CUPRA Formentor vs Hyundai Palisade

The CUPRA Formentor starts from $49,990 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Palisade opens at $76,500. That makes the CUPRA Formentor the more affordable entry point by $26,510.

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 $54,989 and $84,150 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the CUPRA Formentor by roughly $1,850 in fuel alone.

Both the CUPRA Formentor and Hyundai Palisade hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the CUPRA Formentor and 89% for the Hyundai Palisade.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the CUPRA Formentor, against 7 on the Hyundai Palisade.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the CUPRA Formentor and 8 in the Hyundai Palisade.

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The CUPRA Formentor stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, power tailgate and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Hyundai Palisade. The Hyundai Palisade counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The CUPRA Formentor uses a 4-cyl Turbo Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.

The Hyundai Palisade responds with a Petrol making 245kW and 460Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels.

The Hyundai Palisade has the clear power advantage at 245kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The CUPRA Formentor measures 4,450mm long on a 2,680mm wheelbase, 615mm shorter than the Hyundai Palisade at 5,065mm (2,970mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Palisade generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 450L in the CUPRA Formentor and 300L in the Hyundai Palisade, giving the CUPRA Formentor a 150L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1400L vs 2081L. The Hyundai Palisade seats 8 vs 5.

For towing, the Hyundai Palisade leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,568/year for the CUPRA Formentor and $1,938/year for the Hyundai Palisade. That is a $370 annual difference in favour of the CUPRA Formentor.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (CUPRA Formentor) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Palisade). The Hyundai Palisade has longer coverage.