Ford Kuga

Ford was quick to bring the SUV trend to life. The Ford Kuga was its bet for the then-nascent C-SUV segment. This helped it succeed in the European market, a market that, although it did not yet know it, was going to demand this type of car as if there was no tomorrow. Three generations have already set foot on the old continentThe last of these was presented in mid-2019 and updated in early 2024.

We have tested this car:

Consumption test with the new Ford Kuga hybrid: how much does it cost?Test Ford Kuga FHEV 190 CV AWD Vignale (with video)

Today, the C-SUV segment is the most commercial and most fashionable segment. All brands are fighting to gain market share. This whirlwind of launches and models causes rapid product obsolescence.Staying up to date is key to continuing to rack up sales, and in the case of the Ford Kuga, the refresh may have taken too long to arrive.

Ford has done its homework and, although somewhat late, will try to conquer the market once again with its Kuga. In fact, 2020 is a very important year for the American brand. The launch of its renewed C-SUV must be added to the arrival of the first of its B-SUV, the Ford PumaBoth will try to strengthen the pillars of sales in Europe, where they are already successful. Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus.

Technical characteristics of the Ford Kuga

If there is something that Ford knows how to do wonders, they are vehicles capable for on and off road. The new image of the Kuga is very different from the one we knew until now. Designers have worked closely with engineers to reduce the drag coefficient, while maintaining the typical look of the American house. Classic elements with a modern look such as the classic hexagonal grille and tension lines that give it that robust character of a good SUV.

For this new generation, the Ford Kuga has a new platform. A modern structure that has to cope with various mechanical solutions. From traditional combustion engines to electrified mechanics. It is the first SUV of the house based on the global C2 platform. It achieves an extra 10% of torsional rigidity and a reduction of up to 90 kilograms compared to the old Kuga.

This new architecture has caused a slight variation in its dimensions. As is usual, each new generation is larger than the previous one. In this case, the new Ford Kuga extends its dimensions to 4,60 meters long, 1,88 meters wide, 1,68 meters high and 2,71 meters between axles. The cargo volume has also been increased, reaching a minimum of 412 litres (395 litres in the case of PHEVs), expandable to 1.534 litres if we fold down the second row of seats.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Ford Kuga

As for the Ford Kuga's mechanical offering, it will still take some time to see it in full. All versions have some type of hybridization. From basic micro-hybridisation levels with ECO labels to plug-in hybrid solutions with ZERO labels. The increasingly strict emissions regulations force brands to look for more efficient solutions. At the moment, 100% electric technology is not viable for this type of vehicle due to its high weight and cost.

The top-of-the-range version in terms of efficiency and performance is determined by the plug-in hybrid version. In it, the Kuga uses a 2.5-litre petrol engine coupled with an electric unit consisting of an electric motor, a generator and a battery with a useful capacity of 14,4 kWh. All of this allows it to be able to circulate in electric mode for a maximum of 69 kilometers with an approved average consumption of 1,4 litres per 100 kilometres travelled. The total output of the unit is 243 horsepower.

As for the rest of the versions, we have conventional and thermal hybrid solutions. In this last section, only gasoline units are present after the disappearance of diesel engines in 2024. With all this The power range is between 150 and 184 horsepower.These engines are associated with six-speed manual gearboxes or automatic units with up to eight speeds. Consumption ranges from 4,8 litres for the EcoBlue diesel unit to 6,5 litres for the EcoBoost petrol unit. The hybrid model, on the other hand, officially consumes just five litres per 100 kilometres.

Ford Kuga Equipment

Ford wants to improve the way people perceive its models. For this reason, it has taken a step forward in terms of interior quality. Although it does not reach the level of a premium brand, the American brand wants to establish itself among the best generalists in the European market. To do so, The Kuga is only available in the highest trim levels in the range, three in total, called: ST-Line, Active, ST-Line X and Active X. On an aesthetic level, each one provides different details, something more sober in the first level, and something more sporty in the ST finishes.

Of course, the load of equipment also varies from one level to another. Despite this, In the access finish we have standard elements such as 18-inch wheels, digital instrumentation, SYNC3 infotainment system with 13,2-inch touch screen, navigator, parking sensors, wireless charger, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control and wireless charger, among other details.

If we reach the highest levels of equipment The technological load of the Ford Kuga is very extensiveFord has left nothing on the shelf and that is why we can find elements such as the Bang & Olufsen sound system, leather upholstery, electric seats, heated front and rear seats, Head-Up Display, 360-degree camera and of course a very wide range of safety elements and driving assistants.

Ford Kuga video test

The Ford Kuga according to Euro NCAP

Once again, European safety watchdogs Euro NCAP have analysed and tested the crashworthiness of the new Kuga. According to their studies and results, the new Ford C-SUV receives the highest possible rating, five out of five possible stars. The areas where its safety stands out the most are in the protection of adult passengers, with a score of 92 out of 100. It also gets good marks in other sections such as protection for child passengers, 86 out of 100, and pedestrian protection, 82 out of 100. These values remain valid after the 2024 update as there are no changes to the structure of the vehicle.

The Km 0 and second-hand Ford Kuga

The Ford Kuga is one of the longest-lived SUVs on the market. This means that the range of models on the second-hand market is very extensive. Its depreciation depends greatly on key factors such as the age and total kilometers.Most of the units for sale are fitted with diesel engines that can reach a high mileage, between 300.000 and 400.000. In this case, prices are around 6.000 and 8.000 euros.

Although a new generation is about to hit the market, we find a large amount of zero kilometer stock. These units correspond to the outgoing generation. Units that have remained unsold and are looking for buyers, attracting them with their good price.. Such is the case that we can find top-of-the-range units with zero kilometers for less than 33.000 euros.

Ford Kuga rivals

We are entering into quicksand with the new Kuga. Although when it was launched on the market In 2007 he had hardly any rivals, today there are dozens of them.. The appearance of new players in the game has caused their opponents to arrive from many continents. Among the most important rivals to be valued are the Hyundai Tucson, KIA Sportage, Peugeot 3008, SEAT Ateca, Volkswagen Tiguan and Skoda Karoq. Not forgetting of course the almighty Nissan Qashqai. These are just a few, but there are many more. All mainstream manufacturers are fighting in this category.

Highlight

Efficient mechanical range
habitability
Very complete equipment

To improve

Substantial price increase
access equipment
No all-wheel drive versions

Ford Kuga prices

In a few months, the Ford Kuga range will be completed with the arrival of new equipment levels and new mechanics. The starting price of the Ford Kuga is 33.343 euros, without offers or promotions. This price corresponds to a unit with ST-Line finish with a 1.5-horsepower 150 EcoBoost engine with a manual transmission. On the other side of the scale we find the Kuga Active X with a 2.5-horsepower 243 Duratec PHEV engine with a minimum price of 43.234 euros, without offers or promotions.