2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 review: Quick drive

I don’t exactly know how the powers that be at Cupra managed to get their hands on a limited number of Audi’s potent five-pot turbo engines that power its smaller RS models, but we’re very glad they did.

In any guise, the Formentor has always stood out from the more conformist SUV designs that are so ubiquitous these days. But with the high-performance VZ5, the exterior styling leans further into Cupra’s more expressive identity, with flared wheel-arches, copper detailing and quad (semi-stacked) exhaust outlets, giving it a clear sense of intent.

It stands apart without feeling overstyled.

Inside, the brilliant Sabelt bucket seats are a dead-set giveaway that this is something special – never mind the fact they’re beautifully supportive and sculpted, adding to the sense that this is something far more focused than its standard stablemates.

How much does the Cupra Formentor cost?

Cupra’s most potent Formentor is officially its most expensive model yet in Australia, with the new VZ5 pushing past the six-figure barrier on-road – though buyers can also option an ABT version, which pushes prices up by another $8000.

Priced from $94,990 before on-road costs, or $101,990 drive-away, the Formentor VZ5 arrives in strictly limited numbers, bringing with it a charismatic turbocharged five-cylinder engine and serious performance to boot.

By comparison, the Audi RS3 Sportback, which uses a slightly more powerful version of the same 2.5-litre turbo-five, is priced higher at $104,800 plus on-roads. 

Exclusivity for the Cupra is guaranteed though, with fewer than 100 units earmarked for Australia in the initial allocation, and dealers are already taking orders for build slots. Production is scheduled to run between May and December 2026, with local deliveries expected from late 2026 through to March 2027.

To see how the Cupra Formentor lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What is the Cupra Formentor like on the inside?

The Cupra Formentor VZ5’s interior doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel – it simply turns up the intensity, because at its core this is still the Formentor cabin. But in VZ5 form, it’s been reworked into something more focused, and far more deliberate.

The moment you drop into those exclusive Sabelt Cup Bucket seats, you realise what this car is about. Deeply sculpted, carbon-backed, and wrapped in nicely cushioned Dinamica suede, they don’t just hold you – they lock you in. This isn’t passive comfort. It’s active engagement, but with serious comfort at the same time. 

From there, everything else falls into place.

The material mix walks a fine line between performance and premium. Suede, contrast stitching, and copper detailing give it a distinct identity – one that feels closer to an Audi RS product than anything remotely mainstream. There’s a sense of occasion here, especially at night, when the full-width ambient lighting comes alive across the dash.

The layout itself remains clean and driver-focused. A digital instrument cluster sits ahead, paired with a large central touchscreen – now upgraded to a sharper, faster 12.9-inch interface. It’s more responsive, more intuitive, and finally matches the ambition of the rest of the car.

But here’s the key point, and it matters. The VZ5 now sits on the facelifted Formentor platform. So you get the improved tech, the updated interface, and better usability.

Visually, it’s not a ground-up new interior, though; it’s the same architecture, just a tad elevated. And that’s exactly the right call. 

Because the VZ5 was never about reinventing the cabin. It’s about amplifying the experience, tightening the focus, and turning a stylish crossover interior into something that genuinely feels like a serious performance car from behind the wheel – which is what differentiates Cupra from rival marques, even within the Volkswagen Group itself. 

Space-wise, the Formentor will surprise you. Up front, it’s more cockpit than cabin, given its lower ride height, but that doesn’t mean it's compromised in the passenger-space department.

Thanks to a generous 2681mm-long wheelbase, rear legroom is more than comfortable, even for taller frames. Out back, there’s also 410 litres of boot space – expanding to 1465L when the rear seatbacks are folded. It feels large. 

To see how the Cupra Formentor lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What's under the bonnet?

Under the bonnet lurks a 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine producing 287kW of power and 480Nm of torque. It’s a familiar unit, shared with Audi’s RS models, but here it feels like it’s been given a slightly different brief. Less clinical. More expressive.

It’s mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission driving all four wheels. Moreover, the VZ5 employs an active rear torque-splitting differential, vastly superior to the basic AWD system. It can send power to the front or rear, and left or right on the rear axle.

In other words, the system is continually adjusting torque to individual wheels, based on grip, steering angle, throttle position, and driving mode. 

To see how the Cupra Formentor lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How does the Cupra Formentor drive?

It might be an 'SUV', but this is also a very engaging driver’s car. And I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to being excited about the drive up to Montserrat and all those twisties on the way up to the monastery that sits atop this enormous conglomerated rock.

The road out of Barcelona starts innocuously enough – wide boulevards, a soft hum of traffic, the kind of urban sprawl that doesn’t tell you much about a performance SUV. But even at low speeds, the Formentor VZ5 hints at something different.

Press the starter, and there’s that unmistakable offbeat warble. Not overly loud, not trying too hard – just a subtle, mechanical reminder that this isn’t your typical turbocharged four-cylinder SUV.

And as the city begins to thin and the motorway opens up, that character starts to build.

On the motorway heading northwest towards Montserrat, the VZ5 feels effortlessly strong. There’s immediate response when you lean into the throttle, and a deep reserve of torque that makes overtaking feel almost casual.

But it’s not just about speed. It’s the way it delivers performance that stands out. Power builds progressively, cleanly, without any sudden spikes or artificial surges. It’s a broad, usable band that encourages you to stay in it a little longer than you probably should.

And accompanying it all is that signature five-cylinder soundtrack. A layered, slightly uneven note that evolves as the revs rise – from a muted growl into something far more purposeful. It’s not over-amplified or synthetic, either. It sounds authentic, and it's increasingly rare these days as electrification gains more traction with the proliferation of Chinese brands.

At a cruise, the VZ5 settles into a surprisingly refined rhythm. The adaptive dampers take the edge off any bumps or coarse surfaces, while the cabin remains quiet enough for long-distance driving to feel entirely natural.

There’s a maturity to it here that you might not expect, given its more aggressive brief.

But even in its more relaxed drive modes, there’s a constant sense of readiness. The drivetrain feels alert, the chassis hooked up – like it’s only ever a half-step away from something more focused.

And that shift comes quickly as the motorway gives way to the mountains and a steady climb.

The road up to Montserrat is a proper test. Tight switchbacks, variable surfaces, and a rhythm that demands commitment. This is where the VZ5 reveals its depth.

Initial turn-in is clean and direct, with a front-end that feels keyed into the road. There’s no hesitation, no vagueness – just a clear sense of where the nose is pointing and how much grip is available. And there’s plenty of that.

But what really defines the experience is the rear axle. The electro-hydraulic torque-vectoring differential works quietly in the background, but its effect is obvious. Mid-corner, the car feels like it’s being gently rotated, tightening its line and allowing you to get on the power earlier.

You’ll want to push on here, thanks to lashings of driver feedback and confidence that the chassis can handle the pace and endless corner carving – never mind the mid-corner steering adjustments.

Rather than simply neutralising understeer, it adds a layer of adjustability. The VZ5 feels willing – not just capable – and that makes a significant difference on a road like this.

Despite its SUV stance, the VZ5 manages its mass impressively well.

The DCC adaptive dampers strike a well-judged balance between control and compliance. There’s enough firmness to keep body movements in check through quick direction changes, but enough give to maintain composure over mid-corner imperfections.

It never feels brittle or overly stiff – a common pitfall in performance SUVs chasing outright sharpness. Instead, it flows. There’s a natural rhythm to the way it handles these roads, allowing you to build confidence progressively rather than feeling like you’re constantly managing weight transfer.

The six-piston Akebono front brakes are a key part of that confidence. Pedal feel is strong and progressive, making it easy to modulate braking effort as speeds rise and corners tighten. More importantly, they remain consistent even after repeated heavy use on the descent.

There’s no sense of fade, no loss of precision – just dependable stopping power that encourages you to push a little harder each time.

To see how the Cupra Formentor lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What do you get?

New exterior design elements include the Cupra brand’s new ‘Shark Nose’ corporate face, which also incorporates a new triangular LED lighting signature that’s reflected at both the front and rear.

At the rear, the full-width light bar now includes an illuminated logo on the tailgate.

The VZ5 also features a standard Sennheiser sound system and panoramic sunroof, with the only options being paint finishes.

It’ll be offered in one standard, one premium and three matte finishes, with premium paint costing $790 and matte paint costing $3300.

Performance equipment includes the electro-hydraulic torque vectoring rear differential, Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive dampers, and six-piston Akebono front brake calipers.

VZ5-specific equipment includes:

• 20-inch black and copper alloy wheels
• Flared wheel-arches
• Carbon-fibre front splitter with engraved logo
• Rear bumper with carbon-fibre insert
• Copper-tipped quad exhaust outlets
• Sabelt Cup Bucket front seats
• • Enceladus Grey Seaqual and Dinamica upholstery
  • Carbon-fibre backing

To see how the Cupra Formentor lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

Is the Cupra Formentor safe?

The standard Cupra Formentor range was awarded a five-star safety rating by ANCAP, however, the range-topping VZ5 is specifically excluded from this rating.

Similarly, any Formentor variants optioned with the Extreme Package remain unrated, due to the lack of a centre airbag between the Sabelt seats.

To see how the Cupra Formentor lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How much does the Cupra Formentor cost to run?

As with the rest of the Cupra range, the Formentor VZ5 comes with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Cupra offers both three- and five-year service packs for the Formentor range, costing $1690 and $2790 respectively for the VZ5 – up from $1090 and $2190 respectively for the rest of the Formentor lineup.

To see how the Cupra Formentor lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

CarExpert's Take on the Cupra Formentor VZ5

Crossing the $100,000 mark is a significant step for Cupra in Australia. But the Formentor VZ5 doesn’t feel like a stretch.

Because what it offers goes beyond performance figures or specification lists. It delivers a level of character that’s increasingly difficult to find – particularly in this segment.

The engine alone sets it apart. But it’s the way the entire package comes together – the balance, the engagement, the sense of involvement. That’s what really defines it. 

On the road to Montserrat, it proved something important. This isn’t just a faster Formentor. It’s a more complete one. Never mind the guaranteed rarity of a low-volume performance model with a proven high-output engine lurking under the bonnet. 

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Cupra Formentor. Click here to get a great deal.

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MORE: Explore the Cupra Formentor showroom