Cupra Formentor VZx 2025 Review

Shifting the limited-run VZe Tribe Edition to one side, the 2025 Cupra Formentor VZx sits atop the range as the halo variant in both price and performance. The all-wheel-drive, 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol starts at $65,790 plus on-road costs (ORCs).

If you think that’s a bit pricy for a relatively fresh and ‘unknown’ brand despite its distinct Volkswagen heritage, then consider the fact the Golf R is $70,990 before ORCs. While that’s the epitome of hot hatch, the Formentor VZx nabs just about all the important mechanical gubbins and whacks it in a ‘small’ SUV.

It’s important to know that an updated Formentor is just around the corner. However, given this is more a styling exercise when it comes to the VZx, grabbing the current drive-away deal of $61,990 is enticing (on MY24 models purchased before June 30, 2025).

At that price, it makes a lot of monetary sense when you consider how much you’ll be paying to get behind the wheel of the VZx’s competition. For a performance bent, also check out the Audi SQ2, BMW X1 M35i and Volkswagen T-Roc R.

In terms of warranty, the Cupra Formentor is covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre plan, which also includes five years of roadside assistance. Servicing intervals are every 12 months or 15,000km.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the overall design of the 2025 Cupra Formentor VZx has stood the test of time – and might even be more attractive to some than the looming facelift. The overall aesthetic certainly disguises its SUV formfactor well with an injection of Spanish flair.

While it holds top-dog status within the Formentor range, the VZx roughly mirrors the rest of the line-up with some extra fruit. It gains LED headlights and taillights in distinctive Cupra design, black/copper 19-inch alloys, grey body cladding, black roof rails, a powered tailgate with gesture control and keyless entry with steering-wheel-mounted pushbutton start.

Inside, the VZx is cloaked in Petrol Blue leather while the bucket-style front seats are heated and electronically operated (with memory for the driver’s seat). Elsewhere there’s a heated steering wheel, tri-zone climate control and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

Our test car is also fitted with the optional Akrapovic exhaust which, at $6300, is an expensive addition. The Graphene Grey premium paint is an additional $490. While not fitted here, you can also opt for a $4250 Brembo brake upgrade, $2150 panoramic glass sunroof or $2400 matte paint if desired.

The 2025 Cupra Formentor VZx is covered by a five-star ANCAP safety rating from 2021. It’s also fitted with 10 airbags as well as two rear ISOFIX points and three top-tether anchorages.

Other key active safety systems include autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, park assist, side/exit assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with ‘follow to stop’, parking sensors and a top view 360-degree camera.

Despite being on sale globally for quite some time, the 2025 Cupra Formentor VZx is pretty much bang up to date in terms of tech.

Dominating the dash is the 12.0-inch touchscreen for the infotainment. It presents as relatively intuitive to use once familiar, but the overall functionality and graphics of the operating system aren’t overtly sleek. The customisable 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit is better resolved and offers a range of themes that tie into the Cupra’s performance persona.  

Other features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, Bluetooth, native satnav, USB-C ports, DAB+ digital radio and a powerful nine-speaker Beats audio system with subwoofer and 340W amplifier. 

A bugbear continues to be the touch-sensitive controls for the volume and temperature. Yes, it’s great to have quick access to them, but they aren’t backlit, rendering them almost useless at night.

Few powertrains have gained such a venerable standing as the Volkswagen Group’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. In fact, its reputation precedes it so much that most enthusiasts know it by the engine code – EA888.

Yet, despite the long shelf life, don’t think the boosted four-pot’s proficiency has declined.

With 228kW/400Nm and a tare weight under 1650kg, the 2025 Cupra Formentor VZx is no slouch. Aided by a hard-charging launch control, the Formentor reaches 100km/h from rest in just 4.9 seconds. And it feels every bit as swift as that figure, with a linear power delivery and generous amounts of torque.

Helping things along is the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox that’s tied to the Haldex all-wheel-drive system – more on the latter later. On the run the transmission’s shifts are rapid and the seven-speed unit will even permit early downshifts with automatic throttle blips. Yes, it isn’t as refined as a conventional automatic at slow speeds and the throttle response can be lax in the comfort-oriented modes.

The only detraction is the lack of an angry soundtrack. Yes, this is a family-friendly SUV, but it’s endowed with a clear performance bent so it should be able to cash in on the rowdy cheques. And, as we mentioned, it’s fitted with the optional Akrapovic exhaust system, which isn’t cheap.

Still, it isn’t totally bereft of a zesty overrun. What’s more, the exhaust doesn’t pop and bang on demand, so when it does, it comes across as authentic instead of manufactured. As you can imagine, the effects ramp up in Cupra mode and the overall acoustics become throatier, almost five-cylinder-esque.

Yes, the 2025 Cupra Formentor VZx is an SUV but, given it can pack a punch, overt fuel efficiency isn’t the aim here. However, the 2.0-litre turbo engine isn’t too thirsty, with a claimed combined consumption of 7.7L/100km.

After an extended two-week loan, we came close-ish to achieving that average with 8.5L/100km. It’s interesting to note that a lengthy highway jaunt saw the fuel marker come in at 6.1L/100km, while at the other end of the spectrum a spirited weekend drive returned 10.9L/100km.

As you’d expect, the VZx requires premium 98 RON fuel and it has a 55-litre tank. Interestingly, when coasting an ‘Eco’ icon flashes on the dash to signify the gearbox flicking into neutral to avoid driveline inefficiency.

This is why you’re buying the 2025 Cupra Formentor VZx and not the lesser variants. It’s for those who value seeking out a great road instead of stumbling onto one.   

Built on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB Evo platform, there are few ill effects of the 161mm ride height and 1647kg body. It seems odd to speak of an SUV in this way, but the Formentor is genuinely light on its feet, agile and engaging to drive despite the body’s perceived limitations.

While the AWD system might be an on-demand, front-biased setup, the front axle doesn’t dominate the experience with the rear-end still playing an active role. While the VZx doesn’t gain the Volkswagen Tiguan R’s R-Performance torque vectoring system, its electronic differential lock helps get power to the ground competently.

The Formentor isn’t lacking grip, either. With 245/40 R19 Bridgestone Turanza tyres at each corner, the VZx turns in positively to the apex and fires you out the other side with ample traction – there’s even an ESC Sport mode with a prominently placed button that goads you into using it. The progressive steering returns decent feedback through the wheel and the ventilated brake discs prove up to task.  

However, it can also be a calm, pragmatic and upmarket commuter when it needs to be, thanks to a range of drive modes and the adaptive dampers that offer a range of individualisation. Yes, the ride quality is on the firmer side (especially when in Cupra mode), but Comfort mode ushers in just enough compliance to soak up lumps and bumps.

The only real gripe with how the Formentor VZx drives is the lack of refinement in terms of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Sound deadening could be improved as big suspension hits are heard within the cabin and tyre roar is noticeable at highway speeds.

With such a tarmac bias to the dynamic package, the invoices need to be paid somewhere. And that’s in terms of off-road ability. Although, few are going to actively head bush with their 2025 Cupra Formentor VZx.

Yes, the Formentor has all-wheel drive and an Off-road mode that optimises various vehicle parameters, but with road-focused tyres, its capability is limited. The VZx also only carries a space-saver spare wheel, while its braked towing capacity is 1800kg.

If you find some of the Volkswagen Group’s interiors bland, then get set for some Spanish flair as the 2025 Cupra Formentor VZx certainly spices things up.

With a bold design, the Formentor creates aesthetic intrigue via various materials and hues. The Petrol Blue leather is an inspired choice, especially when paired with Cupra’s trademark Copper accents and copious amounts of stitching. At night the vibe is heightened with ambient lighting and, in a quirky move, the warning for the blind-spot monitoring is incorporated into the LED strips running across the dash and into the door cards.

Being a Volkswagen Group product, the doors reassuringly ‘thunk’, while the overall fit and finish is up to the brand’s high standards. You have to go in search of scratchy plastics. Ergonomics are, by and large, well sorted – yet some might not warm to the stubby gear selector. The steering-wheel-mounted starter button and drive-mode selectors are a cool touch.

The bucket seats offer a range of adjustment to get comfy behind the wheel, yet the side bolstering could go even further given the cornering velocity that can be achieved. General storage areas are well considered.

Space in the back is better than expected given the swooping roofline, with head and legroom being acceptable rather than commodious. However, the large C-pillars do impede rear three-quarter vision, while the chunky front seats can obstruct the view ahead for the second row.

Amenities in the back seat include controls for the tri-zone climate control, air vents, dual USB-C ports, map pockets, door bins and a central arm rest with cup holders.

Compared to the class competition, the Formentor has a decent cargo capacity of 420 litres that expands to 1475L with the 60/40-split folding rear pews stowed. The boot floor is flat, while the load area contains a cover, back-seat releases as well as four shopping-bag hooks.

For the niche buyer the 2025 Cupra Formentor VZx targets, the answer must be yes.

For parents who aren’t ready to leave behind their hot hatch dreams, this is their family-ready solution. Few small SUVs can match the dynamic ability at play here. Those who do take the plunge clearly enjoy their purchase, while the Formentor has proven to be the sales champion of the Cupra line-up.

Although, ferrying around rugrats isn’t the sole prerequisite for ownership. The slightly raised ride height and all-wheel-drive system lends itself to those with an ‘adventure’ lifestyle, too. And not having to worry about low front overhangs when traversing speed bumps and sharp driveways is of benefit to all potential buyers.

The only barrier to entry could be the already announced mid-life nip and tuck. Tweaked styling and a mild cabin tech bump could be of interest to you. If not, the Cupra Formentor VZx stands as a big, all-purpose slice of cake without too much calorie guilt.   

2025 Cupra Formentor VZx at a glance:
Price: $65,790 plus on-road costs
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 228kW/400Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 7.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 175g/km (ADR Combined) Safety rating: Five stars (ANCAP 2021)

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