Cupra Formentor vs Volkswagen Tiguan: which is best? 

If you’re after an SUV, your choices are seemingly endless these days. There are dozens to choose from, and the two we’ll be focussing on today are the Cupra Formentor and the Volkswagen Tiguan.

The Cupra is a great-looking car with a sporty coupe-esque roofline, while the Tiguan is a bit more function over form. We’re going to compare these two cars in detail to find out which is best.

Design and Exterior

Cupra Formentor: the sporty-looking choice

The Cupra Formentor has an aggressive, coupe-like design with sharp lines, distinctive air intakes, and a low roofline. One standout feature is the optional matte paint, setting it apart from the Tiguan. Copper-coloured accents and the Cupra logo further emphasise its performance-focused character.

Volkswagen Tiguan: classic SUV styling

The Volkswagen Tiguan is more traditional in its design. It’s more boxy than the Formentor with a taller roofline. The R-Line version adds a sportier touch with larger air intakes and more pronounced side skirts, but it still doesn’t look quite as aggressive as the Cupra.

If you’re after a sporty SUV with a coupe-like feel, the Formentor is your best bet. If you prefer a practical, everyday SUV, the Tiguan is the way to go.

Engines and Driving

Cupra Formentor: the more fun option

You get a wide range of engines to choose from in the Cupra Formentor, from a frugal 1.5-litre petrol to a firebreathing 333hp 2.0-litre unit. It’s also more engaging to drive than the Volkswagen, especially if you go for the most powerful engine.

Available engines:

• Petrol: 150hp to 333hp
• Plug-in hybrid: 204hp & 245hp (up to 75 miles electric range)
• All-wheel drive optional

Volkswagen Tiguan: comfortable all-rounder

The Tiguan has a similar range of petrol engines as the Formentor, but it does without the 333hp unit. You can also get this car with an economical diesel engine. You wouldn’t describe it as fun, but it’s supremely comfortable to cruise around in.

Available engines:

• Petrol: 150hp to 265hp
• Diesel (TDI): 150hp & 193hp
• Plug-in Hybrid: 204hp & 272hp (up to 75 miles electric range)
• All-wheel drive optional

The Formentor feels sportier, especially in the 333hp version. The Tiguan is more comfortable, particularly for long-distance drivers.

Interior & Technology

Cupra Formentor: sleek design

Inside, the Formentor features a modern, driver-focused cabin with a 12.0-inch touchscreen and sporty bucket seats. It’s a pretty stylish interior which feels well-built, although there are a few scratchy plastics to be found if you poke around enough.

VW Tiguan: the more premium option

The Tiguan’s cabin may not be quite as exciting as the Formentor’s, but it does feel more high-quality. All the materials feel nice and plush, and the build quality is great as well. Both cars offer similar tech, with a massive touchscreen on the dashboard housing most of your controls.

The Formentor feels sportier and more modern, while the Tiguan is more practical and refined.

Which model suits you better?

The Cupra Formentor is undoubtedly the better choice if you want a sporty SUV with agile handling and an eye-catching design. For driving enthusiasts, the Spanish model is a clear winner over the slightly vanilla Tiguan.

However, that doesn’t mean the VW Tiguan is a bad choice. If you’re looking for a spacious family car, the Tiguan is the better option. It is also more comfortable on long trips. In terms of engines, the Formentor offers a wider range, but if you prefer a diesel, it’s only available in the Tiguan.

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