generous kit and wallet-friendly practicality, while the Volvo XC40 answers with crisp Scandinavian design, a cosseting cabin and a premium badge that justifies the extra euros. If you want bang-for-buck family usability and lots of equipment go …
CUPRA Formentor
Volvo XC40

Costs and Consumption
Price
35,800 - 62,500 £
Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
Consumption L/100km
1.4 - 10.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
117 - 126 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
32 - 229 g/km
co2
148 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
1,688 kg
Trunk capacity
345 - 450 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,839 - 1,852 mm
Width
1,863 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
439 - 526 kg
Payload
532 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 390 HP
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.2 - 9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 480 Nm
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 5
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
110 - 287 kW
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Engine capacity
1,498 - 2,480 cm3
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, E, D, F, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
Brand
CUPRA
Brand
Volvo
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.