Ford Edge vs. Ford Kuga: which is better?
Weighing up a Ford crossover SUV for your next used car? We compare the Edge and the Kuga to determine which is the best
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Ford’s largest family SUV, the Kuga, has sold well for several years, often topping sales charts for both new and used cars.
However, if you’re after something a bit bigger or less common, the Edge has a lot of road presence.
Continue reading to find out whether a Kuga or an Edge is more practical for your needs.
Ford Edge vs. Ford Kuga: which has more style?
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The Ford Edge, which was available to buy new between 2015 and 2019, was the largest Ford SUV available at the time apart from the Ranger pick-up.
Its striking dimensions, such as a large grille and headlight design and chunky bumpers, accentuate its size and give it presence on the road.
It’s clear that the second-generation Kuga, which was sold alongside the Edge between 2012 and 2019, uses the same Ford design language. Both look fairly similar, and it’s clear that the Kuga is, in many ways, a smaller version of the Edge.
The Kuga uses aerodynamic styling to make it look a little sportier, and higher trim levels add to this look with more premium materials - such as chrome detailing.
The third-generation Kuga, on sale from 2019, looks very different to the older Kuga and Edge models, and uses more angular lines.
This post-2019 Kuga has a longer bonnet and a sloping roofline that resembles some coupé-SUVs, like the BMW X4.
What is it like to drive a Ford Edge vs. a Ford Kuga?
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Both cars are well-built and suitably insulated against road noise, which means they’re both comfortable to drive, especially on long journeys.
Due to its higher driving position, the Edge has a better view of the road. The Kuga, on the other hand, has a lower sitting position and is meant to feel engaging and sporty to drive. Like most Fords, its steering is direct and provides good feedback.
Ford sold the 2012-19 Kuga with a mix of petrol and diesel engines – we think the pick of the bunch is the 2.0-litre diesel, which makes light work of shifting the mid-size SUV but is reasonably economical.
The Edge doesn’t get many of the Kuga’s smaller engines because it’s substantially heavier. It has more powerful 2.0-litre diesel options.
What technology is in the Ford Edge and Ford Kuga?
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The Ford Edge belongs to a higher class of car, which means it gets more equipment and technology as standard.
It comes with a larger touchscreen infotainment system, a higher quality sound system, and a part-digital instrument cluster that’s slick and easy to read.
However, it’s worth noting that, because of the popularity of the Kuga, it was available with a lot more optional equipment, so take the time to study each car listing as equipment levels vary.
Depending on the trim, the Ford Kuga offers a panoramic sunroof, a powered boot lid, and even a self-parking system.
Newer versions of the Kuga, sold from 2019, come with car tech such as keyless entry, a head-up display, and all-round parking sensors.
Ford Edge vs. Ford Kuga: dimensions and boot space
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The Ford Edge is 4,808mm long and 2,184mm wide, which means it’s about the same size as a Kia Sorento, which is a seven-seater. The Edge has five (generous) seats.
The Ford Kuga is smaller, with a length of 4,541mm and a width of 2,086mm.
Another figure worth considering is the boot size. The Kuga has 456 litres of space, compared with the Edge’s 602 litres. That 146-litre difference is nearly as much as the boot of a Citroen C1.
The latest, post-2019 Kuga has a 526-litre boot, though plug-in hybrids have less space than the older Kuga in order to make room for the extra battery.
Ford Edge vs. Ford Kuga: which is more reliable?
The Ford Edge has received mixed reviews with varying customer satisfaction results. However, because Ford didn’t sell as many of these as the Kuga, there isn’t enough data to make a good comparison.
Compared with other similar-sized SUVs, the Kuga has proven to be reliable and the number of complaints has been relatively low.
Maintenance plays an important factor in a car’s reliability. Ford parts are easy to come by and are less expensive than many other brands.
Used Ford Edge vs. used Ford Kuga: which should I buy?
Most buyers will be best suited to a Kuga, which has attracted SUV buyers and those looking to upgrade from a hatchback for years. It’s spacious enough for the whole family, reliable, and economical.
If you need more boot space and legroom, a Ford Edge might be more practical. However, consider the reduced fuel economy because it’s quite a large SUV.