The improved version of Ford's third generation Kuga has sharpened up its act. Jonathan Crouch checks out the changes.

Ten Second Review

Ford's third generation Kuga gets a far-reaching update, with smarter looks and key engineering changes for the Hybrid models. There's a much smarter, better-connected cabin. And this mid-sized SUVs towing and off road capability's been improved. All useful changes. If you're shopping in this sector, this is still a car you very much need to consider.

Background

It took Ford a long time to come up with a truly class-competitive range of SUVs. But with the company's model line-up now almost completely made up of combustion or EV cars of this type, it surely needs that now. Here, we're looking at the updated version of the third generation mid-sized Kuga; which sits just above the little Puma and was originally introduced in 2020. This model line dates back to the first generation C394-series Kuga of 2008, which was then updated with a MK2 C520-series design in 2014. This MK3 version introduced Hybrid and PH EV power to Kuga customers and continues on that theme here. It's 'C2' Focus-derived platform doesn't allow for a full-EV version - and doesn't need to because Ford now has its electric Explorer model to fill that niche in this part of the market. So instead, the Kuga gets a smarter look, a redesigned cabin and a bit more sophistication.

Driving Experience

Some boxes have been ticked here - others not. The availability four-wheel drive drifted out of the pre-facelift version of this MK3 Kuga: here it's back as an option for the 180PS Hybrid (FHEV) powertrain (which boosts power fractionally to 183PS). Unfortunately, you still can't have 4WD on the still front-driven-only PHEV variant, but that model does now get a more powerful electric motor (taking total power to 243PS) and a 14.4kWh battery that now allows for a much longer EV driving range (almost 43 miles). What the line-up really needed though, was a more efficient replacement for the entry-level 150PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol unit - a unit which continues unchanged. Diesel drifted out of the pre-facelift line-up just after launch and hasn't returned. Thrashing around for a unique Kuga selling point, Ford has seized upon towing capability, engineering Hybrid and PHEV versions of this car to tow up to 2,100kg, a best-in-class figure. For reference, a Volkswagen Tiguan can tow up to 2,000kg, Kia's Sportage just 1,500kg. Special sat nav functionality allows owners to enter the dimensions of their car and trailer, then the software will plan a route avoiding low bridges tight corners: neat. The other reason you might choose a Kuga is much as before: it remains one of the more engaging mid-sized SUVs to drive. Which means you can make the most of the quite eager performance: engage the sportiest drive mode and the 4WD Hybrid makes 62mph in 8.3 seconds, nearly half a second quicker than the front-driven Hybrid version. It's manual transmission only for the base 1.5. All other Kugas get a CVT automatic. Off-road ability has been enhanced too - well it has if you opt for the new 'Active' variant, which has a ride height raised by 10mm at the front and 5mm at the rear. This version also gains an extra 'Trail' driving mode, which optimises traction control and throttle response for progress on different surfaces.

Design and Build

The visual changes go a little further than the usual facelift wash and brush-up. The most obvious differences are at the front, which features redesigned headlamps and a reprofiled grille. As before, the front end look varies quite a bit with trim choice; chrome for 'Titanium' spec and body-coloured accents for the 'ST Line' variants. The top 'ST Line X' further adds red brake calipers. Smarter tail lamps, different alloy wheel designs and a fresh palette of colours complete the exterior changes. Arguably of greater significance are the updates inside. As part of the media upgrade to its latest SYNC4 infotainment set-up, Ford has added a much larger 13.2-inch central touchscreen. It has fewer physical buttons flanking the monitor and includes cloud-based navigation, over-the-air updates, a 5G data connection and wireless 'Apple CarPlay and 'Android Auto', along with Amazon Alexa. The 12.3-inch digital instrument display you view through the wheel is also new, featuring graphics that change with the selected drive mode. Not so good is the fact that all physical climate controls (bar the windscreen demister) been moved to the central touchscreen. That demister's function button now sits alongside the switchgear that was previously on the centre console (for the rear view camera and drive modes). Which has freed up space for an extra centre console cubby. As before, for rear seat passengers, the entire second row of seats can be moved backwards for best-in-class 1,035mm rear legroom, or forwards to increase boot space by 67-litres. A remote release function enables the second row to be folded flat with ease. Out back, there's a 475-litre boot (it's 411-litres with the PHEV model), which can be extended to 1,534-litres (1,481-litres PHEV).

Market and Model

Pricing theoretically start from around £32,000, but that's for the entry-level 'Titanium' version hardly anyone will want because it comes only with the base 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine and base trim. More typical Kuga models are priced in the £38,000-£41,000 bracket and are available to 'ST-Line', 'ST-Line X' and 'Active' forms. The base 1.5-litre unit is the only one available with manual transmission. As for equipment, base 'Titanium' spec gets you the basics: 17-inch alloy wheels, full-LED headlamps, LED tail lamps, silver roof rails, power-folding mirrors, rear privacy glass, keyless entry, a 'Quickclear' heated windscreen, cruise control, all-round parking sensors and a rear view camera. Inside, you get the full media upgrade - a 13-inch SYNC4 centre touchscreen and a 12.3-inch instrument cluster. Plus Electronic Automatic Temperature Control and second row sliding seats. All other Kuga models get black roof rails, a hands-free powered tailgate, a 360-degree camera, extra camera safety features and power-adjustable front seats. The most popular version will be the 'ST-Line' grade, which gets 18-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers, sports suspension, a body styling kit and power-adjustable Sensico-upholstered sports seats with black neosuede inserts and red stitching. 'ST-Line X'-spec adds larger 19-inch wheels, a power-opening panorama roof and heat for the front and rear seats and steering wheel. The 'Active' version gets active lifted suspension.

Cost of Ownership

Obviously, the ultimate option in terms of efficiency is the Plug-in Hybrid 2.5 Duratec PHEV version, which records an official WLTP fuel figure of up to 313.9mpg and a WLTP-rated CO2 reading of up to 21g/km. That's provided you keep the battery fully charged, which takes three and a half hours from a 7.4kW wallbox or six hours from a domestic socket. As you might expect, the 2.5 Hybrid is next up in terms of effeciency, managing up to 46.6mpg and up to 123g/km of CO2 in front-driven form. The Hybrid 4WD version manages up to 47.1mpg and 133g/km. The conventional 1.5 EcoBlue 150PS front-driven version manages up to 42.2mpg and a best of 145g/km of CO2. As for other stuff you'll need to know, well these days, the three year/60,000 mile Ford warranty looks pretty unremarkable, but in the first year, you do get unlimited mileage UK and European roadside cover and unlimited paint cover. There's also a 12 year unlimited mileage perforation warranty. There's also the 'Ford Service App' that you can download to your phone for free. It lets you locate your nearest dealer to make maintenance bookings, plus as a bonus, the app can help you find petrol stations and even has a 'Park Me' feature that remembers where you left the car, to save hunting for it in busy multi-storeys.

Summary

The MK3 Kuga needed an injection of quality, technology and personality and this mid-term update provides at least some of what was previously missing in all these three areas. You might not feel the reprofiled looks are much of a step forward but you can't argue with the merits of the more sophisticated SYNC4 infotainment system, which headlines the changes made to the now much more appealing cabin. As for engineering, well as before the returns of the base 1.5-litre variant and the Hybrid version are bettered by obvious rivals, but the PHEV model's now far more class-competitive. And Ford's emphasis on improved towing capability will strike a chord with quite a few likely customers. As will the now more SUV-orientated 'Active' version. In summary then, it's clear that the Blue Oval brand now means business when it comes to this class of SUV. And if you doubt that, then you need to try this one.

Body Glass

Quickclear heated windscreen

Rain sensing wipers

Rear wiper

Power front/rear windows with global close

Rear privacy glass

Brakes

Dynamic brake support

Red brake calipers

Pre collision assist with autonomous emergency braking

Electronic stability control (ESC) and ABS

Chassis/Suspension

Sports suspension

Twist beam rear suspension

Driver Aids

Power assist steering

Lane keeping aid with lane departure warning

360 degree camera

Front and rear parking sensors

Selectable drive modes

Driver Convenience

Hands free power tailgate

Ford easy fuel

Driver Information

12.3" digital colour instrument cluster

e-Call (emergency call)

Service interval indicator

Ford SYNC 4 nav with 13" touchscreen, DAB radio, emergency assistance, andriod auto/apple carPlay, 5G modem & Ford pass connect

Driving Mirrors

Power heated folding door mirrors with puddle lights, memory function and camera

Entertainment

B&O premium audio system with 10 speakers, subwoofer and 2 USB ports

Exterior Body Features

Rear side wing doors

Black roof rails

Pop out door edge protectors

ST-Line body styling kit

Body colour bumpers

Large rear spoiler

Exterior Lights

LED rear lights

LED daytime running lights

Third brake light

Front LED fog lamps

Auto headlamps with high and low beam

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Electronic automatic temperature control (EATC)

Interior Features

Partial premium touch sensico upholstery

Packs

Driver assistance pack with intelligent adaptive cruise control - Kuga

Safety

Ford MyKey Gen 2 safety system

Manual child proof rear door locks

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Drivers knee airbag

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Airbags - front driver/passenger, front and rear curtain

Rear seat Occupancy alert

Evasive steering assist

Seats

2nd row sliding seats

Front and rear head restraints

Single front passenger seat

Sports seats

Rear centre head restraint

12 way ergonomic power adjust driver's seat with memory (AGR certified)

12 way ergonomic power adjust passenger seat (AGR certified)

Security

Thatcham category 1 alarm

Keyless entry and Ford power start button

Remote powered central double locking doors

Locking wheel nuts

Engine immobiliser

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 144

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 147

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 210

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 214

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 136

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 123

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 130

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 146

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 157

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 154

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 145

Engine and Drive Train

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Cylinders: 3

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Number of Valves: 12

Transmission: MANUAL

Gears: 6 SPEED

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

CC: 1498

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 90

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 84

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 44.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 44.1

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 43.5

WLTP - MPG - Low: 30.4

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 46.3

WLTP - MPG - High: 52.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 6.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 6.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 6.7

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 5.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 9.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 42.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 6.4

General

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 17E

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Based On ID: N

Special Order: 0

Special Edition: 0

Badge Power: 150

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Coin Description: EcoBoost

Coin Series: ST-Line

Generation Mark: 3

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 150

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.5

Top Speed: 121

Engine Torque - MKG: 24.5

Engine Power - KW: 110

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 177

Engine Torque - NM: 240

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Tyre Size Rear: 225/60 R18

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Tyre Size Front: 225/60 R18

Wheel Style: N

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4615

Height: 1623

Width (including mirrors): 2177

Wheelbase: 2711

Width: 1882

Weight and Capacities

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.4

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1534

Max. Roof Load: 75

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 645

Max. Loading Weight: 624

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1730

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 54

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2075

Minimum Kerbweight: 1451

Carpets/Rugs

Luggage compartment mats

Driver Information

Head up Display

Exterior Body Features

Power opening panoramic roof

Premium paint

Exterior Lights

Glare free dynamic matrix LED headlamps with a 'Coast-to-Coast' light bar between the headlights

Interior Features

Mounting points for load retention guards

Luggage compartment nets with mounting points for load retention guards

Packs

Winter pack - Kuga

Tow bar pre-equipment pack - Kuga

Paint - Solid

Solid - Frozen white

Paint - Special

Premium paint - Magnetic

Premium paint - Agate Black

Premium paint - Solar silver

Premium paint - Desert island blue

Premium paint - Bursting green

Towing

Retractable towbar with electrical release function

Trim - Part Leather

Partial premium touch sensico - Black neosuede inserts with red stitching

Wheels - Alloy

19" ST-Line alloy wheel with an ebony black and machined finish

20" 5x2 spoke absolute black and machined alloy wheel

Wheels - Spare

Mini steel spare wheel