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.

As of April 2024, this generation of the Ford Kuga holds a Used Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 59%. Its reliability record is only average and its safety rating has long expired. It also has quite poor media reviews (unlike its successor, which is more highly regarded).

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 tests 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.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2012
Date expired: January 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 94%
Child protection: 86%
Vulnerable road users: 70%
Safety assist: 100%

The Ford Kuga was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2012 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2019 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

Although the rating has now expired, the score is still useful if you are comparing a used Kuga to vehicles of similar age – whose ratings will have probably also expired.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Ford Kuga was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 279
Average repair cost: £771.56
Last updated: January 2024

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 partner, MotorEasy.

By far the most common problems with used Ford Kugas relate to the car’s electrical system, which account for nearly a quarter of all warranty claims. Fortunately, the average cost to repair these problems was quite low, at less than £400.

One issue to look out for is the gearbox. Average repair bills here are quite expensive at nearly £2,800 to date.

If you’re looking at a used Ford Kuga, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of the potential problem areas shown above.