Ford Kuga review
While the modern-day Kuga is more adept at negotiating heavy traffic than heavy mud, crucially, it still has the upright driving position and semi-muscular styling that supermarket shoppers and school-run drivers crave. Plus, it makes for an excellent all-round family car. Find out the details in our Ford Kuda review.
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Pros
- Plenty of power options
- Engaging driving experience (for an SUV)
- Reasonably affordable
Cons
- Boot could be bigger
- Firm ride on some versions
Interior
Our rating: 8/10
There may be more spacious large SUVs (we’re looking at you, SEAT Ateca), and others that feature more upmarket materials throughout (well done, Volkswagen Tiguan).
But the Kuga is a pleasant car to spend a long drive to the beach in – especially the most recent model.
Everyone gets a good view of the countryside flying past, although the angle and thickness of the front and rear pillars can make life tricky for the driver at times.
There’s enough head and legroom for four to stretch out – and even a third centre rear passenger will be happy on a long-ish trip.
Tech and features
Ford's dashboard focuses on function rather than flair. Nearly all models have a central touchscreen (with SYNC 3 on the latest version) and analogue dials in front of the driver.
All versions get air-con, DAB radio, Bluetooth, cruise control and a heated windscreen.
Higher trims add dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, an upgraded sound system, panoramic glass roof, heated steering wheel and more, depending on which version you’re looking at.
The latest model has done away with some of the buttons that cluttered the previous generation's dashboard for a less cluttered look.
Performance
Our rating: 8/10
Handling and ride comfort
SUVs have a higher centre of gravity than conventional cars, and most tend to lean more when negotiating roundabouts and twisty roads. The Ford Kuga is better than most, with decent body control.
In addition, its steering is well-mannered so you don’t have to spin the steering wheel like a DJ when cornering, which also helps when parking in town.
Engines and power
Speaking of which, town is where the plug-in hybrid model is most at home – it can run for around 30 miles on electric power.
All engines – even the 1.5 'EcoBoost' petrol – are capable of keeping up with motorway traffic, and none of them feel sluggish in any situation.
Practicality
Our rating: 8/10
Storage solutions
A large glovebox, door bins and cupholders should be able to handle all of your on-the-go oddments.
Boot space
The Kuga's boot can hold up to 526 litres, about six standard-size suitcases, when the rear seats are in use (they slide to maximise legroom or boot space).
Fold the rear seats flat and it’s a different beast completely. The Kuga can take up to 1,534 litres worth of luggage in two-seat mode – there’s no need to be the world’s greatest Tetris player to make your suitcases fit here.
Running costs
Our rating: 9/10
Fuel economy
There are three hybrid options for the Ford Kuga, and it’s the PHEV (with its 2.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor) that’s the most economical because it can run for up to 35 miles on electric power alone.
Diesel fans opting for the 1.5 EcoBlue may be able to get close to 60mpg on average, depending on how you drive, while the 1.5 EcoBoost petrol will be in the low 40s for mpg.
The verdict
Interior
8/10
Performance
8/10
Practicality
8/10
Running costs
9/10
The Kuga is perfectly suited to family life, whether that involves fetching a week’s worth of family shopping, picking up the kids from school, or using it as daily commuter transport.
Both the Mk2 and Mk3 Kuga have been awarded the maximum five stars from crash safety experts Euro NCAP.
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