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CUPRA Leon vs Subaru Forester comparison

Compare performance (325 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (35,700 £ vs 35,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – CUPRA Leon or Subaru Forester?

CUPRA Leon vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

CUPRA Leon

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly lighter
details

Subaru Forester

3.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • very slightly cheaper
  • markedly more trunk space
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:

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.

Subaru Forester is very slightly cheaper – starting at 35,100 £ , while the CUPRA Leon costs 35,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 544 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the CUPRA Leon uses 1.3 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 6.8 L/100km.

Forester

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 clearly more power – delivering 325 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 189 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the CUPRA Leon is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.4 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 6.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the CUPRA Leon delivers considerably more torque with 420 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 238 Nm more.

Leon

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 Leon is clearly lighter – 1,371 kg compared to 1,693 kg. The difference is around 322 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Subaru Forester offers markedly more boot space – 508 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 128 L.

When it comes to payload, the CUPRA Leon carries barely more – 493 kg compared to 492 kg. That’s a difference of about 1 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The CUPRA Leon is decisively ahead 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

CUPRA Formentor
CUPRA Leon
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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 …
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The CUPRA Leon and the Golf are closely related compact hatchbacks: the CUPRA packs sharper handling, stronger engines and a sportier image, while the Golf prioritizes refinement, everyday comfort and broad usability. This comparison cuts through specs, driving feel, interior quality and running …
CUPRA Leon
Subaru Forester

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_91_HQ
CUPRA-Leon_96_HQ

Reviews CUPRA Leon

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
Coutand
2 Jul 2026, 16:43:43

It's a very good sporty and comfortable car, light and powerful with very good handling. The vehicle is very comfortable and pleasant; I tried it — it's the one I recommend. It's reasonably priced depending on the engine.

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

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a practical all-rounder that quietly does everything right, with roomy comfort, excellent visibility and a real fondness for weekend adventures off the beaten path. It won't set your pulse racing like a sports car, but for buyers who prize reliability, safety and sensible charm, it's a brilliantly steady companion with a cheeky streak.

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Reviews Subaru Forester

3.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
Marie-Sophie
6 Jul 2026, 15:22:11

Unfortunately Citroën isn't sold here in the Americas, otherwise I would have chosen the C5.X!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Dirk
8 Dec 2025, 17:00:06

It's indeed much more expensive, but it drives brilliantly. I have the automatic — fantastic. It's a bit noisy for such an expensive car, and servicing at a Subaru dealer isn't cheap. It's certainly not economical.

On the other hand, very little breaks and it will never leave you stranded. And that space... 500 litres more is really about a 40% increase.

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CUPRA Leon
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
Price
35,700 - 50,900 £
Price
35,100 - 42,800 £
Consumption L/100km
1.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
8.1 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
183 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,371 - 1,708 kg
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Trunk capacity
270 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,799 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
432 - 493 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 325 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.4 - 8.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 420 Nm
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
110 - 239 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
CUPRA
Brand
Subaru
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.