CUPRA Formentor vs Volkswagen ID.4
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 Volkswagen ID.4 opens at $59,990. That makes the CUPRA Formentor the more affordable entry point by $5,000.
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 $65,989 respectively.
The Volkswagen ID.4 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 Volkswagen ID.4 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the CUPRA Formentor and 93% for the Volkswagen ID.4.
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 Volkswagen ID.4.
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 6 in the Volkswagen ID.4. The Volkswagen ID.4 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 Volkswagen ID.4 gets a 12.9-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 Volkswagen ID.4. The Volkswagen ID.4 counters with panoramic roof. 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 Volkswagen ID.4 responds with a Electric making 210kW and 545Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Volkswagen ID.4 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the CUPRA Formentor is 1.5s 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, 135mm shorter than the Volkswagen ID.4 at 4,585mm (2,766mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen ID.4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 420L in the CUPRA Formentor and 543L in the Volkswagen ID.4, giving the Volkswagen ID.4 a 123L advantage.
For towing, the CUPRA Formentor leads with a 1,700kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 700kg 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 11.1m
Based on 10.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m 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 (Volkswagen ID.4). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the CUPRA Formentor if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer CUPRA's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen ID.4 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CUPRA Formentor takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen ID.4 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 Volkswagen ID.4?
The CUPRA Formentor is the cheapest at $54,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen ID.4 by $5,000.
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 Volkswagen ID.4 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen ID.4 has the largest boot at 543L.
Which can tow the most?
The CUPRA Formentor has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,700kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen ID.4 makes the most power at 210kW. 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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