Ford Kuga

SUV practicality, Focus underpinnings, plug-in hybrid tech: is this another Ford hit? It’s been several years since the third-generation Ford Kuga launched, and it’s fair to say the model has been a big success for the brand’s European exploits.Back in 2019, it arrived as part of the brand's belated multi-pronged attack on the ever-growing SUV sector. With there having been a Kuga on the Blue Oval’s books since 2008, it was effectively the brand’s only credible crossover offering if you exclude the rather undercooked Ford Ecosport and Escape models.The second-generation car arrived in 2013 and was a product of the global ‘One Ford’ policy that meant it had to work as well in New York as it did Neasden.It has since grown in size, yet retained its predecessor’s ability to entertain its driver. After a slow start, sales finally took off, and in its last couple of years on sale, it finally hit its stride, becoming Ford’s biggest-selling SUV.The new Kuga still wins people over from the Nissan Qashqai, Volkswagen Tiguan and Peugeot 3008, all of which have outsold the model in the past, and the brand has since softened the car’s exterior design, made the interior more spacious and added economical mild and plug-in hybrids to the range. But is it enough for it to fire it up the rankings? We’ve put it through its paces in our in-depth road test to find out. Ford Kuga line-up at a glanceThe Ford Kuga comes with a versatile powertrain line-up, with several choices on offer. There are conventional internal combustion models, but drivers can also choose an electrified plug-in hybrid.The range opens with a 1.5-litre Ecoboost petrol engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. This version produces 147bhp and 177lb ft, with a 0-62mph sprint of 9.7sec. Drivers who want a bit of electrification can choose the 2.5-litre Duractc full-hybrid, with 187bhp and 147lb ft, plus a CVT automatic gearbox. It’s a touch faster than the Ecoboost, hitting 0-62mph in 9.1sec. At the top of the range is a 2.5-litre Duratec plug-in hybrid, with 221bhp, 147lb ft and up to 40 of range on electric-only power. Ford reckons this version is the most popular, accounting for a third of all sales. This is likely down to its favourable BIK rating and perceived savings on the road. There was a diesel option available at launch, but Ford axed this variant by the end of 2021 due to lack of sales.