Ford Kuga vs. Hyundai Tucson: which is better?
Get a detailed look at the Kuga vs. Tucson and read our comparison guide for a full side-by-side of these popular SUVs
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SUVs are what the drivers of the UK want, and the Ford Kuga vs. Hyundai Tucson debate is one that’s happening a lot.
If you’re onboard the SUV trend and want a chunky car that’s sporty and suave, you can’t go wrong with a Tucson or a Kuga.
Take a look at our Ford Kuga vs. Hyundai Tucson comparison review below to see the highlights of both models.
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Ford Kuga vs. Hyundai Tucson
Our guide will answer:
Which model has the better styling?
Is the Kuga or Tucson better to drive?
Does the Kuga or Tucson have better tech?
Is the Kuga or Tucson more reliable?
What are the Kuga vs. Tucson dimensions?
Ford Kuga vs. Hyundai Tucson: styling
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The SUV trend calls for a high-riding cars packed with practicality that aren’t too chunky for urban areas. Both the Tucson and Kuga fit the bill, but which appeals to you more?
The Kuga has a tidier look about it. There’s nothing offensive about the way it’s designed, but it’s very reserved and flies under the radar.
The Tucson is more angular, with some sharper edges and a flashier grille, so it gives you a bit more to look at.
They're both attractive SUVs, but the Kuga will likely appeal to you more if you want something that feels more at home in urban areas, with the Tucson feeling a little more rugged.
Ford Kuga vs. Hyundai Tucson: what are they like to drive?
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There’s not the biggest range of engines in the Tucson line-up – they all use the same 1.6-litre petrol engine paired with a pick’n’mix of hybrid options.
There’s the 150hp petrol model without any hybrid assistance, then a 150hp or 180hp mild hybrid, 231hp full hybrid, and the 265hp plug-in hybrid. Phew.
The Kuga matches the Tucson with similarly diverse power options. There’s a 150hp 1.5-litre petrol, a 180hp full hybrid and a 243hp plug-in hybrid.
The plug-in hybrid options for both cars are efficient and easy to live with, but the entry-level petrols are still comfortable and enjoyable to drive.
Ford Kuga vs. Hyundai Tucson: interior and technology
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It’s a given that modern SUVs need to come with some kind of infotainment tech, but which one does it best?
The Tucson has a 10.25-inch infotainment screen that’s paired with another screen for driver information.
The latest Kuga models have a 13-inch screen with a complimentary 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Overall, the interiors feel great quality and well-built. The Tucson does have the edge, as there are some plastics on the Ford that feel ever-so-slightly less quality than you’d expect.
Ford Kuga vs. Hyundai Tucson: boot space and practicality
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The Ford Kuga has a versatile boot – it starts at 412 litres with the rear seats in place, but you can slide them forward to reveal a 645-litre boot in the fuel-powered models.
You also won’t be disappointed in the Tucson in comparison. In fact, the Tuscon presents a class-leading 620 litre boot space in non-hybrid models.
You can fold the seats down in both models, creating a 1,799-litre loading space in the Tucson and 1,534 litres in the Kuga.
They’re both spacious and comfortable, but the Tucson does feel slightly more roomy throughout.
Keep in mind that boot space is eaten into by hybrid versions of both the Kuga and the Tucson. The Kuga gets 628 litres with the seats forward, or 616 litres in the full hybrid Tucson.
Ford Kuga vs. Hyundai Tucson: safety and reliability
The Ford Kuga was awarded a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2019, and the Tucson was given the same award in 2021.
Safety kit in the Kuga includes lane-keep aids and lane-departure warnings, plus post collision braking.
The Tucson is similarly kitted out, getting tech like blind-spot collision warning and collision avoidance assistance for the front and rear.
Reliability is also promising, but the Hyundai model seems to be the winner when you look at long term reviews and chatter in forums. Hyundais also get a better-than-average five-year warranty from new (the Ford gets standard three-year cover).
Ford Kuga vs. Hyundai Tucson: dimensions
Ford Kuga
Width: 1,882mm
Height: 1,742mm
Length: 4,645mm
Boot: 412 litres (1,534 with rear seats folded down)
Hyundai Tucson
Width: 1,865mm
Height: 1,635mm
Length: 4,520mm
Boot: 620 litres (1,799 with rear seats folded down)
Verdict: Ford Kuga vs. Hyundai Tucson: which should you buy?
Between the Ford Kuga vs. Hyundai Tucson – you're looking at two pretty similar SUVs. You can choose one or the other and you’re likely to be happy with your pick.
Having said that, the Tucson is the bigger of the pair and has an absolutely massive boot, so that might convince you.
The Ford is typically the cheaper option, but there are great deals on the used market for both cars.
Take a look at our range of used Ford Kuga and Hyundai Tucson models to compare them in detail and take your pick.