2025 Cupra Terramar Review

The Terramar is the latest offering from Barcelona-based brand Cupra set to take on the mid-sized SUV segment when it arrives in Australia in 2025.

Based on the all-new Tiguan, the Cupra Terramar changes up the formula by adding more emotion and fun to what is otherwise quite a vanilla segment.

We’re in Barcelona, Spain to drive the new Cupra Terramar just after its official launch to let you know whether or not you should be holding out for it when it arrives in 2025.

Is this the sporty SUV you’ve been looking for? Let’s talk about that in today’s review!

How much does the Cupra Terramar cost?

‍Official pricing for the 2025 Cupra Terramar has yet to be confirmed. However, Cupra is aiming to position it competitively in the market, particularly against models like the Volkswagen Tiguan. 

Based on early discussions, the starting price in Australia is expected to be around the low $50,000s, though this will vary depending on the engine and trim level chosen. 

If the Terramar enters the market at this price point, it will represent solid value for a sporty and tech-focused SUV, potentially offering similar pricing to a base-model Tiguan while providing additional features and a more performance-oriented drive.

More precise details on pricing and trim levels will be announced closer to the Terramar's launch, and any estimates may change as Cupra finalises its offerings for the Australian market.

What’s the exterior like of the Cupra Terramar?

‍The Cupra Terramar brings a distinctive look to the SUV segment, showcasing the brand’s familiar design cues. Built on the MQB EVO platform, shared with the Tiguan, the Terramar features a sportier stance and sharp styling details that differentiate it from its Volkswagen counterpart. 

The front end is characterised by triangular LED daytime running lights and a split fog light setup. The “V” shapes that appear across the bonnet, grille, and badging emphasise the design language Cupra has embraced, giving it a dynamic edge.

The large front grille makes a bold statement, and functional elements like the radar sensor for autonomous driving and a front camera for the 360-degree view are cleanly integrated. Aero detailing on the bumper not only adds a visual appeal but also contributes to aerodynamic efficiency.

From the side, the Terramar retains an SUV profile with a slight coupe-inspired silhouette. It sits on 20-inch wheels with copper accents, fitted with Continental SportContact 6 tyres to enhance its sporty character. Other features like keyless entry, roof rails, and tinted privacy glass add both practicality and style to the vehicle’s design.

At the rear, the Terramar’s design features a sweeping LED light bar across the tailgate and Cupra’s copper-coloured lettering. Below, an aggressive diffuser is flanked by faux exhausts, complemented by a spoiler and heavily tinted privacy glass. The overall appearance aims to balance the sporty and functional aspects expected of a modern SUV.

While it shares its platform with the Tiguan, the Cupra Terramar aims to carve out its own identity with a focus on sharper, sport-oriented styling.

What’s the interior like of the Cupra Terramar?

‍Stepping into the Cupra Terramar, the interior immediately makes an impression with its driver-focused design and blend of sporty and practical elements. 

The dashboard layout is sleek and uncluttered, covered in soft-touch materials that lend it a refined feel. Subtle copper accents are scattered throughout the cabin, including the air vents, stitching, and trim details. 

It’s a nod to Cupra’s distinctive styling, but thankfully it’s not overdone, keeping the cabin from feeling too bold or flashy.

In the centre of the dash sits a sizeable 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is where you’ll control most of the car’s features. 

The system comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is a nice touch for those who hate dealing with tangled charging cords. Beneath the screen are touch-capacitive controls that, thankfully, are now backlit. 

It’s a subtle improvement over previous models, where adjusting settings at night was more of a challenge. Cupra has also ensured that the air conditioning controls are permanently displayed on the screen, making quick adjustments a breeze without diving through multiple menus.

The seats are a highlight here. Cupra has opted for an Alcantara-like material that feels a lot like wetsuit fabric. They’re ergonomically designed, with just the right amount of bolstering to keep you snug during spirited driving without sacrificing comfort for everyday use. 

Cupra has used mostly recycled materials for the seat upholstery, striking a balance between sustainability and style. The material feels nice to the touch, though some may prefer additional lumbar support for longer drives.

The steering wheel continues the sporty theme with a leather wrap and copper stitching. It features physical buttons for key functions, which offer a welcome bit of tactile feedback—something many drivers will appreciate over more finicky touch-based controls. 

The left side of the steering wheel houses the drive mode selector, while the right has the start/stop button, keeping all the essentials within easy reach.

Ahead of the driver, you’ll find a fully digital instrument cluster that’s bright and customisable. You can toggle through different displays, from navigation to vehicle stats, tailoring it to your preferences. 

There’s also a heads-up display that projects key information onto the windscreen, which helps you keep your eyes on the road.

Storage in the front cabin is designed with practicality in mind. An open area below the centre console doubles as a fast wireless charging pad for your phone, with two USB-C ports nearby for additional charging needs. 

Dual cup holders sit between the seats, and while the centre armrest is height-adjustable, it doesn’t slide. Underneath, you’ll find a reasonably deep storage compartment. The door bins are generously sized, and the glovebox offers even more space for storing smaller items.

The Sennheiser sound system is another noteworthy feature, offering a premium audio experience with a subwoofer discreetly located in the boot floor. 

A panoramic sunroof opens up the interior, allowing plenty of natural light to flood in, enhancing the cabin’s overall atmosphere without making it feel too stark or overwhelming.

Overall, the Cupra Terramar’s interior is a well-thought-out space. It manages to blend sporty elements with the practicality you’d expect from an SUV, offering plenty of tech and comfort features while retaining Cupra’s unique design language.

What about back seats?

The back seats of the Cupra Terramar aim to balance comfort, practicality, and a touch of sportiness, though there are a few elements worth noting. In keeping with the front, the rear seats are trimmed in the same Alcantara-like material, providing a consistent look and feel throughout the cabin. 

The fabric is soft yet supportive, with Cupra’s recycled materials theme carrying over to the back. The suede-like texture feels comfortable for passengers, and the seats are contoured to offer decent support on longer drives.

Space-wise, legroom and headroom are ample for an SUV of this size, making it suitable for taller passengers. At 179cm (around 5-foot-11), I found the legroom to be reasonable, and headroom still leaves you with a decent amount of space. 

The seat back is well-shaped to ensure a good level of comfort without being overly firm, and the seats can be adjusted by sliding forwards or backwards to provide either more legroom for passengers or extra boot space when required.

Rear amenities are practical but minimal, aimed at functionality over luxury. There are two air vents to keep rear passengers cool or warm, along with a third climate control zone to adjust the temperature separately from the front cabin. 

Additionally, two USB-C charging ports are located at the rear for device charging. While there are no traditional map pockets on the back of the front seats, likely due to the sportier seat design, the focus is clearly on keeping the interior streamlined.

The materials at the back mostly mirror those in the front, with a mix of soft-touch surfaces and some firmer plastics lower down. 

While there are some scratchy materials present on the lower part of the door panels, the armrests are padded, ensuring a comfortable spot to rest your arms during longer journeys. A fold-down centre armrest with built-in cup holders is also here.

Additionally, the back seats can be folded down in a 60/40 split, offering flexibility for larger items or extra luggage. 

Sliding the seats forward further increases the boot space, making the Terramar’s rear seating area quite practical - very much like the Tiguan it’s based on.

What’s boot space OR tub space like in the Cupra Terramar?

‍The boot space in the standard Cupra Terramar is competitive for the segment, offering 508 litres of capacity which is very useable.

However, for the plug-in hybrid variants, they lose 108 litres due to the addition of the hybrid battery and related components, reducing total space to just 400 litres - which isn’t great.

You can drop the rear seats in a 60/40 split to expand the boot space for larger items, or slide the rear seats forward to expand the boot space further.

What’s under the bonnet of the 0 Cupra Terramar?

‍The Cupra Terramar offers a variety of powertrains. The standard engine is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit, producing 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque with power sent to the front wheels exclusively.

For those interested in electrified options, there are two plug-in hybrid variants available, each using a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor. These PHEVs come in two power outputs: 150kW and 200kW, although Cupra hasn’t released official torque figures for the hybrids yet. Power for these PHEV variants are also front-wheel drive only.

According to Volkswagen, the hybrids should offer an electric-only driving range of around 100km.

At the top of the range sits an EA888 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, borrowed from the Volkswagen Golf GTI, delivering 195kW of power and 400Nm of torque. 

This version comes with all-wheel drive, adding to the sportier drive character of the Terramar and enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint time of approximately 6 seconds.

All engines are matched with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT).

How does the Cupra Terramar Drive?

‍The Cupra Terramar delivers a dynamic driving experience that leans heavily towards sportiness, particularly with its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. This powertrain, shared with the Volkswagen Golf GTI, produces 195kW and 400Nm, offering strong performance and a responsive driving character. 

Acceleration is punchy, with a 0-100 km/h time around 6 seconds, and the engine’s power delivery is smooth through its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The transmission shifts quickly and cleanly, making both city and highway driving engaging and fluid.

The all-wheel-drive system ensures the Terramar maintains traction and stability during spirited driving. Cornering is sharp, and the Terramar feels planted even when pushing through tight bends. The variable steering ratio makes the steering feel direct and precise; it's light enough for comfortable manoeuvres at low speeds but provides more weight and feedback when driving at higher speeds, enhancing driver confidence through corners.

The adaptive dampers, which feature 15-stage adjustability, allow the driver to switch between different ride settings, offering a tailored balance between comfort and performance. In softer settings, the Terramar handles daily road imperfections with relative ease, providing a comfortable ride for both driver and passengers. 

Switching to Sport mode firms up the suspension, reducing body roll and giving the SUV a noticeably more agile and controlled feel. However, with the firmer setup, some road harshness can make its way into the cabin on rougher surfaces, which might not suit those preferring a softer ride.

One of the standout features of the Terramar’s driving dynamics is its lively handling. The suspension is tuned to enhance cornering ability, and the all-wheel-drive setup helps distribute power effectively, maintaining stability even under spirited driving. 

The chassis feels balanced, and the car's overall responsiveness helps it feel more like a performance hatch than a typical SUV, especially in the sportier drive modes.

In terms of NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness), the cabin remains relatively quiet on most surfaces. While some engine noise is intentionally amplified through the audio system to enhance the sporty experience, it doesn't become intrusive. Road and wind noise are well-controlled, contributing to a more refined drive when cruising.

The Cupra Terramar is also equipped with the latest Travel Assist features from the Volkswagen Group, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. 

These systems function smoothly and effectively, enhancing comfort on longer drives or during highway commutes by maintaining the car’s position in the lane and adjusting speed based on traffic conditions.

The Cupra Terramar, particularly with its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, delivers a driving experience that is engaging and well-balanced.

What do you get with the Cupra Terramar?

2025 Cupra Terramar features:

• 20-inch alloy wheels with copper highlights
• Continental SportContact 6 tyres
• Full LED headlights with triangular daytime running lights
• Split LED fog lights
• Rear light bar with illuminated Cupra badge
• 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• Leather steering wheel with copper stitching
• Physical buttons for drive mode selection
• Variable steering ratio for responsive handling
• Adaptive dampers with 15-stage adjustability
• Alcantara-like sport seats with recycled materials and side bolstering
• Dual-zone climate control with touch-sensitive, backlit controls
• Panoramic sunroof with tilt and slide functions
• 360-degree camera system with front and rear parking sensors
• Keyless entry and start
• Copper accents on air vents, trim, and stitching
• Illuminated touch-sensitive controls for climate and media
• Sliding rear seats with 60/40 split-fold functionality
• 508L boot space (reduced to 400L in PHEV variants)
• Two rear USB-C ports
• Rear air vents for passenger comfort
• Sennheiser sound system with integrated subwoofer
• Advanced driver assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Travel Assist
• Roof rails for additional storage options‍
• Electric handbrake with auto-hold function

Final thoughts on the Cupra Terramar

‍The 2025 Cupra Terramar makes a compelling case for those seeking a sporty yet practical SUV. With its bold design, technology-rich cabin, and a performance-oriented driving experience—especially with the potent 2.0-litre turbo engine—it stands out in a crowded segment. 

The use of high-quality materials, thoughtful details, and balanced dynamics aims to provide a driving experience that is both engaging and refined.

While the exact pricing and full specifications are still to be confirmed, the Terramar is set to appeal to buyers looking for a more dynamic alternative to mainstream mid-sized SUVs. 

If Cupra can bring it to market at the anticipated price point, the Terramar will offer strong value for a well-equipped, stylish, and sporty SUV, making it a model worth waiting for.