Cupra Tavascan 2025 Review

The 2025 Cupra Tavascan range starts at $60,990 plus on-road costs (ORCs) for the entry-level Endurance, while the sportier dual-motor VZ variant is priced from $74,990 plus ORCs.

Standard equipment across the range is generous, featuring 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, a powered tailgate, tri-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, a heated steering wheel, a sleek 15-inch touch-screen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 5.3-inch digital cockpit.

Safety technology covers essential bases with adaptive cruise control (including stop-and-go functionality), autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, driver fatigue monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, and exit warning.

Adding the Interior Package ($4000) to the Endurance variant significantly enhances comfort and style, including 20-inch alloy wheels, a premium 12-speaker Sennheiser audio system, enhanced ambient lighting, and microfibre front bucket seats with 12-way power adjustment, memory, and heating – a worthwhile upgrade over the tedious manual-adjust seats.

Opting for the flagship VZ brings 21-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive suspension. An optional Extreme Package ($8000), arriving later in 2025, includes ‘Cup Bucket’ ventilated Nappa leather seats, forged alloy wheels, and performance tyres, albeit at the cost of reduced driving range.

Four exterior colours are offered: Atacama Desert and White Silver are standard, while premium options ($800) include my personal favourite, Tavascan Blue, and Basalt Grey. The vibrant Tavascan Blue pairs beautifully with the vehicle’s distinctive copper accents.

Mechanically, the Endurance variant features a rear-mounted electric motor producing 210kW and 545Nm, promising a claimed 534km range. The dual-motor VZ increases output to 250kW and 545Nm, achieving a swift sprint to 100km/h of 5.5 seconds at the cost of a slightly reduced range 499km. Real-world testing yielded an average economy of 19.7kWh/100km, equating to approximately 390km – noticeably less than the official claim.

Cupra provides a five-year/unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty. Service intervals are every two years or 30,000km at a reasonable $485 per service. Two attractive prepaid service packages are available: a six-year plan for $1310 and a comprehensive 10-year plan for $2190, making the Tavascan particularly appealing for lease customers.

Immediately noticeable is the Tavascan’s stylish, driver-centric interior, which stands out in a crowded market. Ergonomics are superb, with all key controls intuitively located and easily operated without needing to dive into complex menus. While perfect for my shorter stature, taller drivers might feel somewhat cramped.

The driving experience is refined and refreshingly straightforward, particularly compared to some overly complex EVs on the market – I'm looking at you, Deepal S07 and Leapmotor C10. Cupra’s driver-assistance systems are less intrusive, well-calibrated, and genuinely enhance driving pleasure. It feels as though Cupra has introduced some much-needed maturity and practicality into the electric SUV segment.

Cabin insulation is generally good, though tyre noise increases with larger wheel sizes. Rear stadium-style seating offers excellent visibility and ample space, resolving initial concerns about visibility for younger passengers. The boot is impressively spacious at 490 litres, expandable with a practical 60/40 split-fold rear seat arrangement. Thoughtful cabin details like ample USB-C ports and soft-touch materials enhance overall comfort.

Selectable drive modes significantly alter the Tavascan’s personality. Comfort mode optimises city driving, while the Cupra mode sharpens responses for enthusiastic driving – conveniently adjustable via steering-wheel-mounted buttons.

Notably, the optional Sennheiser surround sound system is exceptional, arguably one of the best audio setups available in a vehicle under $100,000. The adjustable immersion settings create an outstanding listening experience, further justifying the Interior Package upgrade.

Despite its strengths, practicality suffers due to the lack of a spare tyre or puncture repair kit, the Tavascan relying instead on Hankook EV run-flat tyres. This solution suits urban environments but is less practical for regional or remote driving conditions. Given the Tavascan’s considerable boot space, even a compact spare would have been beneficial.

The absence of modern connected services, over-the-air updates, smartphone app connectivity, and remote vehicle functions feels outdated, especially since these features are commonly found in lower-priced competitors. The lack of V2L functionality is also noticeable, though not critical for my usage.

Although primary controls and ergonomics are excellent, the haptic feedback controls on the steering wheel, infotainment system, and doors require a delicate touch, slightly detracting from the overall usability. Visibility for blind-spot checks is somewhat impaired by the top of the seat and B-pillar, though large side mirrors mitigate this issue slightly.

Additionally, the bucket seats could certainly benefit from improved padding and better lumbar support; here, it’s clearly style over substance.

Performance-wise, the use of rear drum brakes is puzzling given Cupra’s sporty reputation and the Tavascan’s capabilities. I experienced some unexpected brake fade requiring increased pedal pressure during downhill testing, which is not ideal.

Furthermore, the DC charging capability, though adequate, lags competitors offering faster, more efficient charging – potentially an issue for frequent long-distance travellers or those using the ultra-rapid charging network.

The 2025 Cupra Tavascan stands out as a mature, fuss-free alternative to many of the overly complex ‘laptops on wheels’ in the electric mid-size SUV market. It delivers genuine driver engagement, blending style, comfort, and practicality without unnecessary technological overload.

While some practical omissions might deter certain buyers, those who appreciate straightforward usability and dynamic driving enjoyment will find plenty to like.

The Endurance variant, especially with the Interior Package, surprisingly emerges as the most appealing choice, combining comfort, real-world usability, and spirited driving dynamics at an attractive price point.

You might naturally gravitate towards the dual-motor VZ for its outright pace, but unless straight-line performance is your primary goal, the rear-wheel-drive Endurance proves more rewarding on winding roads, more comfortable with its higher-profile tyres, and superior in range.

2025 Cupra Tavascan Endurance at a glance:
Price: $60,990 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: Single permanent magnet synchronous motor (rear-mounted)
Output: 210kW/545Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 77kWh lithium-ion
Range: 534km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 16.3kWh/100km (WLTP claimed)
Safety rating: Not tested

2025 Cupra Tavascan VZ at a glance:
Price: $74,990 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: Asynchronous electric motor (front), permanent magnet synchronous motor (rear)
Output: 250kW/545Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 77kWh lithium-ion
Range: Range: 499km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 16.8kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Four-Star (ANCAP 2025)

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