► Facelifted Kuga fully reviewed
► Even the PHEV is fun to drive
► Short EV range, stonking fuel economy
If you want to know about buyers’ changing tastes, just look at the third generation Ford Kuga. Originally launched with a wide range of petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains, that choice has been whittled down over the years. There are now just three options to pick from post-2023 facelift, none of which are diesel.
The PHEV retains the same battery as before so range is behind the best plug-in hybrids. That’s not the whole story, with fuel economy without charge always a strength of the Kuga. What has changed are the looks and a big chunk of the interior.
Should you buy a Ford Kuga? Yes, if you want a practical family SUV that still drives with more precision than most rivals. Just be aware the PHEV isn’t the most advanced, and the interior isn’t as polished as Volkswagen Group rivals. If you want to find out more about how we test at CAR, have a look at our explainer page.
At a glance
Pros: Impressive economy, keen handling, flexible rear seats
Cons: Unimpressive electric range, low-rent interior, firm ride
What’s new?
Not a great deal if we’re being honest. A new face brings it in line with the current Ford look and you get a much larger infotainment system but no physical climate controls. New wheels and colours spruce things up, and the plug-in hybrid gets a bit more power.
There’s also a new Active trim level that gets a more rugged appearance thanks to black plastic cladding and slightly raised suspension. Sadly, the plug-in hybrid doesn’t receive a bigger battery to improve the electric range.
What are the specs?
Engine choice now boils down to three. The entry-level EcoBoost is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo with 148bhp. It manages 0-62 mph in 9.5 seconds, but its CO2 emissions are on the high side compared with mild-hybrid rivals. It’s only available with Titanium and ST-Line trims.
The full hybrid uses a 2.5-litre petrol paired with an electric motor. Power is 178bhp in front-wheel drive form or 180 bhp with four-wheel drive. Performance is modest – 0-62 mph in 9.1 or 8.3 seconds respectively – but efficiency is good, even with four-wheel drive.
Finally there’s the plug-in hybrid. Power is up to 240bhp, making it the briskest Kuga with 0-62 mph in 7.3 seconds. Claimed range is just over 40 miles, but in our hands 30 was more realistic. Economy without charge impresses, however, with 50mpg easily achievable.
How does it drive?
It feels peppy on the road with hard acceleration accompanied by the engine spinning away at constant high rpm. Its smooth and usually quiet operation puts it ahead of the clunky Kia Sportage PHEV for everyday pleasantness, though. A less powerful full hybrid and turbocharged petrol are also available but significantly slower. We’ll report back when we’ve tried them.
Those lamenting the impending loss of the Focus hatchback should really have a go in a Kuga. No, it isn’t quite as sharp, but the basics are still there. The steering – if a bit too keen to self centre – has good weight build up and speed, allowing you to precisely plot your line.
ST-Line’s lower, stiffer suspension makes for surprisingly flat and eager cornering with a pleasing balance. It’s unlikely you’ll get up early on a Sunday for a drive, although you might just take the more interesting way home from work. That’s not something you could say about many plug-in hybrids. A handling-biased suspension setup does make for a busy ride on poorly surfaced roads. Opt for a Titanium or Active for greater comfort.
What’s about the interior?
The pre-facelift Kuga’s 8.0-inch infotainment system was rather last decade, so the arrival of a larger, sharper and more responsive 13.0-inch item is welcome. It’s mounted high which is good, but it’s not canted towards the driver, which isn’t.
A row of touch-sensitive shortcut icons sit where the physical heater controls once were. Temperature is now controlled through the screen which just isn’t as easy. At least there are no touch sensitive controls on the button-heavy steering wheel.
There’s plenty of head and legroom front and rear, assuming the sliding rear bench is in its rearmost position. The boot is a small 412-litres on all models although you can push the bench forwards to liberate another 150-litres.
Before you buy
There are four trims post-facelift: Titanium, ST-Line, ST-Line X and Active. Titanium is the entry-level option but is limited on engines. ST-Line is the keen driver’s choice, with sportier suspension and the option of the PHEV. ST-Line X adds luxury touches, while Active gives you a softer ride and rugged styling.
Prices start at around £33,000 for the EcoBoost, rising to £40,000-plus for the PHEV. Rivals include the recently refreshed Volkswagen Tiguan and its seriously impressive all-electric range, the flexible Skoda Karoq, and the Peugeot 3008. You might also want to consider pure EVs such as the Renault Scenic E-Tech.
Verdict
There’s a lot to like about the Kuga. Its handling is sharper than most family SUVs, its flat-battery economy in the PHEV is excellent, and the flexibility of the sliding rear bench adds day-to-day usefulness.
Yet Ford missed an opportunity by not fitting a larger battery in the facelift. The electric-only range lags behind the best, and the interior quality doesn’t match the latest rivals. That said, if you prioritise driving feel and can live with its compromises, the Kuga remains one of the more enjoyable plug-in hybrids in this class.