CUPRA Formentor vs Hyundai Palisade
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The CUPRA Formentor starts from $54,990 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Palisade opens at $66,800. That makes the CUPRA Formentor the more affordable entry point by $11,810.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $60,489 and $73,480 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the CUPRA Formentor by roughly $4,990 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the CUPRA Formentor and Hyundai Palisade hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the CUPRA Formentor and 84% for the Hyundai Palisade.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The CUPRA Formentor packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Hyundai Palisade.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The CUPRA Formentor stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Hyundai Palisade. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The CUPRA Formentor uses a 4-cyl Turbo Petrol producing 140kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7 seconds.
The Hyundai Palisade responds with a Petrol making 217kW and 355Nm, paired to a 8-speed auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.9 seconds.
The Hyundai Palisade has the clear power advantage at 217kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the CUPRA Formentor is 1.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The CUPRA Formentor measures 4,450mm long on a 2,680mm wheelbase, 545mm shorter than the Hyundai Palisade at 4,995mm (2,900mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Palisade generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 420L in the CUPRA Formentor and 311L in the Hyundai Palisade, giving the CUPRA Formentor a 109L advantage. The Hyundai Palisade seats 8 vs 5.
For towing, the Hyundai Palisade leads with a 2,200kg braked capacity vs 1,700kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.7m diameter
Good
Based on 10.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,995/year for the CUPRA Formentor and $2,993/year for the Hyundai Palisade. That is a $998 annual difference in favour of the CUPRA Formentor.
Estimated annual total: $1,995 (CUPRA Formentor) vs $2,993 (Hyundai Palisade). The CUPRA Formentor saves you roughly $998 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (CUPRA Formentor) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Palisade). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the CUPRA Formentor if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer CUPRA's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Palisade if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CUPRA Formentor takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The CUPRA Formentor will save you roughly $998 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the CUPRA Formentor has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, CUPRA Formentor and Hyundai Palisade?
The CUPRA Formentor is the cheapest at $54,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Palisade by $11,810.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The CUPRA Formentor uses the least fuel at 7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — CUPRA Formentor and Hyundai Palisade all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The CUPRA Formentor has the largest boot at 420L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Palisade has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Palisade makes the most power at 217kW. The CUPRA Formentor is quickest to 100km/h in 7s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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