Summary
The Ford Kuga was a medium-sized SUV/crossover vehicle. This model was first launched in 2013 and had a major update in the second half of 2016. It ended production in 2019, with an all-new replacement arriving in the UK in Spring 2020.
The Kuga scored average to good reviews from UK media sources throughout its production life, and was eventually outclassed by newer arrivals in the mid-sized crossover category. The updated models from late 2016 onwards were considered significantly better than the earlier versions, although the top-spec Vignale models did not score as well as the entry-level models.
Key specifications
Body style: Five-door SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £23,060 on-road
Launched: Spring 2013
Last updated: Autumn 2016
Replaced: Spring 2020
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Score: 6 / 10
“The Ford Kuga is competent and good looking, but doesn’t feel as up-to-date as newer SUV rivals.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Ford is renowned for producing some of the finest-driving cars of their type, and when compared with other compact SUVs, the Kuga is no different. It does a great job of treading the fine line between comfort and engagement, especially when specified on the ST-Line chassis, maing it the perfect tool for even the bleakest Monday morning school run.”
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Autocar
Score: 8 / 10
“Since the facelift in 2016, the equipment levels have been given a much-needed boost – making the Kuga a truly compelling choice amongst its closest rivals.”
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Car
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic ST-Line
Score: 6 / 10
“The ST-Line Kuga is among the best in its class to drive – and the recently added tech, combined with a sporty appeal that isn’t just skin deep, means it’s a compelling choice in a world crammed full of hyper-value Korean cars and VW Group-spawned German/Spanish/Czech metal.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic ST-Line
Score: 8 / 10
“As a family SUV, the Ford Kuga makes a good choice. It is spacious, well equipped and one of the best driving mid-size SUVs you can buy. In ST-Line it looks rather smart, too. If you value the driving experience of your SUV and like the Kuga’s looks, it makes a fine choice, but there are other rivals to consider such as the Mazda CX-5 and SEAT Ateca.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel manual Titanium
Score: 8 / 10
“The Ford Kuga remains a decent option for those after a family SUV and the updates to the onboard equipment helps to freshen it up next to the competition. Because there are so many good options in the Kuga’s segment though, it’s a tough job trying to make a real stand-out entry.”
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Carbuyer
Score: 6.6 / 10
“With attractive styling, decent practicality and an impressive safety record, the Kuga is a convincing family SUV. It can’t quite match the extremely high all-round standards of some of its latest rivals – the SEAT Ateca in particular – but for the right deal it’s worth considering.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Vignale range
Score: 5 / 10
“With its plush fixtures and fittings the Ford Kuga has levels of luxury you’d find in much plusher brands, but it’s expensive for a Ford and not the most spacious of SUVs.”
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Daily Mail
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual
Score: 6 / 10
“Ford’s Kuga lacks the panache of its rivals. It’s bigger, but its relative spaciousness still can’t beat the SEAT Ateca, it’s pricier to run and, overall, rather average in such able company.”
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Honest John
Score: 8 / 10
“Probably the sportiest handling SUV in the £20k-£30k bracket. But ride on 18-inch and especially on 19-inch wheels is hard.”
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Motors.co.uk
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 5 / 10
“The Ford badge helps the Kuga retain value better than many of its competitors. The only SUV that loses less value over the course of ownership is the Volkswagen Tiguan, thanks to its more upmarket appeal.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7.4 / 10
“Popular mid-sized SUV for family-friendly motoring”
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The Sun
“The Kuga is the best in its class to drive. It has the best chassis. It’s basically a Focus on stilts. It’s just a little expensive.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“The Ford Kuga is a perfectly likeable SUV, provided you can live with the smaller than average boot. It is also reasonably fun to drive and quiet on a long journey, but since its launch more desirable cars such as the SEAT Ateca, Peugeot 3008 and Mazda CX-5 have also surfaced, which when you look a little deeper make more sense.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic Vignale
Score: 4 / 10
“As a mid-sized SUV, the Ford Kuga is competitive if no longer class-leading, but the Vignale trim sits uncomfortably with this car. Sticking in nice seats and covering everything with leather doesn’t make it a premium product and Ford needs more commitment and investment in its luxury sub-brand.”
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Top Gear
Score: 7 / 10
“The new Ford Kuga isn’t as sharp or as fun as the original. But it is bigger, safer and, um, more sensible.”
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What Car?
Score: 6 / 10
“The Kuga isn’t competitive in a number of areas, most notably its cheap-feeling interior and relative lack of practicality. If you really want a Kuga stick to the cheaper trims, because for the price of the more expensive versions there are much better alternatives, including the Peugeot 5008 or Mazda CX-5.”
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Which?
“The Kuga is a good mid-size SUV, but ultimately falls just short of Best Buy status.”
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The Ford Kuga was crash tested by Euro NCAP in 2012 and was awarded a five-star rating.
This rating expired in January 2019 and is no longer valid.
The Ford Kuga was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 200
Average repair cost: £714.99
Last updated: March 2023
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Ford Kuga is pretty much bang-on average when it comes to reliability, according to exclusive warranty data provided by our partrner, MotorEasy.
By far the most common problems with used Ford Kugas relate to the car’s electrical system, which account for a third of all warranty claims. Fortunately, the average cost to repair these problems was quite low, at just over £450.
Although it isn’t a common problem, gearbox issues are quite expensive at nearly £2,300 to correct. Luckily, most other problems have proved quite economical to repair.
If you’re looking at a used Ford Kuga, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Ford Kuga, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Citroën C5 Aircross | Honda CR-V | Hyundai Tucson | Jeep Compass | Kia Sportage | Mazda CX-5 | MG HS | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Nissan Qashqai | Peugeot 3008 | Renault Kadjar | SEAT Ateca | Skoda Karoq | SsangYong Korando | Subaru XV | Toyota C-HR | Vauxhall Grandland X | Volkswagen Tiguan
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