Which one to buy in 2023, the Cupra Formentor or the Peugeot 408? If you are looking for a hybrid between SUV and compact, these two models are the closest.
You are probably one of those drivers who is looking for something different when buying a car and prefers not to fall for the SUV trend, even though you recognize the advantages of this type of vehicle. Therefore, if you are looking for a hybrid between SUV and compact, today we present two interesting proposals to buy in 2023, the Cupra Formentor and the Peugeot 408.
In this article we are going to face them using one of our technical comparisons based strictly on official approved data. We will analyze sections such as dimensions, trunk, engines, standard equipment and prices. At the end we will expose the strengths of each candidate to help you make the best purchase decision.
Dimensions
The Cupra Formentor is the first model developed entirely by and for the young Spanish brand. If we start with its measurements, the Cupra model has a body that is 4,450 mm long, 1,840 mm wide and 1,520 mm high, all on a platform that has a 2,680 mm wheelbase.
The Peugeot 408 is a reasonable alternative to the Cupra Formentor, a crossover that Peugeot calls a Fastback. Far from commercial terms, the 408 offers a body that measures 4,685 mm long, 1,850 mm wide and 1,480 mm high, with a wheelbase that amounts to 2,785 mm.
Trunk
The trunk is key when choosing a vehicle, which is why we dedicate a special section to it. In the case of the Formentor, this compact crossover offers an interior for up to five passengers and has a 450-liter boot that can be expanded to 1,505 liters by folding down the rear seats (345 and 1,415 liters, respectively, in the plug-in hybrid version).
With regard to the trunk of the 408, the Peugeot crossover solves this section with a cargo compartment with 535 liters of volumetric capacity, a figure that reaches 1,610 liters when folding down the rear seat backs. In hybrid versions, the boot capacity is reduced to 470 liters with five seats and up to 1,545 liters with only two.
engines
Let’s go with the engines, where the Formentor offers mechanical gasoline 1.5 TSI of 150 CV and 2.0 TSI of 190, 245, 310 and the 390 CV of the VZ5. The diesel is the 2.0 TDI of 150 CV. There are two plug-in hybrid versions, with 204 and 245 hp, and 60 km of autonomy with the DGT 0 Emissions label. Changes are 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic, as well as front or all-wheel drive.
With regard to engines, the 408 has a 130 HP 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder gasoline engine, as well as two plug-in hybrid versions, with 180 and 225 HP of power, a range of up to 63 kilometers on a single charge and label 0 Emissions of the DGT. The change is eight-speed automatic in all engines and power is sent only to the front end.
standard equipment
As for the standard equipment, the range-access Cupra Formentor includes notable elements such as 18-inch wheels, high beam assistant, hill start assistance, light and rain sensor, tinted windows, multifunction leather steering wheel, Cupra Connect, voice control, electric mirrors and LED rear lights.
And as for the standard equipment of the Peugeot 408 (Allure finish), we find outstanding elements such as the central touch screen and the 10-inch digital instrument panel, rear parking sensors with cameras, hands-free starting, navigation, tinted glass, Full headlights. LEDs and 17-inch alloy wheels, among others.
Prices
The price of the Cupra Formentor is 33,040 euros in its entry-level version with the 150 hp 1.5 TSI engine and six-speed manual transmission.
The Peugeot 408 is now available to buy in Spain with a starting price of 34,850 euros for the Allure version with the 130 hp 1.2 PureTech engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Conclution
If we start with the dimensions, the Peugeot 408 is 235 mm longer and 10 mm wider than the Cupra Formentor, in addition to offering 105 mm more wheelbase, while the Cupra model is 40 mm taller than the Peugeot.
As a result of these larger dimensions, the 408 also offers a trunk with greater volumetric capacity. Specifically, it has 85 liters more with the five available seats and 105 liters more when folding down the backs of the rear seats.
On the contrary, the Cupra Formentor’s engine offer is wider in number, varied in fuel options and with higher power levels. It stands out that both models have plug-in hybrid versions and electric autonomy of about 60 km, although the Formentor has the advantage of also being offered with a diesel engine.
Finally, the standard equipment is very complete in both cases, even when dealing with versions of access to the range, while the price is just over 1,800 euros higher in the Peugeot than in the Cupra.
