The Ford Kuga is a mid-sized SUV/crossover model, that sits above the Puma in the Ford SUV range. The current model is the third generation, which was launched in the UK in early 2020.
Unlike the previous generation, the new Kuga is available with a petrol/electric plug-in hybrid powertrain, as well as traditional petrol and diesel engines.
The new model was launched in the UK just as the country went into lockdown, so we do not have many media reviews collected so far. Those that have been published to date are mostly reviews of the plug-in hybrid model. We will add in more reviews as they are published, but it does mean that the Kuga’s current Expert Rating of 80% (as of January 2021) could change by a significant degree as the petrol and diesel models are tested by a larger number of websites.
Body style: Five-door SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £24,615 on-road
Launched: Spring 2020
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
MEDIA REVIEWS
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media

The Car Expert
Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid Vignale
“The Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid is sleek, with a well-made and spacious interior. However, it’s a bit of a letdown behind the wheel.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“If you want a practical family car that’s still great to drive, then the Ford Kuga SUV hits the spot.”
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Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid ST-Line
Score: 7 / 10
“The Ford Kuga PHEV is at its best when running around in its pure-EV mode. The engine is a little intrusive when it kicks in, and the CVT gearbox doesn’t do the driving experience any favours. Thankfully, the Kuga has a usable electric range, plus enough space for all the family.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid Vignale
Score: 8 / 10
“The Ford Kuga has lost none of its dynamic flair, yet it’s more refined and practical than ever. It’s comfortable, too, Ford’s suspension engineers creating a ride that’s plusher and quieter than most.”
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Business Car
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel manual Titanium
Score: 8 / 10
“Ford has gone for a rather conservative middle-ground approach in the dynamics department with the Kuga – but we think that’s a good thing. The 1.5-litre 120hp diesel we tested is of a similar ilk; it does what it’s supposed to, to a sensible family car standard.”
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Car
Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid ST-Line
Score: 8 / 10
“In benefit-in-kind terms, a 20% rate payer’s only going to be looking at a £60 monthly bill to run one as a company car. Expect to see a lot of these on the roads this year, just as soon as supply allows post-Coronavirus.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid ST-Line
Score: 8 / 10
“The Ford Kuga PHEV is a seriously credible and well-executed model. Not only does it represent good value for money and have a seriously spacious interior, but you also get the possibility of some exceptionally low running costs. If you want a comfortable plug-in hybrid family SUV that could cost you hardly anything to run, this Kuga should definitely be considered.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The latest Ford Kuga is great to drive, good value and practical, so it should prove to be a very popular family SUV”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The Ford Kuga is a sleek family SUV which shares a lot of its parts with the Ford Focus. You get the same smart grille, piercing headlights and curves on the side of the car – all of which make the bulky Kuga look like a Focus that’s had one too many pies.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid automatic Vignale
“The new Ford Kuga is a versatile range to suit every powertrain requirement, and offers increased technology and in particular interior accommodation, while retaining the fine-handling character of previous Kugas.”
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Fleetworld
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid ST-Line
Score: 8 / 10
“Good to drive, cheap to run and the move to the Focus floorpan equals an impressively spacious interior. Needs more performance and sharper looks to be king.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
“Longer and wider than the current model, the Kuga offers more room inside for front and rear passengers. Despite being lower, it also has more headroom than before. The rear seats can be moved backwards for extra legroom, or forwards to increase boot capacity.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.8 / 10
“Focus-based SUV is good, but lacks the Puma’s sparkle”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid ST-Line
“To sum up, then: It looks like a Ford, drives like a Ford but, best of all, it is future-proof. Go check it out.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“At long last, Ford’s crossover family has inherited the all-conquering genes from its hatchback set.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid ST-Line
Score: 8 / 10
“So far we’ve only tried one engine and trim – the 2.5 Duratec PHEV ST Line – and it’s very competitive to buy and run among other plug-in-hybrid large SUVs. However, the rest of the Ford Kuga package is decent enough but outclassed by bigger, more comfortable and more refined competition.”
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SAFETY RATING
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2019
Eco Rating
Independent emissions and efficiency ratings from Green NCAP
The Ford Kuga has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP. Check back soon.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Ford Kuga has received
2021
- What Car? Awards – Best Plug-In Hybrid for Long Distances
2020
- Auto Express Awards – Best Mid-Size SUV
- What Car? Electric Car Awards – Best Plug-In Hybrid Large SUV
- Business Car Awards – Best Medium SUV
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