@ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.
@ Dacia / Renault Group Media
VS

CUPRA Leon vs Dacia Sandero – Which one offers the better deal?

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: CUPRA Leon or Dacia Sandero?

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

Leon @ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Dacia Sandero has a decisively advantage in terms of price – it starts at 10700 £, while the CUPRA Leon costs 31800 £. That’s a price difference of around 21052 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: CUPRA Leon manages with 1.30 L and is therefore significantly more efficient than the Dacia Sandero with 5.30 L. The difference is about 4 L per 100 km.

Sandero @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

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 Leon has a clearly edge – offering 300 HP compared to 110 HP. That’s roughly 190 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the CUPRA Leon is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.70 s, while the Dacia Sandero takes 10 s. That’s about 4.30 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the CUPRA Leon performs clearly perceptible better – reaching 250 km/h, while the Dacia Sandero tops out at 183 km/h. The difference is around 67 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: CUPRA Leon pulls clearly stronger with 400 Nm compared to 200 Nm. That’s about 200 Nm difference.

Leon @ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.

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 curb weight, Dacia Sandero is clearly perceptible lighter – 1089 kg compared to 1371 kg. The difference is around 282 kg.

In terms of boot space, the CUPRA Leon offers a bit more room – 380 L compared to 328 L. That’s a difference of about 52 L.

In maximum load capacity, the CUPRA Leon performs somewhat better – up to 1301 L, which is about 193 L more than the Dacia Sandero.

When it comes to payload, CUPRA Leon slightly takes the win – 504 kg compared to 436 kg. That’s a difference of about 68 kg.

Who wins the race?

The CUPRA Leon proves to be dominates this comparison and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
CUPRA Leon is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £31,800
Leon @ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.

CUPRA Leon

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 150 - 300 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.3 - 7.7 L
  • Electric Range : 124 - 131 km
details

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
CUPRA-Leon_29_HQ @ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.
CUPRA-Leon_09_HQ @ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.
CUPRA-Leon_38_HQ @ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.
CUPRA-Leon_88_HQ @ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.
CUPRA-Leon_91_HQ @ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.
CUPRA-Leon_96_HQ @ CUPRA / SEAT S.A.

Dacia Sandero

The Dacia Sandero is the everyman's hatchback — unpretentious, practical and brilliantly affordable, with sensible space and straightforward charm where it matters most. It won't wow in the premium lane, but for buyers who want honest, dependable transport without showroom theatrics, the Sandero is a clever, no‑nonsense pick that keeps running costs low and grin levels high.

details
d220195p @ Dacia / Renault Group Media
d220191p @ Dacia / Renault Group Media
d220190p @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

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Costs and Consumption
Price
31800 - 49200 £
Price
10700 - 16700 £
Consumption L/100km
1.3 - 7.7 L
Consumption L/100km
5.3 - 7.1 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
124 - 131 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
28 - 175 g/km
co2
105 - 140 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 50 L
Fuel tank capacity
32 - 50 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1371 - 1708 kg
Curb weight
1089 - 1209 kg
Trunk capacity
270 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
328 L
Length
4398 - 4399 mm
Length
4088 - 4099 mm
Width
1799 mm
Width
1848 mm
Height
1444 - 1467 mm
Height
1499 - 1535 mm
Max trunk capacity
1191 - 1301 L
Max trunk capacity
1108 L
Payload
432 - 504 kg
Payload
404 - 436 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, LPG
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 300 HP
Power HP
67 - 110 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.7 - 8.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10 - 16.7 s
Max Speed
213 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
158 - 183 km/h
Torque
250 - 400 Nm
Torque
95 - 200 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
110 - 221 kW
Power kW
49 - 81 kW
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3
Engine capacity
999 cm3

General
Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, D, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, E
Brand
CUPRA
Brand
Dacia

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What drive types are available for the CUPRA Leon?

The CUPRA Leon is available as 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.