CUPRA Formentor vs Nissan ARIYA
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 Nissan ARIYA opens at $54,990. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.
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 $60,489 respectively.
The Nissan ARIYA 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 Nissan ARIYA hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the CUPRA Formentor and 86% for the Nissan ARIYA.
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 7 in the Nissan ARIYA.
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 Nissan ARIYA. The Nissan ARIYA adds a 360-degree camera that the CUPRA Formentor misses.
Feature Showdown
The CUPRA Formentor features a 12.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Nissan ARIYA gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The CUPRA Formentor stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Nissan ARIYA. The Nissan ARIYA counters with head-up display. 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 Nissan ARIYA responds with a Electric making 160kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds.
The Nissan ARIYA has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the CUPRA Formentor is 0.5s 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, 145mm shorter than the Nissan ARIYA at 4,595mm (2,775mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan ARIYA generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 420L in the CUPRA Formentor and 466L in the Nissan ARIYA, giving the Nissan ARIYA a 46L advantage.
For towing, the CUPRA Formentor leads with a 1,700kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 200kg 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 11.0m
Based on 10.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan ARIYA). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the CUPRA Formentor if: You need stronger towing, or prefer CUPRA's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan ARIYA if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The CUPRA Formentor and Nissan ARIYA trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Nissan ARIYA 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 Nissan ARIYA?
The CUPRA Formentor is the cheapest at $54,990 before on-road costs.
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 Nissan ARIYA all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Nissan ARIYA has the largest boot at 466L.
Which can tow the most?
The CUPRA Formentor has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,700kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan ARIYA makes the most power at 160kW. 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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