The Ford Kuga has had an impressive journey since its introduction in 2008. It quickly became one of the best-selling cars in the UK and went on to become the country’s best-selling plug-in hybrid in 2022. However, with increasing competition in the SUV market, Ford has made targeted updates to the Kuga’s design and technology in order to maintain its appeal.
In the highly competitive SUV segment, the Kuga faces rivals such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Toyota RAV4, Volvo XC40, BMW X1, and Mercedes-Benz GLA. What sets the Kuga apart is its focus on plug-in hybrid technology, which has gained popularity among company car buyers. Ford has honed in on this market and positioned the hybrid Kuga as a standout choice.
The Kuga’s powertrain lineup is simple, consisting of three engines: a mild hybrid, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid. The range starts with a 1.5-liter Ecoboost turbo petrol engine that produces 148bhp and 177lb ft of torque. Above this is a 2.5-liter full-hybrid engine available with front-wheel or four-wheel drive. The top-spec car is the 240bhp 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid, which combines a four-cylinder petrol engine with a battery and electric motor.
While the Kuga offers good performance and fuel economy, there are some drawbacks. The interior quality feels cheap and outdated, and the plug-in hybrid powertrain lacks refinement. The steering can also feel awkward and too quick to self-center. Despite these shortcomings, the Kuga remains an attractive family car with its pricing and practicality.
In terms of design and styling, Ford has updated the Kuga’s look with a near-ovular front grille, redesigned taillights, and sharper-edged front bumpers. The Kuga is slightly larger than its competitors like the Tiguan and XC60, but falls short in terms of a diesel engine option. The PHEV version of the Kuga has a range of 41 miles on electric power, but it lags behind competitors like the Tiguan and RAV4 in this aspect.
Inside the Kuga, there have been improvements in terms of infotainment and functionality. The introduction of Ford’s SYNC4 system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen brings more features, although some hardware functionality has been sacrificed. The cabin quality is a mixed bag, with good materials up front but cheaper plastics in the back. The Kuga offers plenty of leg and headroom, as well as ample storage space.
When it comes to engines and performance, the Kuga PHEV offers impressive on-paper figures with 240bhp and a 0-62mph time of 7.2 seconds. However, its weight due to the hybrid components affects its overall performance. The engine has sufficient power for its size and target market, but lacks refinement and can produce an unpleasant noise. The Kuga’s handling is commendable, with good grip and minimal body roll. However, the ride quality can be unsettled, especially on uneven road surfaces.
In terms of running costs, the Kuga PHEV offers lower BIK tax compared to other models in the range. However, rivals have caught up and overtaken the Kuga in terms of electric range and CO2 emissions. The Kuga’s fuel economy is good for its size and weight, but owners may struggle to achieve the official MPG figures. The Kuga’s towing capacity is competitive, with a best-in-class capacity of 2100kg.
Overall, while the Ford Kuga has its strengths such as attractive styling, practicality, and competitive pricing, it falls short in some areas compared to its rivals. The lack of diesel option, mixed interior quality, and the shortcomings of the plug-in hybrid powertrain contribute to the Kuga feeling outdated against newer and more refined competitors. However, the Kuga still offers a compelling option for those looking for a spacious and practical family SUV.