Ford Kuga
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a family SUV that combines practicality with driving enjoyment? The Ford Kuga might be exactly what you need. This mid-sized crossover has evolved into one of Ford’s most complete offerings, delivering a compelling blend of space, technology, and refined driving dynamics. It’s designed for families who want the elevated driving position and versatility of an SUV without compromising on road manners.

The latest Kuga stands out in a crowded market with its sharp handling and efficient powertrains. Unlike some rivals that prioritise comfort over engagement, Ford has managed to create an SUV that feels genuinely rewarding to drive while still being practical for everyday family life. The range includes petrol, hybrid, and plug in hybrid options, giving you flexibility to choose the powertrain that best suits your driving patterns and budget.

What sets the Kuga apart from competitors like the Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage is its focus on driver engagement. Ford’s engineering heritage shines through in the way this SUV responds to your inputs, making school runs and weekend trips equally enjoyable. While it commands a premium over some alternatives, the Kuga delivers a driving experience that justifies its positioning in the competitive family SUV segment.

What's the Ford Kuga Like to Drive?

The Ford Kuga offers a well-rounded engine lineup that prioritises efficiency without sacrificing performance. The 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine delivers 150 horsepower and provides adequate power for most driving situations. It feels responsive in urban environments and has enough grunt for confident motorway overtaking. The hybrid versions add electric assistance that smooths out the driving experience and improves fuel economy significantly.

Where the Kuga truly excels is in its chassis dynamics. Ford’s engineers have tuned the SUV to feel more like a tall hatchback than a traditional high riding crossover. The steering is precise and well weighted, giving you genuine feedback about what the front wheels are doing. The suspension strikes an impressive balance between comfort and control, soaking up road imperfections while remaining composed through corners. This makes the Kuga one of the more engaging family SUVs to drive, setting it apart from softer rivals that prioritise comfort above all else.

Inside the Ford Kuga: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Kuga and you’ll find a cabin that feels modern and well equipped, though not quite as premium as some German rivals. The dashboard layout is logical and user friendly, dominated by Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system on an 8 inch touchscreen. The materials are a mix of hard and soft touch plastics that feel robust rather than luxurious. The sports seats in ST Line models provide good support for longer journeys, while the standard seats offer adequate comfort for most users.

The cabin benefits from good sound insulation, keeping road and wind noise to acceptable levels at motorway speeds. Standard equipment is generous across the range, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, dual zone climate control, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. The driving position is commanding without being too truck like, and there’s plenty of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel to find a comfortable position. While the interior design won’t wow you like a premium German SUV might, it’s functional and well thought out for family use.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Ford Kuga?

The Ford Kuga’s running costs vary significantly depending on which powertrain you choose, but all versions offer reasonable economy for the class. The standard 1.5-litre EcoBoost returns around 35-40 MPG in real world driving, which is competitive for a petrol SUV of this size. The hybrid model improves this to around 45-50 MPG, while the plug in hybrid can achieve over 200 MPG on paper if you regularly charge it and do mostly short journeys.

Insurance groups are moderate, typically ranging from group 15-20 depending on the trim level and engine choice. The Kuga holds its value reasonably well compared to some rivals, though it’s not quite as strong as premium German alternatives. Servicing costs are in line with other mainstream brands, and Ford’s dealer network is extensive and competitive. For those looking at car finance, the Kuga’s strong residual values help keep monthly payments manageable, especially with Ford’s regular promotional offers and competitive interest rates available through their finance schemes.

Ford Kuga Practicality & Boot Space

The Ford Kuga delivers impressive practicality for a mid sized family SUV, though it’s not the most spacious in every area. The 475 litre boot is adequate for most family needs, easily accommodating a weekly shop or holiday luggage for four. The rear seats fold flat to create a generous load space when you need to carry larger items. Inside the cabin, there are plenty of storage cubbies and cup holders to keep family detritus organised during longer journeys.

Rear seat space is good for two adults or three children, with reasonable legroom and headroom. The middle seat is usable for shorter trips, though the transmission tunnel does intrude somewhat. Access to the rear is easy thanks to wide opening doors and a reasonable step in height. The Kuga works well as a family car for most households, though if maximum interior space is your priority, rivals like the Volkswagen Tiguan offer more room. For most families, the Kuga strikes a good balance between external dimensions and internal space, making it practical without being unwieldy in tight car parks or narrow streets.

The Ford Kuga stands as one of the more driver focused options in the competitive family SUV segment. It successfully balances practical family needs with genuine driving enjoyment, something that’s increasingly rare in this class. The efficient hybrid powertrains offer excellent fuel economy, while the sharp handling ensures that every journey remains engaging rather than merely functional.

While it may not offer the most spacious interior or the most premium cabin materials in its class, the Kuga excels in the areas that matter most for daily driving. Its combination of efficiency, technology, and driving dynamics makes it a compelling choice for families who don’t want to compromise on the fun factor. For those considering bad credit car finance, the Kuga’s strong appeal and reasonable running costs make it an attractive option that holds its value well in the used market.