2025 Cupra Terramar: The 2025 Cupra Terramar arrives as an aggressively styled family SUV starting around $54,000, offering a compelling blend of Spanish flair, advanced hybrid technology, and sporty dynamics that distinguishes it from mainstream competitors.
The automotive landscape welcomes a bold new contender this year as Cupra unleashes its latest creation, the Terramar SUV. This isn’t just another crossover entering an already crowded market – it’s a statement piece that combines Mediterranean passion with German engineering precision, creating something genuinely distinctive in the mid-size SUV segment.
What Makes the Terramar Special
Named after the historic Autódromo de Sitges-Terramar racetrack built near Barcelona in 1923, the Terramar carries racing heritage in its DNA. This compact crossover SUV was presented in September 2024 by the Spanish performance-oriented brand and is intended to replace the aging Cupra Ateca.
The Terramar represents something significant for Cupra – it will be the last Cupra launched with a combustion engine offering, as the brand looks to going all-electric in 2030. This makes it a collector’s piece in the making, capturing the final evolution of Cupra’s internal combustion expertise.
Design Philosophy: Aggressive Meets Sophisticated
The exterior design immediately sets the Terramar apart from vanilla family SUVs. At the front, the Cupra matrix LED Ultra headlights are more angular for an angrier look, while the nose of the car is made even more aggressive-looking by sharply pronounced creases in the bonnet, plus large air intakes that pretty much cover the front end.
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 result is a vehicle that looks purposeful and athletic, even when standing still.
The Spanish designers haven’t forgotten practicality in their pursuit of style. The Terramar measures 4,519mm long, 1,584mm tall and 1,863mm wide (without door mirrors), while the wheelbase stands at 2,681mm. These dimensions position it perfectly in the competitive mid-size SUV segment.
Interior: Where Sport Meets Sustainability
Step inside, and the Terramar’s cabin immediately communicates its sporting intentions. The dashboard is noticeably more driver-focused than in a VW Tiguan with the air vents and the central touchscreen angled towards the driving seat. The design language carries Cupra’s signature copper accents throughout, creating a cohesive and distinctive atmosphere.
Sustainability plays a crucial role in the interior design philosophy. Those up front will sit in sporty bucket seats that are upholstered either in SEAQUAL recycled fabric, or in leather that’s been tanned using a plant-based process. This commitment to environmental responsibility doesn’t compromise on comfort or style.
Technology integration feels seamless rather than overwhelming. All models will come with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that sits ahead of the driver and combines with a large 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that runs the VW Group’s latest software. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with a wireless phone charger positioned in the center console.
Powertrain Options: The Future Meets Performance
The 2025 Cupra Terramar offers an impressive array of powertrains designed to meet different driving needs and environmental requirements. The lineup represents Cupra’s commitment to electrification while maintaining the brand’s performance DNA.
Mild-Hybrid Foundation
The entry point into the Terramar range features a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. This setup produces 110kW (148bhp) and 250Nm of torque, sending power to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Despite being the base engine, it delivers respectable performance with a 0-100km/h time of 9.3 seconds and a top speed of 205km/h.
Performance Petrol Variants
For enthusiasts seeking more excitement, Cupra offers two versions of its proven 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The mid-range option produces 150kW (201bhp) and 320Nm of torque, while the range-topping petrol variant pumps out an impressive 195kW (262bhp) and 400Nm. Both versions feature all-wheel drive and deliver thrilling acceleration, with the top-spec model achieving 0-100km/h in just 5.9 seconds.
Plug-in Hybrid Excellence
The crown jewel of the Terramar lineup is the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system, available in two power outputs: 201bhp or 268bhp. Both variants utilize a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor and a substantial 19.7kWh battery pack. This setup delivers over 70 miles (112-121km) of official electric-only range, easily surpassing rivals like the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Range Rover Evoque and Volvo XC40.
The PHEV system’s sophisticated energy management allows for true dual-mode operation. During weekday commutes, most owners can complete their journeys entirely on electric power, while longer trips benefit from the seamless combination of electric and petrol propulsion.
Driving Dynamics: Spanish Soul with German Precision
The Terramar has been engineered to deliver a more engaging driving experience than typical family SUVs. Cupra has paid special attention to power delivery, suspension tuning, and steering calibration to create something that feels genuinely sporty rather than merely styled to look the part.
In terms of handling, the Terramar strikes a careful balance between capability and comfort. The steering is light and fairly accurate, there’s abundant grip, and body roll is well-managed, allowing confident cornering at speed. The suspension setup tends toward the firmer side of the comfort spectrum, which benefits handling while still providing reasonable ride quality over varied road surfaces.
Higher-specification models feature the VW Group’s latest adaptive dampers (Dynamic Chassis Control), offering 15 different adjustment stages. This allows drivers to tailor the vehicle’s character from comfortable cruiser to focused performance machine depending on road conditions and personal preference.
Safety and Technology
Safety experts Euro NCAP have awarded the Cupra Terramar the maximum five stars out of five rating after testing the car in 2025. This achievement reflects comprehensive passive and active safety systems throughout the range.
Standard safety equipment includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. Seven airbags provide comprehensive crash protection, including a front central airbag that’s becoming increasingly common in premium vehicles.
Market Position and Pricing
Right-hand-drive Terramars will hit the UK in the early part of 2025, and the range starts with the 1.5 eTSI mild hybrid in V1 trim at £37,605, which translates to approximately $54,000 in international markets. This positioning places the Terramar competitively against established rivals while offering superior equipment levels and more distinctive styling.
The pricing strategy reflects Cupra’s positioning as a premium alternative to mainstream brands while remaining more accessible than traditional luxury marques. This sweet spot in the market has proven successful for the brand’s other models and should serve the Terramar well.
Competition and Market Outlook
The Terramar enters a fiercely competitive segment populated by excellent vehicles including the Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008, and Hyundai Tucson. However, none of these competitors offers quite the same combination of aggressive styling, advanced hybrid technology, and sporting character that defines the Terramar.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 4,519mm |
| Width | 1,863mm (without mirrors) |
| Height | 1,584mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,681mm |
| Boot Capacity | 400-508 liters (depending on variant) |
| Electric Range (PHEV) | 112-121km |
| Charging Speed | Up to 50kW DC fast charging |
| Drive Wheels | FWD (base models), AWD (performance variants) |
| Transmission | 7-speed DSG (6-speed for PHEV) |
Short FAQs
Q: When will the Cupra Terramar be available?
A: The Terramar is already launching in select markets, with broader availability throughout 2025.
Q: What’s the electric range of the hybrid version?
A: The plug-in hybrid offers over 112km of pure electric driving range.
Q: How does it compare to the VW Tiguan?
A: Both share the same platform, but the Terramar offers sportier styling, different powertrains, and a more driver-focused interior.
The 2025 Cupra Terramar succeeds in creating a genuinely distinctive proposition in the crowded mid-size SUV market. It combines striking aesthetics with genuine performance capability and advanced electrification technology. For families seeking something more engaging than the typical SUV while maintaining practicality and efficiency, the Terramar represents an compelling choice that stands out from the crowd.
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