Cupra Terramar Tribe Edition 1.5 e-Hybrid review: Bold plug-in SUV mixes standout style with impressive electric range
The plug-in hybrid SUV[1] market is getting more crowded by the month, with new models[2] arriving from both established European brands and fast-growing Chinese newcomers. That makes standing out harder than ever - yet the Cupra Terramar manages it without really trying. Nothing else looks quite like it.
My test car,[3] the GBP43,255 Tribe Edition finished in Manganese Matt, leans even further into that individuality. The matt green paint, paired with green wheel inserts, gives the Terramar a slightly military vibe that adds a sense of fun to what is already a striking design[4]. The Terramar shares its technical DNA with Volkswagen Group relatives such as the Tiguan and Kodiaq, but Cupra has worked hard to give it a completely different personality.
Sharp lines, dramatic lighting and big wheels all contribute to a design that feels genuinely fresh in a class where many rivals blur together visually. That theme continues inside. The Tribe Edition brings unique interior touches including 3D knitted bucket seats and bespoke finishes, helping create a cabin that feels unmistakably Cupra rather than just another VW Group derivative.
Add a plug-in hybrid system promising more than 70 miles of electric range and the Terramar looks well positioned to offer both style and substance.
How we tested
I had the new Cupra Terramar Tribe Edition plug-in hybrid for a week, covering loads of miles all over the country.I drove it into central London, on country lanes and on a long motorway trip to Liverpool, testing the efficiency of the hybrid system and how well the car coped over a wide variety of roads. As usual, I took it shopping and had plenty of passengers on board - all to check the practicality. I also checked out the tech, and particularly enjoyed testing the Sennheiser audio system.
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The Cupra Terramar Tribe Edition is based on the mid-spec V2 model, with a new look and added kit, too (Cupra)
Independent rating: 8/10
- Pros: Eye-catching design; impressive electric range; strong equipment levels; impressive audio system; well-judged ride
- Cons: Boot space could be better; auto gearbox can feel hesitant; soft brake pedal; infotainment quirks; dashboard rattle on test car
Cupra Terramar Tribe Edition 1.5 e-Hybrid Specs
- Price: GBP43,255
- Batter size: 19.7kWh
- Maximum EV range: 70 miles
- Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder
Battery, range, charging, performance and drive
The Terramar 1.5 e-Hybrid combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and a 19.7kWh battery[5] to deliver 201bhp. More importantly for many buyers, that battery unlocks a claimed electric-only range of more than 70 miles - a figure that's right up there with the best in class and one that felt entirely believable on my test for town driving in decent conditions.
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Cupra is known for its creative light treatments and the Terramar continues that theme (Cupra)Charging flexibility is decent, too. DC rapid charging of up to 50kW means you can grab useful range on the move, while 11kWAC charging suits overnight top-ups at home.
On the road, the Terramar strikes a pleasing balance. Despite the sporty looks and big wheels, ride comfort is generally well judged, smoothing out poor surfaces better than some rivals while still feeling tidy through corners. Steering is nicely weighted and predictable, giving the car an easy, confidence-inspiring feel.
Motorway refinement is another plus point, with the Terramar settling into quiet cruising without much fuss. However, while it looks sporty, it doesn't really feel that way to drive. Even selecting sportier modes doesn't dramatically change the character, which may actually suit family buyers perfectly but could leave keen drivers wanting more.
The DSG gearbox is less convincing. It can hesitate or jerk when petrol and electric power overlap, and at times it felt as though the system was struggling to decide what to do. My test car also produced the occasional knocking sound from the gearbox, adding to the impression that the drivetrain could be more polished.
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The Cupra Terramar uses much of the same underpinnings as the VW Tiguan and Skoda Kodiaq but gets its own distinct look (Cupra)Braking response was another area that took some getting used to with a soft pedal feel that never quite inspired full confidence.
The collision warning system also proved a bit keen to intervene.
Interior, practicality and boot space
Step into the Terramar and it's clear Cupra has gone its own way.The design is busy but works surprisingly well, blending familiar VW Group tech with distinctive shapes, textures and colours. Copper detailing adds warmth and character, while clever finishes help disguise harder plastics.
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The Cupra Terramar Tribe Edition gets comfy seats covered in a 3D knitted fabric (Cupra)The 3D knitted bucket seats in the Tribe Edition look great and proved comfortable over longer journeys, while the driving position is spot on. Ambient lighting helps create a distinctive atmosphere, although the LED strip along the base of the windscreen could be a little distracting at times.
Storage around the cabin is practical enough and rear-seat space is respectable, with decent head and knee room. That said, the chunky front seats limit forward visibility for passengers, and the rear can feel a little dark. Boot space is one of the Terramar's weaker areas.
The battery and fuel tank packaging eat into luggage capacity, and the relatively high loading lip doesn't help usability.
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The Cupra Terramar's boot isn't the largest due to the plug-in hybrid battery system taking up space (Cupra)Overall quality feels good, although my car had an annoying dashboard rattle despite having only covered a few hundred miles.
Technology, stereo and infotainment
Technology plays a central role in the Terramar experience and, as you'd expect from a Volkswagen Group-based product, there's plenty going on.Ahead of the driver sits a 10.25-inch digital cockpit that delivers the usual mix of navigation mapping, driver assistance information and vehicle data in a clear, configurable layout. It's easy enough to tailor and integrates neatly with the head-up display that projects key information into the driver's line of sight, helping reduce the need to glance down at screens.
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The Cupra Terramar's interior is full of cool design features and textured materials (Cupra)The focal point of the cabin, though, is the 12.9-inch central infotainment display. It's large, crisp and positioned high enough to be easily visible without feeling intrusive.
The system itself represents an evolution of the Volkswagen Group interface, with improved processing power, configurable widgets and an app-style layout designed to make frequently used functions easier to access. Wireless smartphone mirroring is included, meaning navigation, media and messaging can be seamlessly brought into the car without cables. In day-to-day use, the experience is a familiar mix of strengths and frustrations.
The size and clarity of the screen are welcome, and the customisation options allow drivers to arrange shortcuts that suit their habits. However, the touch-sensitive slider beneath the display - used for temperature and volume - can still be triggered accidentally when resting a hand while using the screen. What the Terramar does particularly well is integrate this technology into an interior that feels characterful rather than clinical.
The slightly manic blend of materials and design elements somehow makes the familiar VW Group tech feel more acceptable and less generic. Audio performance is a clear highlight. The Sennheiser sound system delivers impressive depth, clarity and balance, producing a genuinely immersive listening experience whether streaming music or tuning into radio.
It adds a premium feel to the cabin and stands out as one of the more memorable elements of the Terramar's tech offering.
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The Cupra Terramar's Sennheiser audio system is a particular highlight and sounds great (Cupra)Connectivity extends beyond entertainment. The My CUPRA app enables remote control of charging, climate pre-conditioning and vehicle locking, which is particularly useful for plug-in hybrid owners looking to maximise electric driving efficiency. Overall, the Terramar's technology package is comprehensive and visually impressive, even if some usability quirks remain.
Prices and running costs
At GBP43,255 in Tribe Edition form, the Terramar sits firmly in the upper reaches of the plug-in hybrid SUV market. That figure reflects not just the powertrain but also the high level of specification bundled into this special edition.Tribe Edition models mirror the V2 trim level while adding distinctive design elements such as unique colours, bespoke wheel finishes and special interior materials, meaning buyers are unlikely to feel short-changed in terms of equipment.
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The Cupra Terramar Tribe Edition comes with Manganese Matt paintwork and green elements on the alloy wheels (Cupra)Standard kit already includes features such as large digital displays, advanced driver assistance systems, premium audio and distinctive interior detailing, reducing the need to add costly options. That helps simplify the buying process and gives the Terramar a strong perceived value proposition despite its relatively high entry price. Running costs should be competitive for drivers who make the most of the plug-in hybrid capability.
With more than 70 miles of claimed electric range, many daily commutes and local journeys can be completed without using petrol, particularly for those with access to home or workplace charging. This has clear implications for fuel spend as well as company car taxation, where low emission figures typically translate into favourable benefit-in-kind treatment. Servicing and maintenance expectations broadly align with other Volkswagen Group plug-in hybrid models, benefitting from established dealer networks and parts availability.
Residual value performance remains to be seen given the model's relative newness, but strong brand identity and distinctive styling may help support long-term desirability. The biggest pricing challenge arguably comes from outside Europe. Increasing numbers of Chinese plug-in hybrid SUVs are arriving with generous equipment and lower price points, meaning the Terramar must justify its cost through design appeal, perceived quality and brand character rather than pure value metrics.
The verdict
The Cupra Terramar [6]is refreshingly different in a segment where many cars feel interchangeable. It looks great, offers a genuinely useful electric range and delivers a comfortable, easy-going driving experience.There are compromises, including modest boot space, drivetrain smoothness, some infotainment quirks and the price - but the Terramar's individuality is hard to ignore. For buyers who want their plug-in hybrid SUV to stand out from the crowd, that alone may be enough.
Cupra Terramar rivals
FAQs
How far can it go on electric power?
Cupra claims the 19.7kWh battery can deliver more than 70 miles of electric-only driving on the WLTP cycle, making it highly competitive among plug-in hybrid SUVs and suitable for many daily journeys without using petrol.
How much does the Cupra Terramar cost - is it worth it?
There's no hiding the fact that the Terramar is expensive - this Tribe Edition costs GBP43,255 and Chinese rivals are much cheaper, even though they don't have the style that the Terramar has.Can the Cupra Terramar be fast charged?
Yes. The Terramar plug-in hybrid supports DC rapid charging at up to 50kW, allowing meaningful top-ups on the move, while AC charging of up to 11kW makes overnight home charging straightforward.
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Our team of motoring experts have decades of experience driving, reviewing and reporting on the latest EV cars, and our verdicts are reached with every kind of driver in mind. We thoroughly test drive every car we recommend, so you can be sure our verdicts are honest, unbiased and authentic. With more than 30 years of experience, Steve Fowler is one of the UK's best-known automative journalists.
Steve has interviewed key industry figures, from Tesla's Elon Musk to Ford's Jim Farley, and is a judge for both Germany's and India's Car of the Year Awards, as well as being a director of World Car of the Year.
When it comes to electric vehicles, Steve reviews all the latest models for The Independent as they launch, from Abarth to Zeekr.