CUPRA Formentor vs smart #1
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 smart #1 opens at $54,900. That makes the smart #1 the more affordable entry point by $90.
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 $60,390 respectively.
The smart #1 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 smart #1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the CUPRA Formentor and 96% for the smart #1.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #1 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 8 in the CUPRA Formentor.
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 smart #1. The smart #1 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 smart #1 gets a 12.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Interior trim differs: the CUPRA Formentor gets leather-appointed upholstery while the smart #1 offers leatherette. Climate control is 3-zone in the CUPRA Formentor and 2-zone in the smart #1.
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 smart #1 counters with its electric setup making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The smart #1 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #1 is 0.3s 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, 180mm longer than the smart #1 at 4,270mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the smart #1 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 420L in the CUPRA Formentor and 203L in the smart #1, giving the CUPRA Formentor a 217L advantage.
For towing, the CUPRA Formentor leads with a 1,700kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years (CUPRA Formentor) vs 5 years / 150,000km (smart #1). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the CUPRA Formentor if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer CUPRA's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #1 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The smart #1 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. 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.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (18 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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 18 April 2026
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