Ford Kuga SUV - Interior & comfort

The third-generation Ford Kuga made its debut back in 2019, and while that’s not too long ago in real terms, it has allowed newer rivals to enter the scene with much more hi-tech and visually appealing interiors.

Anyone that has spent any amount of time in a new Ford over the last few years will instantly recognise a lot of the parts and switchgear used throughout the Kuga’s cabin. The overall design of the interior is functional, however, it lacks the flair of rivals such as the Peugeot 3008 or Kia Sportage. Top-spec models get luxuries such as leather upholstery, although, material and build quality lags slightly behind the competition, namely the Hyundai Tucson. Regardless, the abundance of harder plastics means the Kuga should withstand the toils of family life.

Ford Kuga infotainment and navigation

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No matter which variant of the Ford Kuga you opt for, all come as standard with an eight-inch touchscreen. While this isn’t integrated as well as rivals and almost looks as if Ford has stuck an iPad to the dashboard, the brand’s SYNC 3 software is easy to use and responsive to your inputs. This comes as standard with DAB radio and sat-nav, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto if you’d rather utilise your phone’s software.

We think it’s a shame, however, that Ford is yet to implement its latest SYNC 4 infotainment into the Kuga – especially considering how it’s one of the brand’s best-selling models. While SYNC 4 is available with screen sizes measuring up to 14 inches (as seen on the facelifted Ford Focus hatchback) the Kuga’s eight-inch display appears cramped compared with the expansive and cutting-edge units seen on the top rival cars.

While entry-level Zetec models make do with analogue dials, choosing Titanium Edition trim or above grants you a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. While this can’t display sat-nav information akin to Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, Ford’s digital dials can be configured to show several pieces of important information and change appearance in correspondence to whichever of the Kuga’s drive modes you’re currently in.

We also like the fact Ford has steered clear of integrating several important functions into the touchscreen; the stereo volume and climate controls are operated via physical knobs and dials, which are much easier to handle when on the move than a slippery screen.

Equipment

Buyers have a choice of five trim levels: Zetec, Titanium Edition, ST-Line Edition, ST-Line X Edition and Vignale. Zetec is the entry point, yet includes luxuries like keyless start, auto lights and wireless phone charging. It also gets sat nav, cruise control and a handy heated windscreen, but you need to step up to Titanium Edition in order to get dual-zone climate control and auto wipers. Titanium Edition also brings LED headlights, keyless entry, a premium B&O sound system, plus the aforementioned 12.3-inch digital dials. It’s the one we’d pick both for its equipment levels and the wider choice of engines – although hybrid buyers will need to choose ST-Line trim or above.

ST-Line Edition gets sporty detailing inside and out, plus sports seats and cornering LED fog lights. ST-Line X Edition models can be distinguished by larger alloy wheels and a panoramic sunroof that makes the interior feel very spacious. There’s also heated seats in the front and rear.

The top-spec Vignale model aims to look elegant rather than sporty, and has lots of equipment to offset its high price. You get metallic paint as standard, along with a different grille, leather upholstery and a full set of heated seats.

Options

Once you’ve picked your trim, you can then select from a number of options including a Technology Pack (upgraded headlights and a head-up display) and a winter pack (heated front seats and a heated steering wheel) – both for around £400 – or a tow bar for around £600. We’d recommend spending £100 on a space-saver spare wheel instead of the standard-fit tyre repair kit.