Ever since Ford introduced the Kuga in 2008 as the firm’s first proper ‘crossover’, this model has been very popular.
As it’s based on the Focus, it’s always been great to drive, and is one of the UK’s most popular SUVs too.
Now for 2020 there is a new third-generation Kuga, which sees vast improvements being made to the tech and safety kit on offer. This new car also comes with a plug-in hybrid powertrain too – the first to be available in a Ford car.
But what else do you need to know about the Kuga? Here’s our guide to the range…
What powertrains are available?
With petrol, diesel, mild-hybrid diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains on offer with the new Kuga, there is certainly no shortage of choice.
Starting with petrol models, there is a turbocharged 1.5-litre unit that’s sold with outputs of either 118bhp or 148bhp – each coming paired to a six-speed manual transmission.
As for diesel, the line-up starts with a 118bhp 1.5-litre unit, which you can choose with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Following this is a 148bhp 2.0-litre unit paired to a manual gearbox. This features mild-hybrid technology, which provides additional torque and reduced running costs. It’s the most efficient unit outside of the plug-in hybrid model – returning up to 56.5mpg, with CO2 emissions of 132g/km.
A 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel sits at the top of the line-up, and comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It’s also the only Kuga to come with all-wheel-drive, as all other versions get front-wheel-drive instead. It’s the quickest model in the line-up – accelerating from 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 129mph.
Many will be interested in the new plug-in hybrid, which utilises a 2.5-litre petrol unit mated to an electric motor and 14.4kWh battery. It produces 222bhp in all, and can travel for up to 35 miles on electricity. Used correctly and charged regularly, it will be by far the cheapest version to run – returning up to a claimed 201mpg, with CO2 emissions of 35g/km.
What trim levels are available?
Five regular trim levels are on offer, as well as ‘First Edition’ models to mark the new Kuga’s introduction. Equipment highlights and pricing are as follows.
Zetec – from £24,615
Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED rear lights, a heated windscreen, air conditioning and an eight-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring. It also comes with front and rear parking sensors, a wireless smartphone charging pad and autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assist on the safety front.
Titanium – from £27,865
Titanium models add larger 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and part leather seats. It also comes with dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, automatic lights and wipers, keyless entry and a B&O sound system.
Titanium First Edition – from £28,765
This First Edition model adds the Driver’s Assistance Pack – adding a front and rear camera, adaptive cruise control, park assist, blind spot monitoring and traffic sign recognition.
ST-Line – from £29,965
On top of Titanium, sportier ST-Line models bring revised 18-inch alloy wheels, a sportier styling kit, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and sports seats. It also brings a full digital 12.3-inch digital dials and sports suspension.
Over ST-Line, this First Edition grade comes with the Driver’s Assistance Pack (adding a front and rear camera, adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring) along with the Technology Pack, which features an upgraded LED lights and a head-up display.
ST-Line X – from £31,265
In addition to the ST-Line, this model adds larger 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof, an electric tailgate and heated and electrically adjustable front seats.
ST-Line X First Edition – from £34,465
This brings all the changes you’ll see with the ST-Line First Edition – meaning you’ll get the Driver’s Assistance Pack and Technology Pack.
Vignale – from £32,565
Sitting at the top of the line-up, the Vignale model aims to be luxurious where the ST-Line trim is sporty. It features revised Vignale styling, 19-inch alloy wheels, leather seats and a heated steering wheel. It also comes with upgraded LED, metallic paint, park assist and a head-up display.
What about personalisation?
While the Kuga isn’t a model that prides itself on personalisation, there are plenty of colour options available to pick from. Highlights are Sedona Orange and Lucid Red, while the Vignale is available with six bespoke colours, which are all free of charge. A selection of alloy wheels can be chosen (depending on trim), with 20-inch alloys available on ST-Line X grades.
In terms of conventional options, there aren’t too many to choose from, though heated rear seats (£200) and a Driver’s Assistance Pack (£850) could be worth choosing. Ford also offers an extensive range of accessories – including bike racks and tow bars, for example.
Enquire on a new Ford Kuga
