In-depth reviews

Ford Kuga SUV (2008-2012) review: owner reviews

Name: Ford Kuga SUV
Brand: Ford

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

by Carbuyer team

28 Jun 2013

Carbuyer Rating

3.5 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.3 out of 5

Buy used for less at Buyacar

68%of people would recommend this car to a friend.

Owner Rating

12reviews
2reviews
15reviews
2reviews

Common Problems

Electrics (8 cases)
Other (5 cases)
Electrics, Other (1 cases)

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

2.0 Ltr deisel Titanium

Year of registration

2008

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

More than 5 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

Review

Good car. Bought second hand from main Ford dealer but had issues with Engine light coming on. After thirteen trips to a workshop I found out it was a sensor. Since it was fixed, it's been great. Wife loves it. If something goes wrong it's my fault not the car's - she maybe right.

Reliability

Good. well built. No rattles at 10 year old

Performance

Pulls our caravan with ease

Running Cost

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

2.5T Titanium Auto

Year of registration

2011

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

Review

This was a bit of an unusual choice but with the low mileage I do a diesel is too much of a gamble because short journeys can kill the DPF. The only petrol option for the Mk1 Kuga was the 2.5T from a Focus ST. The performance is affected by the weight of the car but it's not slow and boogies when you want it to. The ride on the optional 19" wheels is not bad, a little rough on some of our lovely roads but in general it's smooth, handles well for as high riding vehicle and the AWD gives good traction. The gearbox is the highly reliable 5 speed unit from Volvo rather than the diesel's powershift but the ratios are well spaced and sits around 2400rpm at 80mph. Economy wise around town it gets about 26mpg going up to 30ish at high motorway speeds and 35ish at 60mph which is good for the performance under your right foot. The original owner of mine spent over £7K on the optional appearance pack which adds some extra body mouldings, 19" alloys, individual pack which adds a good quality full leather interior with heated front seats plus a split rear tailgate. Titanium spec gives a SD based 7" touchscreen sat nav, heated folding mirrors, heated screen and keyless entry. Seating wise we haven't made any journeys longer than 200 miles but always get out of the car with no aches anywhere, the combination of comfort, power and high position makes it a relaxing drive.If you can afford the vehicle tax and fuel bill then this engine makes far more sense than the problem laden diesels, and with the war on diesel the government is just beginning is another reason to chose petrol.

Reliability

5 out of 5

No problems whatsoever

Performance

4 out of 5

200hp but 1700kg. Many drivers mistake it as slow and soon realise there's something special under the bonnet.

Running Cost

3 out of 5

Monthly road tax £45 Fuel range 300 miles round town or 425ish motorway

Version

Titanium, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Year of registration

2008

Average annual mileage

15,000 – 19,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Review

Not the replacement for a landrover freelander (mk 1) that i hoped it would be. Build quality is inferior and the fuel consumption is nowhere near what manufacturers literature and auto express editorial would suggest. If i can afford it when i come to change it will be replaced by a freelander 2 as these don't appear to be any more expensive to run.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Titanium, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel,

Year of registration

2009

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Review

Overall the car is fantasic, but the ford warranty and after car is rubbishthe car is great except the odd cheap bits, like ill fitting carperts, damp in the lights front and rear. I would recommend the car to anyone.

Version

Zetec, , Diesel, Manual

Year of registration

2010

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Review

Excellent to drive A little under-powered when accelerating (2.0 diesel) Short on useful storage space in cabin - not very practical Very striking design style - receive lots of compliments (white)

Version

Titanium, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Year of registration

2008

Average annual mileage

15,000 – 19,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Review

Generally fairly good but not of the same quality as the landrover freelander (mark 1 facelift) it replaced. Fuel consumption has never come anywhere near advertised figures and when auto express sing its praises on a regular basis it leavesme feeling annoyedin the belief they haven't ever used the vehicle. Keep saving the pennies and buy another freelander?

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

2.0 TDCI

Year of registration

2009

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Review

I am very happy with it so far. Have not had any problems and its very fun to drive, especialy on winter conditions with the sport setting on. Presise and sharp gearbox. Perfect size for me at least. Would prefer "proper" 4x4 that you can lock in but this automatic haldex awd system seems to work ok.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year of registration

2010

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

41.4

Review

Only one problem in 2.5 years fixed and a curtisy car while my car was being fixed.

Running Cost

4 out of 5

VED costs rising now poor against other vehicles of the same type. Fuel and service both very good.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

1.5-2 litre, Diesel

Year of registration

2010

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Minor issue with Sat Nav and noise from tyres fitted from new. For sorted the Sat Nav out very quickly however had to get bridgestone involved with tyres so not Ford direct issue

Version

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year of registration

2010

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

41.3

Review

I have only had one problem in three years with the Kuga. The issue was with the Haldex 4x4 system which the dealer resolved and loaned me a car for the four days it was in the garage. Apart from that one issue the Kuga has performed faultlessly.

Running Cost

4 out of 5

Driven with care I am maintaining 41.3 mpg. I have replaced the front set of tyres 30800 miles on the clock the original set are still on the rear axle with plenty of life left in them,

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year of registration

2010

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

Review

Haven't owned it long but so far so good.

Running Cost

4 out of 5

Haven't owned it long so don't know about spares yet but fuel consumption better than my petrol Qashqai (previous car)

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Zetec, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Year of registration

2009

Average annual mileage

15,000 – 19,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Review

Great all rounder, lovely ride and relaxing to drive. makes my seat leon look like a bag of nails, fantastic, who knew fords could be this good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Titanium, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Year of registration

2009

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Review

It has been a very decent car to own it is the first car i have owned for many years that has not been a bmw,i was surprised at the way i have taken to it i was very ready to not like it however i do and would buy another one,or one very simular,it seems to do what it says on the tin,

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

ZETEC, 1.6-litre to 1.9-litre, Diesel, Manual

Year of registration

2008

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Review

Really useful on country roads in deep snow - bought for four wheel drive system and compact size - moderately priced, economic and comfortable with good performance.

Version

Titanium, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Year of registration

2009

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Review

Good all-rounder, purchased for comfort for an aging parent... Came well up to expectations..........Unfortunately That aging parent died resently..............Thanks

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Titanium, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Year of registration

2008

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Review

I bought my ford kuga for a change; i usually buy hot hatches. During last winter i found the kuga to be very competent in the snow and it took the bad weather conditions in its stride. The high driving position also gives a commanding view of the road ahead, which allowes the driver a better idea of what is going on several cars further on - this is definitely an advantage with the shocking driving that takes place on our roads. Lastly, when i purchased the kuga, ford's offers were good enough for me to buy a fully specked model so that i have all the equipment needed to cope with the demands of modern motoring.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year of registration

2011

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

Review

Although I have only had it a while I am delighted with its reliability - have always found Ford cars reliable

Running Cost

5 out of 5

First diesel I have had and very pleased with fuel consumption

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Titanium, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Year of registration

2009

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Review

The kuga is a very good car, especially in the snow. It could do with being a little bit larger so that the boot was bigger. My wife and i find it very easy to drive and it feels as if you are driving a normal saloon car. On twisting country roads i have noticed that other 4 x 4 vehicles fall behind as they seem to struggle negotiating sharp bends.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Titamium, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Year of registration

2008

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Review

Practical and adaptable car with reasonable running costs. Wife enjoys driving it. Model is fitted with every conceivable extra, (sat nav leather etc.) and particularly valued in poor road conditons. Would recommend to anyone who wants a 4 x 4 but doesn't want something the size of a tank that will guzzle fuel !

Year of registration

2008

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

Review

An inherent fault is water ingression through the bulkhead, that gets into the electric board. To replace costs in excess of £600/- Ford refuse to acknowledge that this is a design fault, despite it being common knowledge within Ford dealerships!

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year of registration

2008

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

Review

Car failed in the time I have owned it, starts first time every time.

Running Cost

4 out of 5

Not had to have anything fitted as of yet but I believe ford parts are reasonable.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Zetec, 1.6-litre to 1.9-litre, Diesel, Manual

Year of registration

2008

Average annual mileage

15,000 – 19,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Review

Previously owned 3 series bmw's - the kuga has been a revalation its great to drive, build quality is really good, pretty good on mpg (47 average) had it up to 53mpg on long run. Can't complain and service has been good from local dealer who resloved ecp unit within 1 day of receiving unit from ford under warranty. Overall very impressed with build quality, affordability and comfort.

Version

Titanium, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Year of registration

2008

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Review

Generally the car is pretty good although having bought one of the first models into the uk i am somewhat dissappointed with the build quality. The paint used is also very soft and marks extremely easily.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Titanium, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Year of registration

2010

Average annual mileage

More than 20,000

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Review

The kuga is a brilliant suv. Good levels of equipment, although additional equipment was added as optional extras. I look forward to the evolution of the model as the engine could always do with improving, ideally carrying over the current 2.0 diesel from the new mondeo. The space in the rear is a little tight, but enough for my current needs.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Year of registration

2009

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

More than 5 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

I've had the Kuga from new and it's been great. We have been to Spain in it each year and it's been sweet as a nut. The only problem is the pdf - it's driving me crazy. Last year one of the injectors went, costing £550 to fix and now six years down the line the pdf keeps playing up. The wife only potters around town in it - is it time to change or get a new one, what do you think ?

Version

Titanium

Year of registration

2010

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Back in 2010 I read owner reviews about the Kuga before I made my purchase. On the whole many were satisfactory. There were a few, however, that complained about nightmare problems with the engine management system. Apparently the vehicle would show engine fault warnings and go into ‘safe’ mode where 30 mph was just about achievable. You could just about limp home. Or even situations where a ‘serious engine malfunction’ warning would show. The vehicle would all but stop and you are at the mercy of whichever breakdown service you rely on. I read stories of how Ford technicians were stumped with intermittent faults and vehicles were in and out of the dealer’s workshops with trial and error attempts at correction. Those Kuga owners were good well-meaning folks who sat down and took the time and trouble to sit down and warn others of their dilemmas . . . . And I wish I had heeded their advice!

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year of registration

2008

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Rattle from rear in first month. Once repaired completely reliable

Running Cost

4 out of 5

Generally good. If govenrment didn't rip us off by taxing the tax on fuel it woul;d help

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Titanium

Year of registration

2011

Average annual mileage

15,000 – 19,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

Review

Great awd SUV surefooted on motorway not to bad on fuel for a diesel 2ltr on a heavy body trim and mechs okay so far only little whinge is the road noise on certain surfaces with the big 19 teens fitted otherwise a cracking motor come SUV well pleased

Reliability

4 out of 5

So far very ok

Performance

4 out of 5

For a big SUV pretty impressive

Running Cost

3 out of 5

Above average

Version

Zetec, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Year of registration

2009

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Review

The car is great to drive and performs well. The biggest disappointment has been the fuel consumption - we can't get it above 36/37 to the gallon.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Titanium X, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Year of registration

2010

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Review

I think the ford kuga is quite possibly the best vehicle in its class. I was so surprised by how car-like it is to drive and hendles incredibly well for something that big and heavy. Because its pretty much a grown up focus all the refinements and comfort and quality are there. I would not hisitate to buy another.

Version

Titanium, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Manual

Year of registration

2009

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Review

Nice car but poor build parts failure before 12 mths old parts on order 3 months then told out of warranty? Poor dealer response they blame ford motors co, car ordered arived without speciied items told that items had been deleted. Inflexible when trying to substitute free ford packs ie offered free rof rails and privacy glass told that they come as a pack cannot have one without other? , so had to pay £400 for for rails, an after fit carried out by a dealer. Carpet did not fit gear lever gaiter cracking material is brittle, headlamp bulb blown withing 8 months?, Headlamps/rear cluster units filling with water/moisture dealer stated normal will evaporate when warm?