Introduction
What Car? says...
The Ford Kuga not only belongs to the super-fashionable large SUV car class, but also has added appeal because it's available as a plug-in hybrid.
On the one hand, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Kuga keys into the growing appetite for zero-emissions motoring, with its good electric-only range between charges. On the other, company car drivers will enjoy the financial benefits of low CO2 emissions and benefit-in-kind tax bills.
If you're looking for a car with a regular petrol or diesel engine, the Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5 and Peugeot 5008 might be on your radar.
Electrified options include the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. For something with a premium badge, there's the Volvo XC60.
So, how does the Ford Kuga stack up against its SUV peers, and is it the car for you? Over the next few pages, this in-depth review – which covers performance, running costs and much more – will tell you all there is to know.
When you've decided which make and model is best for your needs, it's quick and simple to potentially save thousands of pounds by using our free What Car? New Car Deals pages. It's a great place to look for the best new large SUV deals.
FAQs
Not especially. In hybrid form, it came a disappointing 28th out of 32 large SUVs in our 2022 What Car? Reliability Survey. Ford did poorly too, coming 27th out of 32 manufacturers in the brands table. Read more here
The Kuga is not available as an electric car but it is available with full hybrid (FHEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) engine technology. The PHEV version can officially travel up to 39 miles on electric power alone. The hybrid Kuga can travel for very short distances without using any fuel. Read more here
The full hybrid (FHEV) version is the best choice for private buyers because it has plenty of power and its low running costs should keep your fuel bills down. We also think ST-Line Edition trim is worth spending extra on (it gets you a sportier look, stiffer suspension and extra goodies). Read more here
The main difference here is how much kit each version comes with. Titanium Edition (which is not available with any of the hybrid engines) comes with 18in alloy wheels, a 12.3-in digital driver’s display, dual-zone climate control and keyless entry. Vignale models sit at the very top of the range, and come with extra kit including a head-up display and a heated steering wheel. Its high price makes it hard to recommend, though. Read more here
You get plenty of safety equipment as standard, including lane-keeping assistance and automatic emergency braking (AEB), to lessen the impact of an accident or stop you having one in the first place. You can pay extra to get extra kit including a blind-spot monitoring system and adaptive cruise control as part of an optional Driver Assistance Pack. Safety specialists Euro NCAP have rated the Kuga five stars out of five for safety. Read more here
We managed to fit six carry-on suitcases into the boot, which has a volume of 412 litres (you can slide the rear seats forwards to add more space if needed). Loading your items should be easy because there’s no awkward lip at the entrance. Read more here
| RRP price range | £30,755 - £40,405 |
|---|---|
| Number of trims (see all) | 5 |
| Number of engines (see all) | 3 |
| Available fuel types (which is best for you?) | petrol, hybrid |
| MPG range across all versions | 256.8 - 51.4 |
| Available doors options | 5 |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Company car tax at 20% (min/max) | £528 / £2,432 |
| Company car tax at 40% (min/max) | £1,056 / £4,865 |
| Available colours |
