The new Ford Kuga is beautifully designed, remarkably efficient and is far more than capable. As part of Ford’s commitment to electrifying the range, the New Kuga is available in three hybrid options: EcoBlue Hybrid, Full Hybrid and a Plug-in Hybrid.
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Ford Kuga History
The Kuga made its debut way back in 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show - before officially launching in 2008. It was developed as part of Ford's commitment to create a comprehensive range of SUVs and was initially designed for the European market.
The name Kuga derived from the same root as Cougar, reflecting the vehicle's intended blend of agility, power, and sleekness. The model proved to be successful, leading to the development of the second-generation Kuga in 2012, and the current third-generation model in 2019.
Awards and Accolades
The Ford Kuga has won a number of awards over its lifetime. A sample of which include:
- Best Car for City Drivers Award from Car Buyer
- Highest Rating Award in the Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, from J.D. Power
- Top Safety Pick Award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
Design
The Kuga's design has evolved significantly over the years. The first-generation Kuga was based on the Ford C1 platform, which was also shared with the Ford Focus and Ford C-MAX. It had a sleek, compact design with a powerful stance, and inside, it offered a clean and user friendly dashboard layout.
The 2019 third generation Kuga, further introduced a more streamlined, aerodynamic design. The exterior was also reimagined with a longer, wider stance, a more aggressive front grille, and sculpted lines that run along the body. Inside, the Kuga offers a spacious, comfortable cabin, a high quality finish, and a driver-centric design.
Performance has always been a key focus for the Ford Kuga and this is the same with the third-generation Kuga. This generation introduced a range of powertrains, including a 1.5 litre EcoBoost petrol engine, a 2.0 litre EcoBlue diesel engine, and an innovative plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant. The PHEV combines a 2.5 litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor. This offers excellent fuel efficiency and a decent electric-only range.
What engine options are available for the Ford Kuga?
The Kuga offers a variety of engine options, including petrol, diesel, and a plug-in hybrid variant. These consist of:
| Engine |
Power Output |
Models available on |
Fuel type |
| 1.5 Litre Ford EcoBoost |
150 PS |
Zetec | Titanium | ST Line Edition | ST Line X Edition | Vignale |
Petrol |
| 2.5 Litre Ford FHEV |
190 PS |
ST Line Edition | ST Line X Edition | Vignale |
Petrol full hybrid |
| 2.5 Litre Ford PHEV |
190 PS |
ST Line Edition | ST Line X Edition | Vignale |
Petrol plug-in hybrid |
What is the fuel efficiency of the Ford Kuga?
The fuel efficiency varies depending on the engine type. The plug-in hybrid is the most fuel-efficient model available, offering an impressive electric-only range. The exact fuel consumption figures can vary depending on many conditions such as the condition of the car, weather, and your driving style, so it's always best to check the specific details for the model and year you're interested in.
What is the range of the new Ford Kuga?
The new Ford Kuga can get up to 462 miles when using the hybrid engine.
Advanced Hybrid Technology
Ford's advanced hybrid technology is designed to deliver a cleaner, quieter, more sophisticated approach to hybrid SUV driving. Equally as sophisticated, the Kuga EcoBlue Diesel (FWD and AWD) and EcoBoost Petrol offer advanced non-hybrid engine options. The choice is simply yours.
What is the range of the Ford Kuga hybrid engine?
The hybrid engine can get up to 39 miles on pure electric alone with a charge time to full in only 3.2 hours.
Safety Features
Ford has always prioritised safety, and the Kuga is no exception. The model is equipped with a range of safety features, including Ford's Intelligent Protection System (IPS), which combines a high-strength body structure with a range of both passive and active safety features.
It also includes advanced driver-assist technologies such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Aid, and Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection to name a few.
What Advanced safety features can come with the new Ford Kuga?
The new Kuga is packed full of technology. Some of these include:
Active Park Assist
Active Park Assist assists in manoeuvring your car by controlling the steering, guiding you into and out of parking spaces.
Active Lane-Keeping System with Blind Spot Assist
When you activate the Active Lane-Keeping System with Blind Spot Assist, it utilises sensors and cameras to monitor the surrounding areas of your SUV. It specifically keeps an eye on your blind spots. If there is another vehicle detected in your blind spot, the system alerts you by illuminating a light in the corresponding door mirror to make you aware.
In addition to the visual warning, if you attempt to change lanes while the warning light is active, the system provides a light resistance to the steering wheel. This resistance helps reduce the risk of a collision by helping to prevent lane drift from occurring.
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
When engaged, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go ensures that your car stays a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of you. It continuously scans the road ahead using radar or camera sensors to detect the speed and position of other vehicles. Based on this information, it automatically adjusts your car's speed to match the flow of traffic, maintaining a preset distance that you can customise.
Cross Traffic Alert with Active Braking
Cross Traffic Alert with Active Braking is a safety feature that provides assistance when reversing your SUV in situations where visibility is limited - such as when backing out of a parking space, or driveway. This safety feature then uses sensors and cameras to detect oncoming vehicles or pedestrians approaching from the sides, and alerts you. If it then believes a collision is imminent it will then apply the brakes to help to prevent an accident from occurring.
Evasive Steering Assist
With Evasive Steering Assist the car uses a system of sensors to monitor the road ahead. If it then determines that an evasive manoeuvre is necessary to avoid a collision, it can provide steering assistance to the driver. Evasive Steering Assist accomplishes this, by applying torque to the steering wheel in the appropriate direction to assist the driver in manoeuvring around the detected obstacle.
Glare free high beams
With Glare free high beams the car will keep a look out for oncoming traffic. When it detects them it will automatically lower and raise the main beams for you to prevent dazzling the other drivers on the road.
Pre-Collision Assist
When engaged, Pre-Collision Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection uses a combination of radar, cameras, and intelligent algorithms to analyse the surrounding environment. It scans the road ahead and detects the presence of vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians within its range. The system is specifically designed to identify potential collision risks and provide timely warnings to the driver.
Predictive curve lights
With Predictive curve lights your Kuga will use the lane markers, and when it detects a bend it will adjust the lights to illuminate the bends more before you enter them.
Rear View Camera
The Rear View Camera provides a clear view to the left and right of the car when you put the SUV into reverse gear.
Sign based lights
With the Sign based light system the Kuga can identify when you are approaching a junction or roundabout, and automatically adjust the headlights to match the road conditions for you.
Does the Ford Kuga come with Ford Connect and what does it do?
The built-in FordPass Connect modem provides a variety of features aimed at enhancing your driving experience. These features include:
- Live Traffic Alerts - which provides real-time traffic information to your SYNC 3 Navigation system
- Local Hazard Information - which can alert you to potential hazards ahead of time
- eCall - which enables you to contact emergency services and share your exact location with them automatically
Does the Ford Kuga come with Ford SYNC3 and what does it do?
Ford SYNC 3 offers you a seamless integration with your smartphone, ensuring effortless communication and navigation.
With AppLink, you can then easily control SYNC-compatible apps to your car with ease. Furthermore, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow you to then utilise the 8 inch colour touchscreen as if it were your smartphone.
Can I use the FordPass App with the new Kuga & what does this give me?
Yes, you can. This App gives you detailed vehicle health reports - such as tyre pressure, battery life, or alarm notification - from the power of your phone. This also includes remote functionality such as the ability to remote lock and unlock the car, defrost the windscreen, or heat the seats before you get in the car.
Does the Ford Kuga come with a Heads-up Display?
Yes, it can. This feature allows the car to project key information directly into your field of view on the windscreen. This can include:
- Cruise control notifications
- Navigation directions
- Traffic Sign Recognition Data (Speed for the road you are on)
- Your Speed
Does the Ford Kuga come with a retractable tow bar?
Yes, it can. With this you can literally move the rear tow bar to the side when not in use, allowing you to get into tighter parking spaces than otherwise would have been possible.
Does the Ford Kuga come with front & rear cameras?
Yes they do, which makes parking in any direction the easiest it has ever been. Especially when combined with Park Assist.
Does the Kuga come with a Hands Free Tailgate / Boot?
Yes, it can. This system lets you open the boot even when your hands are full - as long as you have the keys in your pocket. This is activated by waving your foot under the rear bumper. The car will then detect the action and auto open your rear boot for you.
How much boot space does the Kuga have?
The Ford Kuga boasts a generous boot space of up to 412 litres with the rear seats up, and 526 litres with the rear seats down.
What Electric power modes come with the Plug-in Hybrid Kuga's?
The new Ford Kuga PHEVs can come with 5 electric charging modes. These consist of:
- Auto EV mode
- EV Now mode
- EV later mode
- Battery Charge mode
- Geofencing mode
What do the different Electric power modes do?
These power modes are designed to maximise your battery depending on certain criteria. For instance:
Auto EV mode
With the Auto EV mode the car seamlessly transitions between the electric motor and the combined electrical / petrol engine based on your driving conditions and the current charge level.
EV Now mode
EV Now mode enables you to exclusively drive using electric power until the battery is nearly depleted, at which point the car automatically transitions back to hybrid operation.
EV Later mode
The EV Later mode empowers you to conserve electrical charge in the battery for future use. The car accomplishes this by primarily operating in hybrid mode, reserving the electric mode for when you choose to switch to it.
Battery Charge mode
Battery Charge mode enables you to recharge the battery using the Atkinson cycle petrol engine while the vehicle is stationary. Giving you a longer battery range.
Geofencing mode
The Geofencing mode enhances the convenience of driving within Low Emission Zones. This system is designed to allow the navigation system to display a designated area, such as a Low Emission Zone, and provide you with automatic prompts to switch to EV Now mode when necessary.
How many seats does the Ford Kuga have?
This is a compact SUV that offers seating for up to five people.
What Alloy Wheels can come with the Ford Kuga?
The Kuga can come with 1 of 7 alloy wheel options. These include:
- 17 inch 5-spoke Shadow Silver alloy wheel
- 18 inch 5x2-spoke Magnetic machined alloy wheel
- 18 inch 5x2-spoke Rock Metallic alloy wheel
- 19 inch 10-spoke Luster Nickel machined alloy wheel
- 19 inch 15-spoke Ebony Black machined alloy wheel
- 19 inch 5x2-spoke Premium Luster Nickel machined alloy wheel
- 20 inch 10-spoke Premium Pearl Grey machined alloy wheel
What trims can the Ford Kuga come with?
The Ford Kuga can come with 1 of 4 trims. These consist of:
- Eton in Ebony cloth trim
- Rapton in Ebony with partial Sensico® trim with red stitching
- Ray in Ebony with partial Sensico® trim
- Windsor Premium Leather in Ebony
What colours does a Ford Kuga come in?
The new Ford Kuga can come in 1 of 8 colours. These consist of:
- Agate Black
- Blazer Blue
- Chrome Blue
- Frozen White
- Lucid Red
- Magnetic
- Solar Silver
- White Platinum
How many models of the Ford Kuga are there?
This SUV comes in 1 of 5 model versions. These consist of:
- Ford Kuga ST Line Edition
- Ford Kuga ST Line X Edition
- Ford Kuga Titanium Edition
- Ford Kuga Vignale
- Ford Kuga Zetec
How do the models of the Ford Kuga differ from each other?
The model versions of the Kuga differ in a number of ways. These consist of:
Ford Kuga Zetec Key Features
The Zetec's key features consist of:
- 17 Inch 5-spoke Shadow Silver alloy wheels
- Auto headlights (on / off)
- Black mesh front upper grille with chrome-finish surround
- Centre console with electronic parking brake
- Cruise control with Adjustable Speed Limiter
- Electrical charging point in second row
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and ABS
- Embedded Modem with e-Call functionality
- Ford Power starter button (Keyless Start)
- Ford SYNC 3 with 8 inch TFT touchscreen, 6 speakers and
- Front and rear parking distance sensors
- Halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights
- Heated door mirrors
- Intelligent Speed Assist, Hill Launch Assist
- Lane-Keeping Aid with Lane Departure Warning
- LED rear lights
- Manual air conditioning and Quickclear heated windscreen
- Power front and rear windows
- Pre-Collision Assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking
- Privacy glass
- Rear spoiler and twin exhausts
- Selectable Drive Modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery & Trail
- Sensico® trimmed steering wheel and gear knob
- Silver roof rails
- Sports seats in Zaha Eton in Ebony trim
Ford Kuga Titanium Edition Key Features
In addition to the Zetec, the Titanium's features include:
- 10 way power adjustable driver’s seat
- 18 inch 5x2-spoke Magnetic machined alloy wheels
- Ambient lighting
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- B&O Premium Sound System with 10 speakers and subwoofer (575 watts)
- Dual-zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (DEATC)
- Ford KeyFree System (keyless entry)
- Front LED fog lights
- Full LED headlights with LED daytime running lights
- Fully digital 12.3 inch instrument cluster
- Hands-free power tailgate
- Power-heated folding mirrors with puddle lights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Rear-view camera
- Sports seats with partial Sensico® trim
Ford Kuga ST Line Edition Key Features
In addition to the Titanium, the Ford Kuga ST Line's features include:
- 18 inch 5x2 spoke Rock Metallic alloy wheels
- 3-pin plug home charge cable (PHEV only)
- Alloy pedals
- Black roof rails
- Dark headliner and pillars
- GEO awareness (PHEV only)
- Large rear spoiler
- LED fog lights
- Partial Sensico® sports seats with red stitching
- Red painted brake callipers
- ST-Line body kit
- ST-Line flat bottom steering wheel with red stitching
- ST-Line front and rear floor mats
Ford Kuga ST Line X Edition Key Features
In addition to the ST Line, the Ford Kuga ST Line X's features include:
- 19 inch 15-spoke machined finished alloy wheels
- Heated front seats
- Heated rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Power-opening panorama roof
Ford Kuga Vignale Key Features
In addition to the Titanium, the Ford Kuga Vignale's features include:
- 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function
- 19 Inch 10-spoke Luster Nickel alloy wheels
- 3-pin plug home charge cable (PHEV only)
- Front and rear Vignale fascia
- GEO awareness (PHEV only)
- Heated front and rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Metallic paint
- Premium Sensico® steering wheel
- Premium Sensico® wrapped instrument panel
- Standard interior features
- Unique Vignale bodystyling kit
- Vignale front and rear floor mats
- Vignale leather trim seats
- Vignale rear diffuser
Ford Kuga Key Dimensions
| Feature |
Size |
| Overall length |
4,614mm - 4,629mm |
| Overall width with/folded/without mirrors |
2,178mm / 2,000mm / 1,883mm |
| Overall height (unladen) (without / with roof rails) |
1,666mm / 1,681mm |
| Turning circle – Kerb to kerb |
11.4 Metres |
| 5-seat mode with sliding second row seats (laden to package tray) (with tyre repair kit) |
412mm - 526mm |
| 5-seat mode with sliding second row seats (laden to roof) (with tyre repair kit) |
575mm - 612mm |
| 2-seat mode (laden to roof) (with tyre repair kit) |
1,481mm - 1,534mm |
| 2-seat mode (laden to roof) (with mini steel spare) |
1,423mm - 1,478mm |
| Cargo height (full content) (with Panorama roof) |
833mm - 885mm |
| Rear opening height |
773mm |
| Cargo length at floor (behind front row) |
1,729mm - 1739mm |
| Cargo length at floor (behind second row) |
933mm - 961mm |
| Petrol Fuel Tank Capacity |
54 litres |
| Diesel Fuel Tank Capacity |
54 litres |
| Hybrid Fuel Tank Capacity |
45 litres |
Ford Kuga Summary
The Ford Kuga is a compact SUV known for its stylish design, comfortable ride, spacious interior, and solid fuel efficiency. It's equipped with advanced technology and offers powerful performance. It's a popular choice for both families and individuals alike who are seeking a versatile SUV suitable for city driving as well as those weekend getaways.
If you are still not sure if this SUV is the right car for you, then please contact our specialist Ford team today.