Ford Kuga Review
Built on the same underpinnings as the Ford Focus, the 2022 Ford Kuga makes yet another stunning addition to the luxury SUV class. Having sold more than 15,000 models in the first half of 2022 alone, this led the Ford Kuga to come 9th in the UK’s best sellers list.
If you’re looking for an alternative to the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, Volkswagen Tiguan or Vauxhall Grandland, the Ford Kuga makes for a strong contender, and here’s why.
Engines
The 2022 Ford Kuga is available as a Plug-in Hybrid, a Full Hybrid or EcoBoost petrol engine, to cater to both the evolving electric market, and to customers who prefer a standard petrol engine.
Here’s an overview of what you can expect from each engine type:
2.5L Plug-In Hybrid
- Petrol/Electric
- CVT Automatic
- 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds
- 282 – 257 MPG
- Overall range 37 - 39 miles
- Maximum towing ability - 1500KG
2.5L Full Hybrid
- Petrol/Electric
- CVT Automatic
- 0-62mph in 9.1 seconds
- 48.7 - 51.4 MPG
- Maximum towing ability - 1600KG
1.5L Ecoboost
- Petrol
- 6-speed manual
- 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds
- 40.9 - 42.8 MPG
- Maximum towing ability - 1800KG
Ford Kuga Models
Kuga Zetec
Key features
- 17” Shadow Silver alloy wheels
- Halogen Projector Headlamps with LED day time running lamps
- Privacy glass, silver roof rails, rear spoiler and twin exhausts
- Ford SYNC3 with DAB audio system and Navigation, embedded modem, App link, Android and mobile phone charging pad
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Pre-Collision Assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking
Kuga Titanium Edition
Key features (additional to Zetec)
18” Machined alloy wheels
Full LED Headlamps
10 way power adjustable driver’s seat
Hands-free Power Tailgate
Full digital colour 12.3” instrument cluster
B&O Premium audio system
Rear View Camera
Kuga ST-Line Edition
Key features (additional to Titanium Edition)
18” Rock Metallic alloy wheels
ST-Line body styling kit with large rear spoiler
Black roof rails and red brake calipers
Partial premium Sensico sports seats with red stitching
Flat bottom steering wheel
Alloy pedals
Kuga ST-Line X Edition
Key features (additional to ST-Line Edition)
- 19” Machined alloy wheels
- Power opening panorama roof
- Heated front and rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
Kuga Vignale
Key features (additional to Titanium Edition)
19” Luster Nickel alloy wheels
Vignale body kit and metallic paint
Full Vignale Premium Leather seat trim
Heated front and rear seats
Heated steering wheel
Reliability & Safety
The Ford Kuga gained a 5 star rating from Euro NCAP, Europe's leading independent safety organisation.
Notably, the Kuga was praised for having a ‘good balance between Driver Engagement and Vehicle Assistance with a robust Safety Backup.’
Some of the best safety technologies integrated into the Kuga to help protect you, your family and other road users include:
- -Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection
- -Local Hazard Information
- -Emergency Brake Assist
- -Electronic Stability Control
Space / luggage capacity
In terms of interior space, passengers will have more than enough room in the rear to get comfortable. You definitely get more room than in the Citroen C5 Aircross, and the only rivals who come close to matching the rear space are the Skoda Kodiaq and Honda CR-V.
Room in the front is a little less forgiving, however. The Kia Sorento and again, Skoda Kodiaq are better in this department although the Kuga’s high roofline does give passengers plenty of head room.
Boot space is average in comparison to most other SUVs, but doesn’t give you nearly as much room as you’ll find in the Honda CR-V or Peugeot 5008. That being said, you do get an electric tailgate with any trim level above the Zetec, and the boot comes in a practical square shape, without any wheel arch intrusions.