CUPRA Formentor vs Kia EV5
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 $49,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia EV5 opens at $49,770. That makes the Kia EV5 the more affordable entry point by $220.
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 $54,747 respectively.
The Kia EV5 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The CUPRA Formentor, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the CUPRA Formentor and Kia EV5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the CUPRA Formentor and 88% for the Kia EV5.
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 6 in the Kia EV5.
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 7 in the Kia EV5.
Feature Showdown
The CUPRA Formentor features a 12-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia EV5 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The CUPRA Formentor stands out with heated front seats and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Kia EV5. The Kia EV5 counters with V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
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 7 seconds.
The Kia EV5 responds with a Electric making 160kW and 310Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds.
The Kia EV5 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the CUPRA Formentor is 0.2s 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, 165mm shorter than the Kia EV5 at 4,615mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 420L in the CUPRA Formentor and 460L in the Kia EV5, giving the Kia EV5 a 40L advantage.
For towing, the Kia EV5 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.7m to 11.2m
Based on 10.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (CUPRA Formentor) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV5). The Kia EV5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the CUPRA Formentor if: You or prefer CUPRA's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia EV5 takes 5 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Kia EV5 has a clear edge. The Kia EV5 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. 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 Kia EV5?
The Kia EV5 is the cheapest at $49,770 before on-road costs. That undercuts the CUPRA Formentor by $220.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The CUPRA Formentor uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — CUPRA Formentor and Kia EV5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia EV5 has the largest boot at 460L.
Which can tow the most?
The CUPRA Formentor has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV5 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia EV5 makes the most power at 160kW. The CUPRA Formentor is quickest to 100km/h in 7s.
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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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