Which to buy, the Cupra Ateca or the Lexus NX? If you hesitate between these two models, today we are going to analyze them to determine which is the better option.
Are you looking for an SUV with at least 300 horsepower? If you are in this situation, today we present two interesting proposals that should more than meet all your expectations. One is a sports utility vehicle and the other a plug-in hybrid, but you should have both on your radar. Which to buy, the Cupra Ateca or the Lexus NX?
With one of our technical comparisons we will be able to face both models analyzing sections such as dimensions, trunk capacity, engines, the most outstanding standard equipment and prices based on official approved data. At the end, we will expose the strengths of each model to help you in your next purchase.
Dimensions
Starting with the Cupra Ateca, a model that derives directly from the recently updated Seat Ateca, we are talking about a compact SUV with a length of 4,385 mm, a width of 1,840 mm and a height of 1,600 mm, all on a wheelbase of 2,630 mm.
On the other hand, the Lexus NX has just introduced its new generation, the second, and is characterized by being a larger SUV than its Spanish rival. It is evident in the external measurements, with 4,660 mm long, 1,865 mm wide and 1,660 mm high, as well as a wheelbase of 2,690 mm.
Trunk
Both models offer an interior for five passengers, but the capacity of the trunk varies in each of them. On the one hand, the Cupra model has a trunk with 485 liters of volumetric capacity.
On the other hand, the Lexus hybrid SUV shows off its larger exterior measurements to offer a larger trunk, with 545 liters of capacity that can be expanded to 1,435 liters by folding down the second row of seats.
Engines
We go to the engine section. In the case of the Ateca, it is only offered with a 2.0 TSI petrol engine with 300 hp and 400 Nm of torque, a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission, and a 4Drive all-wheel drive system. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h.
Meanwhile, the NX is available in a plug-in hybrid version, the NX 450h+, with 309 horsepower, CVT automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, as well as 76 km of electric range. There is also a traditional hybrid version with 243 hp, front or total traction, and CVT transmission. In the best of cases, it goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 200 km/h.
Standard equipment
Among the standard equipment of the Cupra Ateca we have 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, bucket seats, adaptive chassis control, multimedia system with a 9.2-inch touch screen, parking assistant, 360-degree camera, keyless access and start , sports suspension, adaptive cruise control, Light Assist or recognition of traffic signs, among others.
The Lexus NX (Business trim) includes LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision system, Lexus Safety System+, traffic sign recognition, emergency steering assistant, multimedia system with a 9-inch touch screen, 8 inches, browser, digital instrument panel and 18-inch wheels, among others.
Prices
The prices of the Cupra Ateca in Spain start at 47,470 euros.
Meanwhile, the Lexus NX is available from €49,500 in the NX 350h hybrid version, and from €66,200 for the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid variant.
Conclution
The Lexus NX is 285mm longer, 25mm wider and 60mm taller than the Cupra Ateca, with a 60mm longer wheelbase. The trunk also offers greater volumetric capacity in the Japanese SUV, specifically 60 liters more without the need to fold down the rear seats.
Video: we tested the Cupra Ateca on the snow:
On the other hand, the range of engines is very different between these models. The Cupra is more focused on performance, with a powerful gasoline engine and good performance. However, the Lexus veers towards efficiency, with two hybrid versions (one with an ECO label and the other 0 Emissions) that offer a good level of power, but not too outstanding performance.
The standard equipment is very complete, but in the case of the Ateca it stands out for including almost everything possible as standard. Positive point for the NX, which offers a wide range of safety and driving assistance systems without resorting to optional equipment.
Finally, prices are on the side of the Cupra Ateca which, without adding extras, is 2,000 euros cheaper than the range access version (NX 300h Business) of the Lexus NX.
