Mazda CX-80 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 Mazda CX-80 starts from $64,490 before on-road costs, while the CUPRA Formentor opens at $54,990. That makes the CUPRA Formentor the more affordable entry point by $9,500.
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 $70,939 and $60,489 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the CUPRA Formentor by roughly $1,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-80 and CUPRA Formentor hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mazda CX-80 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 6 in the Mazda CX-80.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda CX-80 and 7 in the CUPRA Formentor.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-80 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the CUPRA Formentor gets a 12.9-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The CUPRA Formentor counters with wireless charging, heated front seats and ambient lighting that the Mazda CX-80 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda CX-80 uses a Petrol producing 209kW and 450Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.
The CUPRA Formentor responds with a 4-cyl Turbo Petrol making 140kW and 320Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7 seconds.
The Mazda CX-80 has the clear power advantage at 209kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the CUPRA Formentor is 2.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-80 measures 4,990mm long on a 3,120mm wheelbase, 540mm longer than the CUPRA Formentor at 4,450mm (2,680mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-80 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 258L in the Mazda CX-80 and 420L in the CUPRA Formentor, giving the CUPRA Formentor a 162L advantage. The Mazda CX-80 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mazda CX-80 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,700kg. That 800kg 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 11.6m
Based on 11.6m 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 $2,394/year for the Mazda CX-80 and $1,995/year for the CUPRA Formentor. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the CUPRA Formentor.
Estimated annual total: $2,394 (Mazda CX-80) vs $1,995 (CUPRA Formentor). The CUPRA Formentor saves you roughly $399 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-80) vs 5 years / 999,999km (CUPRA Formentor). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-80 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the CUPRA Formentor if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, 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 CUPRA Formentor will save you roughly $399 a year in fuel. 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda CX-80 and CUPRA Formentor?
The CUPRA Formentor is the cheapest at $54,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda CX-80 by $9,500.
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 — Mazda CX-80 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 CUPRA Formentor has the largest boot at 420L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-80 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-80 makes the most power at 209kW. 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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
