Summary
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.
The Kuga was updated in early 2024, with the most noticeable difference being a redesigned front end.
Unlike the previous generation, the current Kuga is available with a petrol/electric plug-in hybrid powertrain, as well as traditional petrol and diesel engines.
Media reviews for the Kuga have been generally positive, with the plug-in hybrid models tending to score better than the regular petrol and diesel models. All models have been praised for their driving dynamics, with most reviewers declaring the Kuga better to drive than other family SUVs. However, cabin refinement isn’t as plush as some rivals, wjhich has dragged down some review scores.
As of October 2024, the Ford Kuga holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 72%. As a used car, it rates an A with a score of 75%. The low CO2 emissions and excellent fuel consumption of the plug-in hybrid powertrain play a big part in this score.
- Ford Kuga (2013 to 2019) – Expert Rating
- More Ford Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features
Key specifications
Body style: Five-door SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £32,095 on-road
Launched: Spring 2020
Last updated: Spring 2024
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
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.”
Read review
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Ford’s third attempt at the Kuga is easily the best yet. The latest iteration of its family SUV blends great driving dynamics with useful on-board tech, good safety kit and plenty of practicality.”
Read review
Model reviewed: PHEV
Score: 8 / 10
“Ford’s hybrid technology is a useful addition to the Kuga SUV range with the ‘FHEV’ model offering a sharp drive and plenty of kit along with strong economy.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“With a plug-in hybrid option as well as the regular petrol and diesel options, the Ford Kuga adds affordable running costs to an already appealing proposition.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Like most Fords, the Kuga is rather good to drive and a mid-life facelift has helped it feel sharp versus rivals.”
Author: Charlie Harvey
Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Ford Kuga is a spacious, practical family SUV that’s great to drive. You’ll find alternatives with nicer cabins, though, and better infotainment systems.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Whichever Ford Kuga you opt for, it’s a strong contender in the increasingly competitive SUV sector. It also represents decent value for money, although it’ll be a while before it represents a bargain on the used car market.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.8 / 10
“Focus-based SUV is good, but lacks the Puma’s sparkle”
Read review
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.”
Read review
The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid ST-Line X Edition
Score: 8 / 10
“The Ford Kuga is well equipped, smart to look at, easy to drive and rather more involving than a hybrid SUV has any right to be. If you want to be sensible, look elsewhere – but if you’re prepared to throw a little bit of caution to the wind in favour of a grin on your face from time to time, the Kuga should be on your list.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 92%
Child protection: 86%
Vulnerable road users: 82%
Safety assist: 73%
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: 2.0-litre diesel manual ST-Line
Overall score: 2.5 stars
Date tested: February 2021
Read the full Green NCAP review
Energy Efficiency Index: 5.8 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 1.8 / 10
The Ford Kuga 2.0-litre diesel manual ST-Line received a 2.5 star rating from Green NCAP in February 2021. We are currently updating our Euro NCAP database, as the organisation changed its rating system and we need to change our database accordingly to be able to display the new scores.
Green NCAP said: “The Ford Kuga is tested here with a 2.0 litre diesel engine equipped with 48-volt mild hybrid technology. In general, the car performs well, and energy efficiency is impressive for a vehicle in this size category.
“However, despite being equipped with a lean NOx trap, designed to reduce emissions of the oxides of Nitrogen, these remain a weak-point, reducing the indexes for both Clean Air and Greenhouse Gases and limiting the rating to 2½ stars.”
This rating only applies to the 2.0-litre diesel manual version of the Ford Kuga, and does not imply similar ratings for other engine and gearbox combinations in the range.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 306
Average repair cost: £780.94
Last updated: October 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Ford Kuga has a below-average reliability score of 62%, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy. This score applies to both the current model (2020 onwards) and the previous Kuga (2013 to 2019).
The big item to look out for is the gearbox. Faults here are both reasonably common and eye-wateringly expensive, with an average repair bill of about £2,500. Engine problems are also fairly common, with an average bill of £800.
Most other faults tend to be cheaper to repair. Electric system problems are the most commonly reported issues, with an average repair bill of just under £400.
If you own a Ford Kuga, or you’re looking at buying a used Kuga, a used car warranty would be a sensible investment. Makes sure that any warranty you purchase covers these key problem areas.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Ford Kuga
Date: June 2024
Recall number: R/2024/260
Model types: Kuga plug-in hybrid models
Build dates: 01/2020 to 10/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 1,153
Defect: A recent update to the Power Control Module (PCM) software could result in the vehicle shifting into neutral and coasting to a stop. The subsequent limp-home mode results in unintended acceleration or ‘supercreep’.
Remedy: Update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software.
Date: March 2024
Recall number: R/2024/141
Model types: All Kuga models
Build dates: 11/2022 to 01/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 1,136
Defect: A small number of vehicles on which the fuel injectors may crack and leak. In the event of an injector failing this may result in fuel accumulating on the top of the engine. The accumulation of fuel could become the catalyst for a fire due to the proximity to the exhaust system and lack of an escape route for the leaking fuel.
Remedy: The dealer will fit a specially developed drain tube which will safely drain any leaking fuel away from hot surfaces like the cylinder head or exhaust. Also the vehicle software will be updated which will allow any drop in fuel pressure to be detected. This software will reduce the power of the engine if a drop in fuel pressure is detected and a warning light will be illuminated in the instrument cluster.
Date: February 2024
Recall number: R/2023/341
Model types: All Kuga models
Build dates: 01/2021 to 09/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 5,154
Defect: The steering gear could potentially develop excessive movement. Over time a wear condition may manifest in an audible noise increased steering efforts and the steering wheel not returning to the centre position. In rare circumstances if the issue of noise increased steering efforts and the steering wheel not returning to the centre position are not addressed the excessive movement in the steering gear may lead to the pinion shaft becoming disconnected from the steering rack.
Remedy: Replace affected components.
Date: February 2024
Recall number: R/2023/175
Model types: All
Build dates: 07/2019 to 12/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 24,762
Defect: Engine failure that may lead to a breach of the engine oil sump or engine block.
Remedy: Software update.
Date: March 2023
Recall number: R/2023/080
Model types: All
Build dates: 07/2019 to 12/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 13,671
Defect: In the event of a fuel injector failing this will potentially cause a fuel leak.
Remedy: A drain tube will need to be installed to allow safe passage of the fuel away from hot surfaces in the event of a leak occurring. Also the dealer will perform a PCM software update that will reduce the engine power if a drop in fuel pressure is detected and a warning light will be illuminated to make the user aware.
Date: February 2023
Recall number: R/2023/042
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2022 to 07/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 142
Defect: A small number of vehicles may be fitted with tyres that do not meet the high specification expected.
Remedy: Conduct a visual inspection of the summer tyres to identify known and specific build codes. If, after inspecting the vehicle, a tyre(s) is identified as one of the known specific build numbers that falls in the suspect build range the Dealer will replace the affected tyre free of charge.
Date: November 2022
Recall number: R/2022/325
Model types: All Kuga models
Build dates: 04/2021 to 11/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 2,359
Defect: Some Kuga vehicles with a panoramic roof may have a fixed glass panel with poor adhesion to the roof frame assembly. As a result there is a possibility that the fixed glass panel could detach during driving causing a hazard to vehicle occupants and other road users.
Remedy: Check the panoramic roof frame If an affected date is present the fixed glass roof panel will need to be removed to inspect the integrity of the adhesive. If the adhesive is found to be compromised a new roof frame assembly will need to be installed.
Date: October 2022
Recall number: R/2022/304
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2019 to 04/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 35
Defect: The lower front seatbelt bolt may not be correctly tightened to specification.
Remedy: Inspect and re-torque the front lower seatbelt bolts to specification.
Date: July 2022
Recall number: R/2022/239
Model types: All Kuga models
Build dates: 02/2022 to 06/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 9,388
Defect: It may be possible that the eCall feature will stop functioning due to a malfunction.
Remedy: The Telecommunication Module will need to be replaced.
Date: July 2022
Recall number: R/2022/231
Model types: All Kuga models
Build dates: 01/2020 to 07/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 16,155
Defect: Under certain operating conditions an oil and/or fuel vapour leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in an engine compartment or vehicle fire localized melting or smoke.
Remedy: Modification of the engine undertray and active grill assemblies.
Date: July 2022
Recall number: R/2022/167
Model types: Kuga plug-in hybrid models
Build dates: 07/2020 to 04/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 760
Defect: A number of Kuga PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) have a High Voltage (HV) battery that may have an internal fault with one of the battery arrays causing overheating.
Remedy: A new HV battery must be installed.
Date: April 2022
Recall number: R/2022/171
Model types: All Kuga models
Build dates: 02/2020 to 02/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 9,818
Defect: Certain vehicles could have an engine oil separator that may have been damaged prior to engine assembly.
Remedy: Inspect the engine oil separator and if found to be damaged and/or leaking a replacement engine oil separator must be installed.
Date: February 2022
Recall number: R/2022/003
Model types: Kuga plug-in hybrid models
Build dates: 02/2020 to 09/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 14
Defect: A battery may have an incorrectly positioned/welded busbar in one of the battery arrays.
Remedy: Install a new High Voltage battery.
Date: May 2021
Recall number: R/2021/177
Model types: All
Build dates: 07/2019 to 02/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 100
Defect: Vehicles may have an issue with the current software that controls the functionality of the eCall system.
Remedy: Carry out a software update.
Date: December 2020
Recall number: R/2020/317
Model types: Kuga plug-in hybrid models
Build dates: 01/2020 to 09/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 2,326
Defect: Particle contamination can cause internal short circuiting of high-voltage battery cells.
Remedy: The HV battery pack will be replaced on affected vehicles.
Date: September 2020
Recall number: R/2020/224
Model types: All
Build dates: 07/2019 to 09/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 5,046
Defect: The HV battery pack can overheat and result in the venting of hot gas which can ignite vehicle components or in extreme cases the entire vehicle.
Remedy: To prevent a vehicle fire the vehicles should not be charged using the external charging cable and the vehicles should only be driven using the default Auto EV mode only.
Date: September 2020
Recall number: R/2020/214
Model types: All
Build dates: 11/2019 to 06/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 1
Defect: The Fuel Operated Heater could start inadvertently.
Remedy: New SYNC system software must be applied.
Date: July 2020
Recall number: R/2020/196
Model types: All
Build dates: 07/2019 to 07/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 30,202
Defect: The High Voltage Battery Control Charger Module (BCCM) connector may be damaged.
Remedy: An inspection of the BCCM is required to confirm an undamaged connector. If a failed inspection occurs the vehicle must be reworked with a replacement BCCM and charge cable.
As of October 2024, there have been 18 DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the current-generation Ford Kuga, addressing various different issues. Four recalls are specific to plug-in hybrid models.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Ford dealer.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Kuga, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 42 mpg | D | 41 – 43 mpg | C – D |
| Diesel models | 52 mpg | B | 46 – 57 mpg | B – C |
| Plug-in hybrid models | 302 mpg | A | 202 – 314 mpg | A – A |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 152 g/km | B | 145 – 156 g/km | B – B |
| Diesel models | 140 g/km | B | 123 – 160 g/km | A – C |
| Plug-in hybrid models | 22 g/km | A | 21 – 32 g/km | A – A |
| Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Plug-in hybrid models | 42 miles | D | 35 – 42 miles | D – E |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 22 | A | 17 – 22 | A – A |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £229 | B |
| Year 2 | £527 | B |
| Year 3 | £860 | B |
| Year 4 | £1,109 | B |
| Year 5 | £1,463 | B |
| Overall | £4,188 | B |
The Ford Kuga should be an affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life running cost data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
The plug-in hybrid model boost the overall range averages quite a lot, as its fuel economy and emissions figures are flattered by the useless UK/EU government lab test protocols. Under normal driving circumstances, you’ll never travel 302 miles on one gallon (4.5 litres) of petrol and some electricity…
Servicing and insurance costs are competitive as well, so you shouldn’t have to dread either of those annual bills.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Ford Kuga has received
2021
- UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Medium Crossover
- What Car? Awards – Best Plug-In Hybrid for Long Distances
- What Car? EV Awards – Best Hybrid Large SUV
- News UK Motoring Awards – Best Family Car
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
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 | Suzuki S-Cross | Toyota C-HR | Vauxhall Grandland X | Volkswagen Tiguan
Buy a Ford Kuga
If you’re looking to buy a new or used Ford Kuga, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car
Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple. Find out more
Discover great deals available on both new and used cars. Find out more
Search for your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more
Lease a Ford Kuga
If you’re looking to lease a new Ford Kuga, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal
Personal contract hire deals from Leasing.com. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Rivervale Leasing. Find out more
Subscribe to a Ford Kuga
If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help (What’s a car subscription?)
Car subscriptions from Wagonex.
Find out more
Car subscriptions from DriveFuze.
Find out more
Car subscriptions from Cocoon.
Find out more
