Ford's Kuga Hybrid now makes quite a bit more sense, thinks Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review

Ford sees its self-charging Hybrid powertrain as the core volume engine with this uprated version of its third generation Kuga upper mid-sized family SUV. The big change with this update is the introduction of a 4WD option for Kuga Hybrid customers. Who will also notice the smarter looks and much improved cabin.

Background

Ford's range of electrified SUVs is growing. But you might not be quite ready for the brand's mid-sized full-EV crossover, the Explorer. If that's the case and you need AWD, then the brand wants you to consider this much improved version of its third generation Kuga as an alternative, reviewed here in Hybrid form. This 2.5-litre non-plug-in model is now available with the AWD system it lacked from launch - and can now tow a lot more too. Plus it has a rejuvenated cabin. Do you really need that Ford family EV cossover quite yet? If not, then maybe it's worth looking at one of these first.

Driving Experience

In its original form, this Kuga Hybrid could only be had with front wheel drive (in our market anyway). That issue's been addressed as part of this facelift, which with AWD boosts the petrol/electric powertrain's usual 180PS output fractionally to 183PS. As before, this car uses a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine assisted by an electric motor powered by a tiny 1.1kWh liquid cooled battery, which is replenished by both the engine and the energy recovered under braking. Choose the AWD version and you can make the most of this updated Kuga Hybrid's improved towing capability, now boosted to an impressive diesel-like 2,100kg, a best-in-class figure. 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 Hybrid 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. The top speed is 122mph. As before, there's what Ford describes as a "smooth and linear response to acceleration", partly in thanks to this car's power-split CVT auto gearbox. Simulating gear-shift functions, this transmission is designed to adjust the ratios for optimum performance and fuel efficiency and will adjust the engine's rpm as the speed changes to reduce the "rubber band" effect commonly associated with CVT set-ups. This simulated gearshift function is available in 'Normal' and 'Sport' driving modes, and, according to the car's chief programme engineer, Glen Goold, gives a "more engaging drive with the familiarity of traditional 'cog swaps', plus the added benefit of limiting engine noise." On the subject of noise, the car also features a 'Silent Key Start' feature, enabling it to pull away from standstill in pure electric mode, which is ideal for those early morning starts, or in the cut and thrust of stop-start driving. What else? Well off-road ability has been enhanced - 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

There are few visual clues to this Ford's Hybrid powerplant, so the look is as with any other Kuga variant, a car usefully updated in recent times. The most obvious differences are at the front, which features redesigned headlamps and a reprofiled grille. As before, the grille has 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. The liquid cooling system for the batteries allows them to be packaged much closer together, and therefore they don't intrude into the capacious interior that still allows back seating for three. 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, which can be extended to 1,534-litres.

Market and Model

You can't get a Kuga Hybrid with base 'Titanium' trim, which is one reason why pricing from the launch of this updated model started from just under £39,000 - for volume 'ST-Line' trim, which comes only in front-driven 180PS form. The plusher 'Active' and 'ST-Line X' variants can also be had with the further option (for just under £2,000 more) of an AWD 183PS Hybrid drivetrain, thouhgh for that with 'ST-Line X'-spec, from launch you'd have needed way over £42,000. At least there's plenty of kit fitted as standard across the range: full-LED headlamps, LED tail lamps, black 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. You also get 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

Ford are suggesting that a total range of nearly 600 miles could be possible before needing to refuel in this Kuga Hybrid. This is based upon a WLTP figure of 52.3mpg combined for the front-driven model, and of course, the batteries don't require you to plug in anywhere to recharge. This front wheel drive version is rated at up to 123g/km for CO2 emissions in 'ST-Line' form. It's up to 48.7mpg and 136g/km for the AWD version in 'ST-Line X' guise. Disappointingly, Ford still only offer a 3 year/60,000 mile warranty as standard, which seems a little way short considering the offerings from Kia and Hyundai. Of course, the counter to that is the reach of Ford and its dealer network, and the fact that they offer strong finance packages, affordable servicing plans and also own brand insurance. All of this helps with maintaining the whole-life costs of the car, although the populist Ford badge does take its toll on residuals.

Summary

Now that the Kuga line-up doesn't have a diesel, customers are having to get used to this Hybrid powertrain as a replacement - and it makes more sense now that Ford can offer it with the option of AWD for our market. The higher towing capability is an important improvement for this updated model too. As for the mid-term improvements made to this third generation Kuga design, 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. 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

Rain sensing wipers

Quickclear heated windscreen

Rear wiper

Power front/rear windows with global close

Rear privacy glass

Brakes

Dynamic brake support

Electronic stability control (ESC) and ABS

Pre collision assist with autonomous emergency braking

Chassis/Suspension

Active lifted suspension

Twist beam rear suspension

Driver Aids

Lane keeping aid with lane departure warning

360 degree camera

Power assist steering

Selectable drive modes

Front and rear parking sensors

Lane centering assist

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

Pop out door edge protectors

Rear side wing doors

Black roof rails

Active body styling kit including black mirror caps and a contrast black painted roof

Rear spoiler

Body colour bumpers

Exterior Lights

Third brake light

LED rear lights

LED daytime running lights

Auto headlamps with high and low beam

Front LED fog lamps

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 FHEV/PHEV

Safety

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Manual child proof rear door locks

Drivers knee airbag

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Rear seat Occupancy alert

Airbags - front driver/passenger, front and rear curtain

Evasive steering assist

Ford MyKey Gen 2 safety system

Seats

12 way ergonomic power adjust passenger seat (AGR certified)

Active seats

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

Single front passenger seat

2nd row sliding seats

Front and rear head restraints

Rear centre head restraint

Security

Keyless entry and Ford power start button

Remote powered central double locking doors

Thatcham category 1 alarm

Locking wheel nuts

Engine immobiliser

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity in kWh: 1.1

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Emissions - ICE

Particles: N

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

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 131

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 148

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 142

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 112

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 105

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 89

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 80

HC+NOx: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 125

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 184

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 187

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Engine and Drive Train

CC: 2498

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 89

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 100

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Low: 34.9

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 78.5

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 5.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 4.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 3.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 8.1

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 49.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 52.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 51.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 44.8

WLTP - MPG - High: 60.1

General

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 19E

Based On ID: N

Special Order: 0

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Special Edition: 0

Badge Power: 180

Badge Engine CC: 2.5

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

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

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Coin Description: FHEV

Coin Series: Active

Generation Mark: 3

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

Engine Torque - MKG: 20.4

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.1

Top Speed: 122

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 180

Engine Power - KW: 132

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 147

Engine Torque - NM: 200

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 225/60 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 225/60 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: N

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Vehicle Dimensions

Wheelbase: 2711

Width: 1882

Length: 4645

Width (including mirrors): 2177

Height: 1662

Weight and Capacities

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1600

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 54

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 616

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 628

No. of Seats: 5

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2230

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1517

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.4

Minimum Kerbweight: 1614

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 grey stitching

Wheels - Alloy

19" Active alloy wheel with an absolute black and machined finish

20" 5x2 spoke absolute black and machined alloy wheel

Wheels - Spare

Mini steel spare wheel