The new electric Ford Capri electric SUV has caused quite a stir. We can’t remember the last time a car goaded the public to be so negative about a car. As our sister publication CAR magazine proved, drivers aren’t best pleased that Ford has slapped the badge of its most iconic British sports car onto the tailgate of another electric SUV.

The Capri’s heritage runs deep in the UK. Everyone from weekend warriors to seasoned criminals loved the original car for its bullish charm and accessible performance. In fact, most people over a certain age will have a connection and fond memories of it, if perhaps sometimes rose-tinted.

But the Capri is now back after an almost 40-year hiatus, and it certainly looks different to the original. Ford says this new model is the car the Capri would have remained if it had stayed in constant production, and even goes as far as calling it a ‘soulful sports car’. That’s certainly a stretch in the view of members of the Parkers team, who have now driven the car extensively in the UK following the first launch in 2024. Read more about how we test cars at Parkers. 

There are very few links between the old and new Capri, perhaps other than the front grille strip and the shape of the rear window surrounds, but let’s not get too hung up on the past. The new Capri is the sibling product of the new Ford Explorer although it’s longer, more practical and adopts a sleeker coupe-like shape compared to it. 

21

Both are also built on Volkswagen’s electric car platform, which also underpins cars such as the VW ID.5, Skoda Enyaq Coupe, Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback and Cupra Tavascan. Ford is helping to cut development costs by sharing VW’s underpinnings, though it’s far from just a rebadging exercise as Ford has been able to put its own stamp on things.

The Capri launches with a single 79kWh ‘Extended Range’ battery option available with a single electric motor or a dual-motor four-wheel-drive model, boasting a maximum range of up to 389 miles. A cheaper Standard Range model with a claimed 242-mile range will follow later in 2025. 

Two trim levels are available – Select and Premium. Standard equipment is very generous, including an electric and massaging driver’s seat, 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and a huge 14.6-inch touchscreen. Premium models add Matrix LED headlights, a panoramic glass roof, electric boot and artificial leather upholstery. 

Capri prices start from £48,075 for the Select and £52,175 for the Premium, though these will drop by around £6,000 when the smaller battery model is introduced. Even still, the Capri costs more than the equivalent Skoda or Volkswagen, making it seem expensive on paper. But is there more to it to justify its price? Read on to find out about the Capri’s practicality, how it drives, its interior, running costs and, importantly, whether we think you should buy one.