Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Ford Kuga SUV review

"Like most Fords, the Kuga is rather good to drive – although, it’s beginning to feel outdated next to rivals"

Carbuyer Rating

4.0 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review

Pros

  • Good to drive
  • Handy sliding rear bench
  • Strong hybrid models

Cons

  • Rivals are more spacious
  • Limited engine range
  • Uninspiring interior

Is the Ford Kuga a good car?

As you’d expect from a car from the Blue Oval, the Ford Kuga is a competent family SUV that appeals thanks to its sporty driving characteristics. It looks stylish – especially in racy ST-Line trim – however, given the current Kuga has been on sale since 2019, it’s already feeling outdated compared with rivals boasting even more spacious and tech-laden interiors.

Ford Kuga range

​The Ford Kuga is a family SUV that’s an alternative to models such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Skoda Karoq and Hyundai Tucson. Ford has two other SUVs, the EcoSport and the Puma, and the Kuga is larger than both of them – and costs more to buy.

Top 10 best mid-size SUVs 2023Top 10 best mid-size SUVs 2024

If you’re looking for a medium-size family SUV, there’s also the Toyota RAV4, the SEAT Ateca and many more. Almost all the big car manufacturers offer a model like this, as they’re so popular. The Ford Kuga has its own appeal, though, which helps it to stand out. We think it looks especially smart in the sporty ST-Line trims.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Kuga’s biggest strength, and the aspect that will appeal most, is the way it drives. The original Kuga was known for being the best car to drive of its type when it came out, and while this new third-generation model isn’t quite so far ahead of the competition, it’s still really enjoyable to spend time behind the wheel. It’s much better to drive than the previous Ford Kuga, too.

There are three distinct powertrains to pick from: a 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol, a self-charging hybrid and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model with an official economy figure of over 200mpg. This version can drive for 35 miles on electricity alone, which is how it manages that incredible figure. Diesel engines were also offered, but Ford discontinued them in November 2021. The latest diesel engine (the 148bhp 2.0-litre model) featured mild-hybrid assistance to boost economy, and used examples can still make a good buy.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

You’ll recognise the interior as Ford has carried over most of the parts from its other SUVs and hatchbacks. While it hasn’t got quite the same visual appeal as a Peugeot 3008 or Mazda CX-5, it’s logically laid out and the standard-fit eight-inch touchscreen controls a lot of the features. High-spec cars get a crisp 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster for the first time.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There are five trim levels to choose from, with the Zetec model acting as the entry point into the range. Considering its base-level position and low price, it’s rather well-equipped with sat nav, wireless phone charging, auto headlights and keyless start, plus a lot of standard safety kit. 

Our pick of the lineup would be the mid-spec Titanium Edition; this adds lots of useful kit such as LED lights, dual-zone climate control and a premium speaker system, plus that 12.3-inch digital dial display. ST-Line Edition and ST-Line X Edition models add a sportier bodykit and a smattering of extra equipment, while the range is topped by the luxurious and fully-loaded Kuga Vignale.

Ford has outfitted the Kuga with a clever set of sliding rear seats, allowing you to prioritise either boot or passenger space. Offering 526 litres of cargo room with the rear seats pushed forwards, it’s average in terms of practicality, beating the SEAT Ateca but falling short of the spacious Skoda Karoq.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Family buyers will be reassured by the Kuga’s five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. However, Ford will hope the Kuga's decent satisfaction ratings (33rd place out of 75 models) will be enough to convince buyers, as the brand as a whole finished a disappointing 25th out of 29 manufacturers in our Driver Power survey.

What about buying a used or nearly new Ford Kuga?

The latest Ford Kuga is the best yet and makes a great used buy because most models will still have some factory warranty left. You can make a decent saving on the new price, plus there are wait times on new models and you may be able to get straight into a used example. It’s certainly a better car than the Mk2 model, so it’s worth spending a little more and choosing the Mk3 model.

What’s its history?

The first Ford Kuga came out in 2008, and it was one of the most enjoyable family SUVs to drive at that time. It competed with the first-generation Nissan Qashqai, just as the current models battle for buyers. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

In 2012 the Mk2 model arrived, which was then updated in 2016 with a mid-life facelift. This version is a good-value used option and there are loads of different models to choose from, but it’s considered the worst of the three generations.

The current Mk3 model arrived in 2019 and we were immediately impressed with its electrified powertrains, much-improved driving experience and high-quality interior. It’s the best Kuga ever, especially in plug-in hybrid form.

Used Ford Kuga (Mk2 2012-2019)

2014 Ford Kuga

The second-generation Kuga arrived in 2012, although post-2016 models had a better range of engines and more kit, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which make them feel a lot more modern. The interior is otherwise quite dated-looking these days, unlike a Skoda Karoq of a similar age, which still feels up-to-date.

Read the full Kuga Mk2 review...

Used Ford Kuga (Mk1 2007-2012)

Ford Kuga Mk1 in black

The first-generation Ford Kuga is really cheap to buy as a used car, but you’ll need to be careful when buying because they are reaching the point where you can find neglected examples for sale that haven’t been well looked-after. It’s an interesting choice, and more enjoyable to drive than the Mk2, but will feel its age since it’s more than 10 years old now.

Read the full Kuga Mk1 review...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Bentley Bentayga review – an opulent and comfortable SUV
Bentley Bentayga Hybrid
In-depth reviews
27 Mar 2024

Bentley Bentayga review – an opulent and comfortable SUV

Dacia Sandero Stepway review – a tough bargain supermini
2023 Dacia Sandero Stepway - front tracking
In-depth reviews
27 Mar 2024

Dacia Sandero Stepway review – a tough bargain supermini

Volkswagen Golf review – almost perfect, but less intuitive
Volkswagen Golf Black Edition front 3/4 tracking
In-depth reviews
26 Mar 2024

Volkswagen Golf review – almost perfect, but less intuitive

Skoda Karoq review – it ticks all the family SUV boxes
Skoda Karoq SportLine
In-depth reviews
26 Mar 2024

Skoda Karoq review – it ticks all the family SUV boxes

Have You Considered

Toyota C-HR review - stylish and efficient, but lacks rear space
Toyota C-HR UK front dynamic
In-depth reviews
18 Mar 2024

Toyota C-HR review - stylish and efficient, but lacks rear space

Honda HR-V review – an economical but flawed small SUV
Honda HR-V front quarter dynamic
In-depth reviews
11 Mar 2024

Honda HR-V review – an economical but flawed small SUV

Most Popular

New Polestar 4 coupe SUV – how is the £60k EV shaping up?
Polestar 4 Prototype drive front quarter
News
22 Mar 2024

New Polestar 4 coupe SUV – how is the £60k EV shaping up?

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
28 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

More on Kuga

Ford Kuga Titanium X Sport
Car trim reviews
10 Jun 2015

Ford Kuga Titanium X Sport

"The Ford Kuga Titanium X Sport has tonnes of equipment and a sporty bodykit to boot. It is bordering on expensive though."
Ford Kuga Titanium X
Ford Kuga launch, UK to Courmayeur, Italy. February - March 2013.Ford Kuga launch, UK to Courmayeur, Italy. February - March 2013.
Car trim reviews
9 Apr 2015

Ford Kuga Titanium X

"The Ford Kuga Titanium X is generously equipped, but comes at a price."
Ford Kuga Titanium
Car trim reviews
9 Mar 2015

Ford Kuga Titanium

The Ford Kuga Titanium is no longer the top of the Kuga range, but it still represents the best balance of price and equipment in the SUV's line-up.
Ford Kuga drives down running costs
News
28 Oct 2014

Ford Kuga drives down running costs

New revisions to the Ford Kuga mean that running costs have been reduced
Skip advert
Advertisement
Ford Kuga Titanium X Sport revealed
Ford Kuga Titanium X Sport SUV front tracking
News
7 Mar 2014

Ford Kuga Titanium X Sport revealed

New top-of-the-range Ford Kuga Titanium X Sport goes on sale
Ford Edge Concept launched in LA
Ford Edge concept front three quarter
News
21 Nov 2013

Ford Edge Concept launched in LA

Ford releases details of the Ford Edge that’s set to go on sale in 2015
LA Motor Show 2013: all you need to know
BMW 4 Series convertible front action
News
19 Nov 2013

LA Motor Show 2013: all you need to know

All the details on the most exciting new cars set to be revealed at the LA Motor Show
Ford Kuga gets new top-spec model
ford kuga titanium x sport 2013 main
News
19 Aug 2013

Ford Kuga gets new top-spec model

The new Ford Kuga Titanium X Sport has been added to the top of the SUV range
Ford Kuga SUV (2008-2012) review
In-depth reviews
28 Jun 2013

Ford Kuga SUV (2008-2012) review

“Good looking outside and nicely finished inside, the Kuga is an off-roader that’s designed to take Ford fans into previously uncharted territory.”
Skip advert
Advertisement

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
best electric cars
Best cars
28 Mar 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024