Seat Formentor
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a sporty SUV that stands out from the crowd? The Seat Formentor might be exactly what you’re after. This distinctive crossover coupe combines the practicality of an SUV with the dynamic styling of a sports car, creating something genuinely different in the competitive compact SUV market. It’s the car for drivers who want something more exciting than a traditional family SUV but still need the space and versatility.

From its bold angular design to its muscular stance, the Formentor makes a statement on the road that rivals like the Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage simply can’t match. The distinctive LED lighting signature and coupe roofline give it an almost concept car appearance. Step inside and you’ll find a cabin that feels modern and well built, with sporty touches that remind you this isn’t just another family hauler. The dashboard layout is clean and logical, with quality materials throughout.

Driving the Formentor is where it really comes alive. The range of engines offers everything from efficient daily driving to genuine performance thrills. The handling is sharp and engaging, making even mundane journeys feel more involving. It rides well too, striking a good balance between comfort and sportiness. While it commands a premium over more mainstream SUVs, you’re getting distinctive looks, engaging dynamics, and that special feeling that comes from driving something a bit different.

What's the Seat Formentor Like to Drive?

The Seat Formentor offers one of the most diverse engine ranges in its class, from efficient mild hybrids to proper hot hatch power. The entry level 1.5 TSI with 150 horsepower provides smooth and refined performance that’s perfect for daily driving. It delivers strong mid range pull for overtaking and feels lively around town. For those wanting more excitement, the VZ models with up to 310 horsepower transform the Formentor into a genuine performance machine, capable of 0-60mph in under 5 seconds.

What impresses most is how composed the Formentor feels on the road. The steering is precise and well weighted, giving you confidence through corners. The suspension setup strikes an excellent balance between ride comfort and handling sharpness. Unlike some crossover SUV models that feel soft and wallowy, the Formentor maintains good body control while still soaking up road imperfections effectively. The result is a car that’s genuinely fun to drive but never uncomfortable for passengers.

Inside the Seat Formentor: Comfort & Features

The Formentor’s cabin immediately feels more premium than you might expect from the Seat brand. The dashboard design is modern and distinctive, with copper coloured accents and high quality soft touch materials in key areas. The digital cockpit display is crisp and easy to read, while the central infotainment screen responds quickly to inputs. Physical controls for climate and volume are retained, making the system intuitive to use while driving. Build quality feels solid throughout, with minimal squeaks or rattles even on rough surfaces.

Front seat comfort is excellent, with good support and plenty of adjustment to find your ideal driving position. The seats strike a nice balance between sportiness and long distance comfort. Road and wind noise are well controlled, creating a refined cabin environment even at motorway speeds. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, making smartphone integration seamless. Higher specification models add features like wireless charging and premium audio systems that further enhance the upmarket feel.

The Seat Formentor succeeds in creating a genuinely distinctive alternative in the crowded compact SUV market. Its bold styling, engaging driving dynamics, and quality interior make it stand out from more conventional rivals. The range of engines caters to different needs, from efficient daily driving to genuine performance thrills. The cabin feels well built and modern, while the driving experience is more engaging than most family SUVs.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Seat Formentor?

The Formentor’s running costs vary significantly depending on which engine you choose. The 1.5 TSI mild hybrid models are the most economical choice, delivering real world fuel economy in the low 40s MPG. This makes them competitive with more conventional SUVs for everyday running costs. Insurance groups are reasonable for the entry level models, though the high performance VZ versions will cost significantly more to insure due to their power and performance credentials.

The main financial consideration is the purchase price, which positions the Formentor as a premium alternative to mainstream family SUVs. You’re paying extra for the distinctive styling, sporty dynamics, and higher quality interior. However, strong residual values help offset the higher initial cost. Maintenance costs are typical for a modern Volkswagen Group product, with reasonable service intervals. For those considering car finance options, the Formentor’s strong appeal and desirability make it an attractive proposition for various finance packages.

Seat Formentor Practicality & Boot Space

The Formentor offers decent practicality for a coupe styled SUV, though the sloping roofline does compromise some areas. The 420 litre boot is a reasonable size for the class and the loading lip is low, making it easy to lift heavy items in and out. The rear seats split and fold to expand cargo space when needed. Interior storage is well thought out, with decent door pockets, a useful centre console bin, and cup holders that actually hold cups securely.

Rear passenger space is adequate for most situations, though the sloping roof does reduce headroom compared to a conventional SUV shape. Two adults will be comfortable on shorter journeys, while three might feel a squeeze. For families with older children or couples who occasionally carry passengers, the space is perfectly usable. The Formentor works best for those who prioritise style and driving enjoyment over maximum practicality, offering a good compromise compared to other used Seat cars in the range.

The Seat Formentor carves out its own unique niche in the compact SUV market by prioritising style and driving dynamics over pure practicality. Its distinctive coupe SUV styling ensures it stands out in any car park, while the well crafted interior and engaging driving experience justify the premium price tag. The diverse engine range means there’s a Formentor to suit most requirements, from efficient family transport to weekend sports car alternative.

You choose the Formentor because you want an SUV that’s different from the norm. Its combination of head turning looks, quality interior, and genuinely enjoyable driving dynamics make it perfect for buyers who refuse to compromise on style. While it may not be the most spacious or cheapest option available, it offers something genuinely special in return. If you’re looking for a compact SUV with character and capability, especially with cars under £10,000 offering great entry points to the brand, the Formentor should be high on your list.