Quick overview
- Superb ride and handling balance
- Low emissions of plug-in hybrid model
- Easy to use infotainment system
- Plenty of cabin comfort and space
- Boot not the biggest in class
- Some cheap-feeling cabin materials
- Expensive Vignale model
- Entry-level Zetec misses some kit
Ever since the first Ford Kuga touched down in 2008, the company’s SUV has had its finger on the pulse of what buyers want in this class of car. A consequence of this is the Blue Oval dropped all diesel versions of the Kuga from its line-up towards the end of 2021. While some buyers might mourn this, Ford reckons more will be lured in with the choice of the 1.5-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost turbo petrol motor as the entry point. Ford is also betting plenty will be tempted by its full hybrid and plug-in hybrid models that offer electric-only driving for varying distances.
Whichever type of power suits you best, the Kuga is one of the leading lights in the class for how it drives. You get the raised driving position and cabin space you expect of an SUV, yet the Kuga is nimble and agile in a way few of its rivals are. Among the Ford’s key opposition is the Nissan Qashqai, Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Tiguan, and the Kuga also has an eye on the likes of Audi, BMW and Volvo with its upscale Vignale trim.
As is usual with Ford models, the Kuga comes in a variety of trim levels to help you fine tune the car’s equipment levels to your needs and pocket. There are also plenty of options you can add over and above this, which is another common factor with Ford cars.
Every Kuga comes with Ford’s excellent and easy to use SYNC 3 infotainment system. The 8-inch touchscreen is clear and simple to navigate, and it lends an air of sophistication to the Kuga’s dash. You also get a 12.3-inch main dash display in all but the most basic Kuga models, so it’s a car that’s very in keeping with its times while not doing away with the best of tradition controls for the ventilation and heating.
Prices
The Ford Kuga range starts with the Zetec model that is only offered with the 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. It costs from £27,895 on the price list, but haggling with Ford dealers is always worth a try as discounts are usually available. If not, nearly new models with barely more than delivery mileage can be with savings of £6000 on all trims.
A FHEV full hybrid Kuga costs from £34,795 as it only comes in the upper three trim levels. The same is true for the PHEV plug-in hybrid with its lower emissions and great battery range, and it costs from £36,825. However, Ford is confident most of these cars will be used as company cars through leasing schemes where these list prices will be less relevant than the monthly payment sum.
Infotainment, comfort and practicality
Where many SUVs give the impression of a raised driving position but fail to deliver, the Ford Kuga does elevate its driver. This affords excellent forward and side vision, while front and rear parking sensors help in tight car park spaces. The steering wheel adjusts for angle and depth, and the driver’s seat has a full range of movement to help you get the ideal driving position no matter what height you are. Taller drivers will also find the Kuga is generous with its leg and head room.
The 12.3-inch digital dash main display that is standard on all but the Zetec trim has blue back-lighting. It’s easy on the eyes and clear to read in bright sun and at night, and you can scroll through various on-screen menus using the steering wheel buttons to check the usual spread of driving information or to work some of the infotainment’s functions. Set high in the centre of the dash, Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment touchscreen is 8-inches across, so it’s clearly visible without being distracting. Logical menus with on-screen shortcut buttons make it a doddle to operate and you can pair your smartphone with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Ford also sticks with physical rotary dials for the volume and tuning, so this you can adjust the stereo on the move without taking eyes from the road.
Beneath the infotainment screen are more clear dials for the heating. Underneath this is a large cubby with twin USB ports, while a double cupholder sits in the centre console next to the gear lever. With the automatic gearbox, gears are selected with a round control that soon becomes second nature to use.
In the rear, the Kuga has plenty of space for kids and adults, so taking the family on longer trips is hassle-free. The rear bench seat’s base slides fore and after to vary leg and boot space. Look in the boot and it’s about average for the class when it comes to capacity, but then the class average is pretty generous and you’d have to choose something like the Hyundai Santa Fe if you need more space than the Kuga.
Which 2020 Ford Kuga model should you buy?
Ford starts off the Kuga line-up with its usual Zetec model. It comes with all of the essentials of luxury, comfort and safety covered off, including alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, lane keeping and departure assist, and Ford’s excellent Quickclear windscreen. Even so, the Titanium Edition that is the next step up is the better bet thanks to its 12.3-inch digital dash display, powered tailgate, reversing camera, and keyless entry.
The two ST-Line models, the standard ST-Line and ST-Line X Edition, both have firmer sports suspension, and black roof rails to distinguish them. They also have Sensico and fabric seat upholstery with red stitching for a sporty appearance. On the other hand, the Vignale model is all about luxury, so it has leather seats, heated seats front and rear, electric front seat adjustment, heated steering wheel, and climate control. The Vignale also has its exterior look with unique grille and trim details.
The Titanium offers the best value, especially if you add the Winter Pack to gain heated front seats and steering wheel. On the used market, the same thinking applies and the Titanium offers more car for the money than the Zetec while being more affordable than the higher trim levels.
Value for money: how much does a 2020 Ford Kuga cost to buy and run?
Ford has done away with diesel engines in the Kuga, which leaves buyers with a decision to make between three forms of power. The 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is the most cost-effective way into a new Kuga and is only available with a six-speed manual gearbox. For keen drivers, it’s a tempting offer to make full use of the car’ 150hp and fine handling. Driven with some consideration for economy, it can offer an official best combined consumption of 42.8mpg and emissions as low as 149g/km.
The Kuga FHEV, or full hybrid electric vehicle as Ford calls it, has a 190hp 2.5-litre petrol engine and small battery. It can travel short distances at low speeds on electric power, but the engine soon comes into play. As a result, the combined economy is 51.4mpg and emissions are 125g/km.
Choose the plug-in hybrid Kuga and you can drive for up to 39 miles on electric power. It means may journeys can be completed without every bothering the petrol engine, yet it’s there for longer trips. Make the best use of both and the claimed figures are 282.5mpg and 23g/km for the ST-Line Edition. With the other trims on offer with this plug-in power, the figures are slightly more modest at 256.8mpg and 25g/km.
A happy consequence of the plug-in hybrid model’s emission is it enjoys cheap road tax as it sits in band B. However, insurance is more expensive for the hybrid models, with an ST-Line Edition PHEV sitting in group 21. Curiously, the less powerful FHEV Kuga in the same trim resides one group higher in category 22. If you pick the entry point Kuga 1.5 EcoBoost Zetec, it sits in insurance group 14.
Like all Fords, the Kuga will be less expensive than many rivals for servicing and Ford has a huge dealer network so you’re never far from a garage. All Kugas come with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty.
Verdict: Should I buy a 2020 Ford Kuga?
For anyone in the market for a large SUV at a keen price, the Ford Kuga is a prime candidate for your business. There are some downsides, notably the boot not being as big as some and a few bits of interior trim that don’t feel as substantial as in rivals like the Honda CR-V or Mazda CX5. However, much of this is offset by the way the Kuga drives as it rides and handles with a polished manner that few can get close to.
The 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine offers an affordable way into the Kuga range, but the hybrid models are where the real savings are to be made in running costs. As a result, they are the ones to aim for.