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CUPRA Leon vs Dacia Sandero comparison

Compare performance (325 HP vs 122 HP), boot space and price (35,700 £ vs 11,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – CUPRA Leon or Dacia Sandero?

CUPRA Leon vs Dacia Sandero: Key differences

CUPRA Leon

  • substantially more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
  • very slightly more trunk space
details

Dacia Sandero

3.3 (5 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • markedly lighter
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

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

Leon

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Dacia Sandero is significantly cheaper – starting at 11,000 £ , while the CUPRA Leon costs 35,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 24,716 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the CUPRA Leon uses 1.3 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Dacia Sandero with 5.3 L/100km. The difference is about 4 L/100km.

Sandero

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 Leon offers substantially more power – delivering 325 HP compared to 122 HP. That’s roughly 203 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the CUPRA Leon is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 5.4 s, while the Dacia Sandero takes 9.7 s. That’s about 4.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the CUPRA Leon delivers significantly more torque with 420 Nm compared to 200 Nm. That’s about 220 Nm more.

Leon

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Dacia Sandero is markedly lighter – 1,100 kg compared to 1,371 kg. The difference is around 271 kg.

Looking at boot space, the CUPRA Leon offers very slightly more boot space – 380 L compared to 372 L. That’s a difference of about 8 L.

When it comes to payload, the CUPRA Leon carries moderately more – 493 kg compared to 436 kg. That’s a difference of about 57 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The CUPRA Leon stands well ahead of its rival 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 £35,700
Leon

CUPRA Leon

  • Engine Type Diesel, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 150 - 325 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.3 - 7.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range 124 - 131 km
details

Frequently compared as well

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Dacia Sandero
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The Dacia Duster and Dacia Sandero are budget-friendly staples from the same brand, but they serve very different needs: the Duster is a compact SUV with higher ground clearance and more interior space, while the Sandero is a practical, economical hatchback ideal for city driving. This comparison …
Dacia Sandero
Renault Captur
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CUPRA Leon
Dacia Sandero

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

CUPRA Leon

The Cupra Leon blends sporting intent with everyday practicality, serving up sharp handling and a cabin that feels more premium than its hatchback looks might suggest. It's a driver's car in commuter clothing — lively, distinctive, and clever enough to make daily driving feel a little less routine without screaming for attention.

details
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CUPRA-Leon_09_HQ
CUPRA-Leon_38_HQ
CUPRA-Leon_88_HQ
CUPRA-Leon_91_HQ
CUPRA-Leon_96_HQ

Reviews CUPRA Leon

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Dacia Sandero

The Sandero is a no-nonsense hatchback that prioritises practicality and low running costs, making it a smart choice for budget-minded buyers. It delivers a surprisingly roomy interior and straightforward, useful equipment so you get everyday usability without paying for unnecessary frills.

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Reviews Dacia Sandero

3.3 (5 Reviews)
rate
Kamil
1 Jun 2026, 17:18:36

The Dacia Sandero is really great compared to the VW Polo, which I also have the pleasure of driving — more power, quicker acceleration, lots of space inside for five people as well as a large boot, and for me it’s a great car at a good price.

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
Thierry
14 Apr 2026, 21:55:26

New car — but problems: water ingress in a vehicle that's only two years old, mould forming, a defective front plate and a black stain.

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
Le
9 Mar 2026, 11:19:49

Hello — having tried the Sandero Stepway Extreme Auto 120.
The big downside is at the front, where large consoles on both the passenger and driver doors create a feeling that, as the kilometres go by, you have to drive with your knees squeezed together. On top of that, the small compartment between the two seats is more cumbersome than practical.
The rear seats are really spacious.

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

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CUPRA Leon
Dacia Sandero

Costs and Consumption
Price
35,700 - 50,900 £
Price
11,000 - 16,300 £
Consumption L/100km
1.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.3 - 7.2 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
124 - 131 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
28 - 172 g/km
co2
111 - 131 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,371 - 1,708 kg
Curb weight
1,100 - 1,297 kg
Trunk capacity
270 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
328 - 372 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,799 mm
Width
1,853 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
432 - 493 kg
Payload
385 - 436 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol, LPG
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 325 HP
Power HP
67 - 122 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.4 - 8.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.7 - 16.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 420 Nm
Torque
95 - 200 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
110 - 239 kW
Power kW
49 - 90 kW
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1,199 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C
Brand
CUPRA
Brand
Dacia
Is the CUPRA Leon offered with different drivetrains?

The CUPRA Leon is offered with Front-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.