On location in Miami for CBT News, Lauren Fix, founder of Car Coach Reports, gets behind the wheel of the 2025 CUPRA Terramar—a sporty compact SUV from Europe set to arrive in the U.S. by 2030. Fix offers a first-look walkthrough of the vehicle during its stateside debut tied to the Formula E racing weekend. She highlights its features and performance and discusses what American buyers can expect from the Volkswagen Group’s edgy new brand.
The CUPRA Terramar is poised to challenge established players in the compact SUV segment with a bold design, multiple drivetrain options, and performance enhancements rarely seen in its class. Originally a performance spinoff of Spanish automaker SEAT, both under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, CUPRA has already sold roughly 750,000 units across Europe since its 2018 launch.
The Terramar will compete with models like the BMW X1, Audi Q3, and Volkswagen Tiguan, but with a sportier edge. It will be available in front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and plug-in hybrid configurations, with a fully electric version also expected. Engine choices range from a base 1.5L mild hybrid producing 148 horsepower to a top-tier 2.0L AWD plug-in hybrid pushing 210 or 262 horsepower and offering up to 70 miles of electric range.
Five trim levels will be offered, with Fix test-driving the higher-end X2 trim. It includes 20-inch wheels, a 255/40R20 tire, and optional Akebono six-piston performance brakes. Steering is light but precise, offering excellent grip with minimal body roll.
The Terramar stands out with its signature bronze-colored accents, triangulated LED headlight and taillight designs, and a unique copper CUPRA logo in various elements around the exterior and interior. Inside, the SUV features comfortable seats, adaptive suspension (top trim only), and practical design cues. Standard across all trims are front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera.
Fix notes that materials feel premium despite not using real leather, and passengers in the second row benefit from USB-C ports and distinctive branding embedded into the seatbacks. Cargo flexibility is ensured by 40/20/40 folding seats and an optional panoramic glass roof.
Though no exact pricing is confirmed, Fix estimates the entry-level model could start in the upper $20,000s, with the fully loaded trims reaching close to $50,000. Distribution in the U.S. will be limited initially, with Penske Group expected to support dealership expansion.
CUPRA’s growing Formula E presence and unique design language signal a serious bid to establish brand identity before the official U.S. launch in 2030.
"We don't have a price point on this. We're gonna guess it's going to be somewhere in that $50,000 range for the top trim level. It's hard to guess, but somewhere in that $30,000 range–upper $20,000 for entry-level." – Lauren Fix
