• Lots of clever storage bins
• Flexible rear bench seat
• Poor load cover in the boot

How much space is there?

Enough for most families. Two average-size adults should be able to get comfortable in the rear, as the Kuga offers lots of head and leg room. Three will be more of a squeeze, but this is the case for almost any car in this class. It also features a 60:40 split-folding backrest – and you can slide the seat forwards and backwards to increase either passenger space or boot space. Though with them slid forwards, rear legroom is practically non existent.

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The centre console in the front is quite thin, which leaves front occupants with plenty of elbow room. However, we found that the driver’s seat is set uncomfortably high. Even in its lowest setting, taller drivers might feel like they’re a little too close to the ceiling.

Ford Kuga boot space and storage

Boot space isn’t class-leading, with not a great deal more capacity than hatchbacks like the Focus – at least with the rear bench slid all the way back. With the rear seats in place, there’s 412 litres on offer, plus another 150 litres when you slide the bench all the way forward. Fold the rear seats flat and there’s 1,534 litres of space. If you don’t option a spare wheel, you also get a handy storage area under the boot floor.

The Kuga isn’t without its problems, though. The seats don’t lie completely flat when you fold them down, which can make loading larger items a bit of a chore. The fabric load cover also looks and feels cheap, and there’s no load-through facility in the rear backrest.

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Ford did a good job with the Kuga’s storage bins, though. There are plenty of cubbies dotted around the cabin, including a lidded locker in the centre console, deep door pockets and a smartphone-sized space ahead of the gear selector with wireless charging on more expensive models.

Is it easy to park?

It isn’t bad – but bear in mind that it’s a family-sized SUV. Visibility of the car’s corners isn’t the best, but Ford does fit every model with front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera. ST-Line models and up go further with a useful 360-degree camera system included.

Safety

• Scored five stars in Euro NCAP tests
• Loads of standard safety technology
• Few safety-related optional extras

The current Ford Kuga performed very well in its Euro NCAP crash tests, achieving a 92% score for adult occupants and an 86% score for child occupants. The testers were particularly impressed with the Kuga’s performance in the lateral impact tests, where it achieved a perfect score. Children are very well protected in an accident, too. It’s worth noting it was last tested in 2019, meaning you can’t directly compare it with newer rivals, such as the MG HS, and it might not be as safe.

Most of the Kuga’s safety equipment comes as standard, too. In addition to its brace of standard airbags, every Kuga gets autonomous emergency braking, cruise control, lane-keeping assist and intelligent speed limit assist. All but the entry-level Titanium trim also come with a Driver Assistance Pack, featuring adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and cross traffic alert with auto brake when reversing.

Ford offers an improved matrix adaptive LED headlight system for £1,050, while a head-up display for £450. These used to be available as part of an optional pack but they’ve now been split into standalone options.

Watch the Ford Kuga’s crash test video