Four Months of Formentor: Should You Buy A Cupra SUV? 6000km Long-Term Test Conclusions!

We drive the 2022 Cupra Formentor VZx for 100 days and 6000km to see whether you’ll like it - and whether you should buy one of these Spanish-built sports SUVs.
The Cupra Formentor is a sporty small-to-medium SUV from Volkswagen Group brand Cupra - an offshoot of Seat, based in Barcelona, Spain. Chasing Cars editor Tom Baker has been driving the top-spec 2022 Formentor VZx for the last 100 days to get a sense for what this athletic crossover is like to live with.
The VZx has a 2.0-litre EA888 turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 228kW of power (305 hp), and 400Nm of torque (295 lb ft). It uses a seven-speed wet-clutch DSG automatic transmission and Cupra’s 4Drive Haldex AWD system. It runs on 20-inch copper wheels and Bridgestone tyres.
The Formentor VZx competes with the Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI and Tiguan R, Audi SQ2, Hyundai Kona N, and other sporty but affordable SUVs.
As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct - so this is an independent, honest review of the Cupra Formentor.
Time codes:
0:00 - Four Months of Formentor
0:58 - Formentor VZx Specs
2:00 - Performance
3:29 - Chassis
4:49 - Price
6:00 - Design
7:08 - Size
8:05 - Fuel Economy
9:08 - Boot Space
9:48 - Materials
10:38 - Screen Res
11:44 - Some Specs
12:30 - Should You Buy It?
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[@charl12]

If it’s good enough for Ned Flanders it’s good enough for me.

[@ClaudioAguileraMunoz]

I purchased the Formentor VZ on february and mate... the car is absolutely amazing. 10/10

[@leeandjancruise]

Great review, I put a deposit on an eight month old metallic grey Formentor with panoramic roof 310 bhp a couple of days ago, pick up next Tuesday. WOW!

[@scottbosher4274]

I've had my Formentor VZx for a week now and absolutely love it. I went with Graphene Gray, Sunroof & the Brembo brake package. One oversight from the review that someone else has picked up on is the cupholders in the front console. One is ok, the second is very shallow and pretty much useless. With regards to fuel economy, I'm getting around 8-9l around the city and on a recent trip to Wollongong, was down to 7.5l. I'm quite getting used to the touch screen now and how to drive it and have no major issues with it at all. I'm finding with Apple CarPlay that Siri isn't responsive at all. Which is odd as it worked with no dramas in my Outback! All in all, this is a fabulous car and am so happy that I purchased one.

[@slyarsenal]

Congrats! I'm also looking at the exact same colour and Brembo package. Did you opt for the panoramic sunroof as well? If so, does it have a shade cover like a traditional sunroof or is it completely glass exposed? Do you mind myasking what you paid for it? I'm booking in a test drive soon and plan to pay it in cash. I understand there are only 2 Cupra dealerships in Sydney which doesn't leae much room for competitive pricing. Does the spare tyre cavity accomodate a 19" wheel or just a space saver? I understand Cupra doesn't offer a spare tyre with the Brembo brakes due to the space saver not being big enough to engulf the Brembo caliper.

[@MrBruster78]

Thanks for the review, but brembo breaks should be standard.. with those options it’s about the same as Tiguan r with more space

[@scottbosher4274]

@@slyarsenal Yep - I've got the sunroof and it does have a shade cover. No spare tyre as the well is occupied by the subwoofer for the sound system. You only get a tyre repair/inflation kit. Was $73k drive away.

[@ianyeung5345]

Thanks for sharing. Is there any rattle after couple of months of ownership now please?

[@stevecrocker6904]

come back in a year and tell us your experiences - the new car euphoria hasn't yet worked off

[@jollybrandx9955]

Great points Tom!. I went Graphene grey and sunroof, couldn’t justify Brembo’s for street driving. I must be lucky as I’m getting 7.7L/100 driving to and from work in comfort(mixture of city and highway). Also I heard people/reviewers saying that the beats system is a little quiet, if drivers jump into settings they can adjust the Bluetooth input from low to medium or loud(factory is set to low)…..the system can put a lot more sound out then.

[@42degrees86]

Tom probably couldn't help his heavy right hahaha

[@stephenmiles3711]

A very good article, right on point, in every regard. I have one of these cars,and the review is spot on. Well done .

[@jasonbuckner8894]

Love it! Just ordered one in camo green. Great review on it as well, I agree on all your points

[@MrPcman88]

I currently own the VZR and previously had a 2016 VW Passat. This car is definitely worth the money. Apple CarPlay functions better when plugged in, and I certainly enjoy the power. The fuel economy is also surprisingly good.

[@OscarLodge]

A very good review with lots of info' ,. thanks,.. enjoyed it,.. 12:41... we are 'empty nesters' but now Grandkids pile into the back,. I have a 13 month old VZ3 to pick up shortly - the huge BHP won't be used very often,. but good fun for an occasional blast !

[@Tonseren]

I drove the VZ3 (as its named i my country) for a year and this one had the ABT performance upgrace so 370 hp. Its a blast and I will return when the finances are ready for it.

[@302ci1968]

For your information, my Golf 7 R required 98 octane, but was riding totally unoticeable with 95 when 98 not available (as it is often the cas in the italian Alps in the winter). No noticeable change in power (even when driving from Aosta to Cervinia like a maniac every day) or fuel consumption. Enjoy the 2.0 TSi but beware of turbo problems and very unreliable Haldex center diff (pump broken at around 50k km and full diff broken at 100k km)... but the Haldex works like magic in snow and on ice when it's not broken (north of polar circle trips in the winter, sooooo goood to drive 7.000km on ice and snow).

[@fadrique56]

Thanks for this review Tom. Can’t wait for my formentor VZe to arrive.

[@chasingcars]

Enjoy!

[@CMMMMMMMMM]

Thanks for this. Considering the vze. Still getting used to the idea of the blue interior

[@yowie6747]

I’m still wondering how you managed to scratch up the centre console plastics. I’ve now done 9000 km and not a scratch . When I first got mine they’d missed removing some of the sticky stuff from internal wrap that look a bit like scratches and took some getting off. Just wonder whether that might have been what Tom thought were scratches. Tom is a clever fellow though.

[@frankbreuer8849]

I'm impressed with your review. When I saw a fermentor on the street for the first time, I was stoked with the looks. Your review really kicks off my curiosity. As I'm downsizing from a Toyo Prado I'm looking for a zippy yet well engineered car. This one really got me intrigued.

[@lewisjohnson7260]

Great review!

[@deanosah]

I must admit I would like to have the VZX. But in the UK the only options are V1, V2, Vz1, VZ2 and VZ3. Due to being Retired I have had to go for the V2 which is a little better equipped than tha basic V1. I do get leather seats and trim, The front sets are both electric and sports seat. Because the colour I ordered I am having to wait till late October or November for the Build. Thank you for your detail test and confirmed I have made a good choice. My present Car is a Seat Leon 1.5 TSI FR. Also I loved the look of the Formentor.

[@jasonlewis2990]

As a 22 Wrx Wagon owner, The Cupra is frugal by far in comparison. With more power and torque this car is the better option

[@chasingcars]

Fair point!

[@bruunm1975]

Also respectfully the WRX Wagon felt sluggish and slow compared to Leon and Formentor.

[@benellis8460]

What is the boot space like for a rental car abroad? Would it do for a group of 3 with golf bags?

[@phillurkin8245]

Thanks a lot , mate! I love this car and I will surely buy one some day. But I would go for the VZe since I do a lot of miles. Great review!

[@chasingcars]

Agree -- I tend to think the VZe is the best spec for this car.

[@davidperry3531]

Another excellent long-term report Tom. I have seen one of these but not yet driven. If I was in the market for this size and price, I would consider it. I like the look of it -it looks sporty and you could hardly call it a SUV compared to most other straight sided SUVs. The matte paint would be disastrous with ownership and I think the white is the choice colour here. Consumption appears to be disappointing but probably due to drivers exploiting the performance. Softer materials for the left leg would be a good thing on long trips. I believe that initial sales have been very good and there has been a very comprehensive advertising campaign but to most people, it will be a stretch recognising the Cupra name and being comfortable with that. Cupra really need to keep pushing the name because recognition does not happen overnight. I also hope that they don't have price rises like Skoda once they have a foothold in the market.

[@Keegs3838]

Awesome review - love the 5 hits and 5 misses breakdown

[@chasingcars]

Glad it was helpful!

[@telostia]

u need to put voice over to both audio channel. it sound weird just on the left side :) just a tip for you!

[@nilsneimanis]

do you think it's worth the upgrade from volvo V60 (old gen) to formentor VZ?

[@Audios81]

Great report, but am I the only one that hears that low frequency rumble throughout the video? Sounds like tyres hitting joints in a concrete highway, but it’s not. Is it me or is there a noise that’s very audible?

[@hughobrien1234]

I have the PHEV model very economic, great drive, electric makes take off very fast and moving through traffic in town very nippy

[@thegreatwhitehonky]

Hey Tom, im a about 189cm i drive a mazda 6 and find the leg room great for the diver. How is the drivers legroom in the cupra ? I found the Golf R was just a pinch to short for me as far as leg space goes. Love the reviews and the car.

[@adrianmoore1014]

Loads of leg room, seat has heaps of adjustment.

[@phoenixdroneservices2572]

Hi Tom, I would like to get your thoughts on the following please. I am really interested in the PHEV but I have a daily commute three times a week of over 320km Newc to Sydney. I can charge in Sydney at my office but you have to get in early or the spaces are filled in the charging station. My concern is fuel costs, so I am thinking that I would buy the VZX instead of the PHEV. I am really torn. any comments would be helpful. thanks

[@EastWood2004]

Why don’t you get a Tesla model 3? You will save heaps of money from fuel and its auto pilot helps alot for long driving.

[@HIOP0]

Another comprehensive review...may I say that having rightly commended this model on very keen pricing, it's hard to accept there's an issue with some lower scratchy plastics and manual passenger seat control. In day to day driving and ownership, such things fade into the background and if its such a deal breaker, spend more on another car or buy another car used for the same money. What do you think about the lack of backlighting on the HVAC controls...really big omission for night driving, safety wise?.

[@SrajanFusionRockBand]

How is it to sit in? Is it too low to get in? someone with knee issue, is it easy?

[@scollyutube]

Agree. I can't see how anybody could argue an AWD EV in the same class like the Polestar vs this at 2/3rds the price. Pay the $1000 to get Matrix lights, lose the matt paint and Brembos for the standard 4 vented disc set up, and sorted.

[@jamesmarks1724]

the EV is only FWD

[@tenaki8]

What gearbox do these have, dq500?

[@migueldelrosario2457]

I have a ‘22 Formentor VZ, generally happy specifically with the engine and transmission BUT do not pair more than one device to the infotainment. In fact do not pair any. Mine went bonkers while on a five hour trip to Annecy from Cannes where the GPS, camera, sensors, car play, et al went kaput. Hard reset did not do the trick, brought the car to a dealer who said they’ve had several complaints about it, said they will likely have to change the unit. Since I had to wait for three weeks for a diagnosis, I fiddled with it, unpaired all four devices and suddenly the unit started responding and I was able to update the software. Phew! Oh, do not use cheap charging cables either. I think this is a problem with the entire VW range of vehicles. God forbid Bentley is exempted.

[@Mr.J.Blackberry]

hey Tom, nice review, I already ordered my VZe, now just waiting and exiting , the only thing disappointed is I can not get premium sound in this model.

[@chasingcars]

Enjoy! From memory the standard stereo is still fine.

[@migueldelrosario2457]

I have the B&O?… not bad. My gold standard is Lexus’ Mark Levinson.

[@leeandjancruise]

I've had this car in the VZ2 310 bhp version for just over 3 months now, yes it is very good but there's that infotainment system that's full of bugs and does some weird stuff like not letting you enter the car, or it can make random phone calls to even slamming the brakes on for no apparent reason whatsoever as just a few examples. VW know about this problem as it's a similar problem across their range of cars fitted with this infotainment system but the Formentor has many electrical niggles that need sorting, what are VW doing about it? Very little. have have

[@migueldelrosario2457]

Have you tried unpairing the devices connected to the infortainment? MIne went nuts on a five hour trip. Four days later after fiddling with it I unpaired all the devices and it solved the issue.

[@iamragewhale]

I was thinking of the VZe but glad I got the VZx, I knew i'd miss the power especially in the backroads since the chassis is so good. The biggest gripe I have that you guys don't mention is the cup holders. Can barely fit two maccas drinks and you have to be carefult they dont spill as the second/rearward one is so shallow. The touch panel climate is second but i'm starting to get used to that.

[@chasingcars]

True, the cupholders are very shallow. Less of a problem for me as my coffees to be on the small side and when road tripping I prefer a big bottle of water (which goes in the door bin).

[@qt5172]

my left ear enjoyed this review

[@briansteele2723]

We see a lot of these in France and they look way nicer than the Audi equivalents. It is a bit big for our little roads and garages sadly where even a golf feels big.

[@ronpower7790]

Road noise especially would drive me nuts in the long run with this car...even with the 18" wheels it's very intrusive...would always avoid VW group DCC...while the damping can be changed, suspension noise is higher than with regular dampers.

[@skippysdead]

My Ateca was available within two weeks and came from a storage yard at Mt Kuringai in SYD, in other words ex-stock.

[@yowie6747]

Think I might have a Goldilocks VZX . I’m averaging about 7.3 L/ 100 km which has really surprised me ( with probably 75 % city driving ). Recently came out of a 2019 Audi S3 which was getting similar fuel consumption to what Toms getting in this VZX. I have read some comments that fuel consumption improves with these engines after , I think it was , around the 10000 km mark.

[@chasingcars]

You're doing great on fuel!

[@scollyutube]

Agree, slightly smaller but same engine, my 7.5 Golf R did exactly the same as you said. Averaged 8.2 over 40,000kms in the end with 75% city driving too. My VRs petrol Kodiaq is doing the same economy improvement at 8000kms too.

[@jamesmarks1724]

its the AWD capabilty for the snow that has me sold

[@stevecorcoran2351]

Is Cupra serivced through VW dealership?

[@goku6785]

Really strugling to decide between this and yaris gr. I do alot of snow and gravel driving so im not sold on haldex being that predictable, but i like everything else in formentor.

[@chasingcars]

Wow, very different cars! AWD system works fine in the Formentor for gravel use, I have found

[@migueldelrosario2457]

I have both a GR Yaris and a Formentor VZ. The Yaris (as is any Toyota) is bulletproof. I’ve had problems with the Formentor infotainment , none with the Yaris. I have a cold air intake, a remap, and a quiet more free flowing exhaust with absolutely no issues at all.

[@FlameMirage]

With fuel prices currently, a hybrid is definitely more up my ally. It’s unfortunate that brands like Lexus have 2 year waiting periods now! I’m quite shocked and don’t know where to look haha

[@chasingcars]

Everything is moving so quickly -- fuel prices up, new car supply still patchy at best, EV incentives on the march… but yes, VZe hybrid looks smart right now.

[@mharro88]

​@@chasingcarsit's all changed now. Heaps of cars available

[@d.j.z.j]

They look amazing. Bit small for families tbh. Not sure price wise should stick with vw tiguan

[@frederiksrensen9896]

What about the Cupra Ateca. . What will you take. Formentor or Ateca ?

[@jeanvonbarberode2377]

Skoda Karoq is the best

[@bojankis5999]

Even with the mustache, you look like big baby. That is so cool. 🥰

[@wedgett1]

Just about what I was expecting to hear. Overall a solid hot "smedium" SUV that likes to be a little different. We are pretty spoiled for choice these days which is great!

[@chasingcars]

We sure are spoiled for choice.

[@Russell7]

Use ceramic coating on interior plastics and you should do this for new cars. Matte paint consider PPF and ceramic coating. Ceramic coating on non matte cars.

[@rushelm8101]

Are the front seats heated?

[@chasingcars]

Yes

[@whatatimetobealive7436]

Well, I must say I like the channel intro 😅

[@chasingcars]

Thank you!

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

This or the Leon?

[@d.j.z.j]

I agree the tiguan cabin is dated. This car looks great

[@davidoneill2983]

I like the suggestion of considering the VZe over the VZx, however you didn't mention the VZe apparently has a boot capacity of only 345 litres, which is a major deal breaker in my opinion. I believe that is less boot space in an 'SUV' than a VW Polo hatch

[@chasingcars]

True - that is pretty compact. Roof pod time!

[@spiro5327]

I prefer the Leon though why is it not offered with AWD considering the amount of power the VZX Leon makes ??

[@chasingcars]

Interestingly, the Cupra Leon VZx wagon (sold in Europe) has AWD.

[@Russell7]

I decided on the white and then I can get a satin wrap

[@bucknasty1390]

I currently own and drive an INFINITI QX30 which looks almost identical. Obviously the Cupra would have more power but size and shape look similar.

[@elyoporto6865]

Subscribing for the 'stache... and the cars. But mostly for the 'stache 😅😅

[@chasingcars]

Thank you!

[@elyoporto6865]

@@chasingcars 😁

[@paulm6805]

Always enjoy your reviews. As a parent with 2 kids I found the Cupra Formentor too small inside which was odd considering I ended up buying a 2022 T-Roc 110TSI that has smaller dimensions but feels bigger inside the cabin.

[@chasingcars]

As long as you're happy, Paul! Agree the Formentor feels tighter in the back, even if it's not borne out with the tape measure.

[@EastWood2004]

Your t roc has thinner front seat and it makes more room, I guess.

[@gnkVLCT]

Wait until they bring a bigger SUV? More like, wait until they bring out a mid sized wagon, which they've got out in Europe. Has a proper sized boot.

[@d.j.z.j]

What is the real world fuel economy

[@jeanvonbarberode2377]

It is funny when you talking about performance, because in Australia is totally useless to own such a powerful car, the roads have pot holes, on the highway speed limit is no more than 110, and in the city just 50 and red/speed cameras everywhere. Fines are horrendous for just 10km over speed limit almost 250$. Well such a car is good to own in Germany, but no in Australia, considering the low resale value as well. I would be happy with Skoda Karoq fo 43K drive away, with better boot and 110KW engine which is able to go 205km/h more than enough for Australia.

[@adembakan]

5 things I also like and dislike about this car. Spot on review!

[@chasingcars]

We're clearly thinking alike!

[@dmaxjoy]

"it's got 228 kilowatts of power" ? is that an electric cupra with a quad exhaust? interesting 🤔

[@jonathanwei2477]

It’s basically a jacked up seat Leon with a slightly larger boot, which is essentially a VW golf. Nevertheless it’s a great car and I really love the styling. I can’t imagine paying almost double the price for a slightly taller golf though.

[@chasingcars]

It's a jacked up Leon insofar as a Golf Alltrack is a Golf hatch, which it isn't, and neither is this

[@EastWood2004]

What a stupid statement. Where can you get a 220kw golf at that half price? And this Cupra is 4wd.

[@DukeBen316663]

Are the climate control touch sliders backlit?

[@chasingcars]

No. Which is annoying-BUT-I found that I adjusted the temperature by tapping the temp then changing it on screen.

[@DukeBen316663]

@@chasingcars Ah ok, good solution. Hopefully manufacturers start taking note of all the reviews clamouring for the return of dials for climate control. VW bringing back hard buttons on the Golf steering wheel instead of capacitative touch is a start at least, I note the proper hard buttons on this Cupra wheel too 👌

[@chasingcars]

Yep, lovely proper buttons on this steering wheel. So much easier!

[@dontpresstheredbutton9962]

Resale???

[@chasingcars]

We won't know for some time

[@EastWood2004]

Worry about resale? Get a 10 years old corolla then.

[@aw4610]

Does the driver come with the car?

[@chasingcars]

Afraid not!

[@Staff7A]

Love this car!

[@chasingcars]

I enjoyed it too!

[@jge123]

It looks really good for an SUV and for the price, but you are always fearful of SEAT's reliability.

[@superjzh]

Great review. It is a beautiful car but disappointing boot size and practicality. May not be considered as the true competitor to Tiguan r.

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, the Formentor is certainly half a size smaller inside than the Tiguan.

[@EastWood2004]

But the Tiguan R price is in different league.

[@tonycruciani2550]

This or t-roc R ….

[@dkent3853]

You look dashing with a moustache

[@chasingcars]

Thank you, Kent.

[@steveedmond9362]

Only $66,990 🤣 I might buy 2 then, it's cheap as chips 🤣🤷‍♂️

[@2ChannelAudio]

VW quality is coming down each year.... New models are with all hard plastic and cheapo components

[@jge123]

Same for bmw.

[@TheFelltimber]

Pronounced coopra...not kupra

[@ShailendraReddy]

Hmm may be Skoda karoq 140tsi is better overall package for $60k (including all packs) with bigger boot and adequate power.

[@Makta972]

Used to like it but looks dated now...

[@chasingcars]

That didn't take long!

[@acde9355]

The biggest problem that Cupra is facing now is brand awareness.

[@chasingcars]

True. Lots of ads around my part of Sydney though.

[@slyarsenal]

I hope it actually stays that way. I prefer exclusivity when it comes to cars. Even though the Formentor has a Golf R engine, I particularly hate any VW Golf because every man, his wife/gf and pet hampster have one.

[@skippysdead]

Matte paint - yuk!, Brembos - unnecessary, my own ATECA is excellent in white with sunroof - a wolf in sheep's clothing - it looks totally disguised on the road but drives really well.

[@chasingcars]

I'd probably take mine in a gloss.

[@skippysdead]

@@chasingcars This car is in undercoat! Matte paint is a rubbish fashion fad, it will pass and the cars will look crap in a few years time - imagine if you don't have a garage. I want my car to sparkle when it's had a wash. Fashions are by definition, changeable, that's why they're fashions, they do not last, they cannot stand still. The worst I've seen is a matte purple in my area, beyond tragic. Solution - clear gloss cladding?

[@videos1332]

The front end looks like a Subaru

[@ohMY03]

This car is not it bro

[@Mexxx65]

False economy...Seat flogging old VW tech

[@AlanWilliams-fz7zh]

Cupra is not a new brand. Cupra Ateca is your "bigger" SUV. Cupra = Seat = VW.

[@user-lh6hi5uh1k]

insanely expensive. Better to stay with my passat diesel. All payed

[@mharro88]

Worst reliability ever. No thanks