Overview

Should you buy a Ford Kuga?

While the Ford Kuga might not be the best family SUV you can buy, it’s still a commendable crossover, particularly if you value a more enjoyable driving experience than practically all of its rivals.

Ford’s choice of self-charging and plug-in hybrid engines are also among the best in this class, especially from an efficiency point of view, and the rear seats offer a great deal of space, even if the boot volume is unremarkable.

Ultimately, there are two things that let the Kuga down – first, a rather firm ride on ST-Line models (which account for the majority of sales). But of more concern is its rather drab interior, which – even with recent upgrades – still looks and feels worse than the more modern Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.

What’s new?

Time stands still for not even for SUVs, so the Ford Kuga received a tickle in 2024 to help try and keep it relevant. The third-generation of Ford’s family SUV has already seen its fair share of changes under the bonnet, but this is the first time the rest of the car has been significantly updated.

Keeping the Kuga fresh is a necessity for Ford, given the sheer number of family SUVs currently available to UK buyers. The Kuga is jostling for position alongside cars like the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, Peugeot 3008, Volkswagen Tiguan and Skoda Karoq, to name but a few.

The Kuga’s update is most noticeable at the front, with a new grille and headlights. There’s also a range of new colours and alloy wheels, plus the introduction of a more rugged-looking Active trim. This sits above entry-level Titanium and sporty ST-Line, with the better-equipped ST-Line X at the top of the range.

Inside, there’s a new 13.0-inch touchscreen that replaces a much smaller 8.0-inch unit. This larger screen is now responsible for the heating controls, the old buttons and dials replaced by a few shortcut icons for key features.

Both the hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains are based around the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The hybrid has 180hp, while the PHEV has 243hp – up from 225 – thanks to a bigger battery pack and more powerful electric motor. The electric range is 42 miles, enough to give it a more favourable BIK rate, albeit lagging way behind the latest VW Tiguan e-Hybrid, which promises up to 77 miles when charged.

If a plug-in hybrid SUV doesn’t suit your lifestyle, Ford also offers a non-electrically assisted 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 150hp. It’s quite an efficient unit, although those after decent economy without electrification might be disappointed to find the diesel options have been discontinued.

Over the next few pages, we’ll provide our assessment of the Ford Kuga considering its practicality, comfort, technology, fuel economy and driving experience before offering our final verdict on the car. Click through this review to find out whether the SUV could suit your lifestyle. If you’re curious about how we test cars, we have a page for that, too.