Peugeot 408 vs CUPRA Formentor
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 Peugeot 408 starts from $57,990 before on-road costs, while the CUPRA Formentor opens at $49,990. That makes the CUPRA Formentor the more affordable entry point by $8,000.
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 $63,789 and $54,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Peugeot 408 and CUPRA Formentor hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 79% for the Peugeot 408 and 93% for the CUPRA Formentor.
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 5 in the Peugeot 408.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Peugeot 408 and 7 in the CUPRA Formentor.
Feature Showdown
The Peugeot 408 features a 10-inch touchscreen paired with a 10-inch digital dash, while the CUPRA Formentor gets a 12-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Peugeot 408 stands out with panoramic roof and Focal audio that you will not find on the CUPRA Formentor. The CUPRA Formentor counters with heated front seats and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Peugeot 408 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the CUPRA Formentor offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Peugeot 408 and 3-zone in the CUPRA Formentor.
Drivetrain
The Peugeot 408 uses a Hybrid producing 100kW and 230Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.4 seconds.
The CUPRA Formentor responds with a 4-cyl Turbo Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7 seconds.
The CUPRA Formentor has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 100kW. In the real-world sprint, the CUPRA Formentor is 2.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Peugeot 408 measures 4,690mm long on a 2,790mm wheelbase, 240mm longer than the CUPRA Formentor at 4,450mm (2,680mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Peugeot 408 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 508L in the Peugeot 408 and 420L in the CUPRA Formentor, giving the Peugeot 408 a 88L advantage.
For towing, the CUPRA Formentor leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. 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 10.8m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,739/year for the Peugeot 408 and $1,767/year for the CUPRA Formentor. That is a $28 annual difference in favour of the Peugeot 408.
Estimated annual total: $1,739 (Peugeot 408) vs $1,767 (CUPRA Formentor). The Peugeot 408 saves you roughly $28 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 200,000km (Peugeot 408) vs 5 years / 999,999km (CUPRA Formentor). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Peugeot 408 if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Peugeot's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the CUPRA Formentor if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer CUPRA's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CUPRA Formentor takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Peugeot 408 will save you roughly $28 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Peugeot 408 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, Peugeot 408 and CUPRA Formentor?
The CUPRA Formentor is the cheapest at $49,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Peugeot 408 by $8,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Peugeot 408 uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Peugeot 408 and CUPRA Formentor all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Peugeot 408 has the largest boot at 508L.
Which can tow the most?
The CUPRA Formentor has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The CUPRA Formentor makes the most power at 110kW. 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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