The improved version of Ford's third generation Kuga has sharpened up its act. Jonathan Crouch checks it out.
Ten Second Review
Ford's third generation Kuga got an important update for the 2024 model year and features further useful detail changes for 2026. Notably the brand's clever BlueCruise system. This builds on attributes like the smart, well connected cabin. And this mid-sized SUV's decent towing and off road capability. Overall,if you're shopping in this sector, this is still a car you very much need to consider.
Background
It took Ford a long time to come up with a truly class-competitive range of SUVs. But with the company's model line-up now almost completely made up of combustion or EV cars of this type, it surely needs that now. Here, we're looking at the updated version of the third generation mid-sized Kuga; which sits just above the little Puma and was originally introduced in 2020, then significantly updated in 2024 prior to the detail 2026 model year changes that have brought us the car we're going to look at here.
The Kuga model line dates back to the first generation C394-series car of 2008, which was then updated with a MK2 C520-series design in 2014. This MK3 version introduced Hybrid and PH EV power to Kuga customers and continues on that theme here. It's 'C2' Focus-derived platform doesn't allow for a full-EV version - and doesn't need to because Ford now has its electric Explorer model to fill that niche in this part of the market.
Driving Experience
Ford upgraded the mechical specification of this third generation Kuga in 2025. The availability of four-wheel drive had drifted out of the pre-facelift version of this MK3 Kuga but as part of the 2025 update, it returned as an option for the 180PS Hybrid (FHEV) powertrain (which boosted power fractionally to 183PS). Unfortunately, you still can't have 4WD on the still front-driven-only PHEV variant, but that model did get a more powerful electric motor as part of the mid-term update (taking total power to 243PS) and a 14.4kWh battery allowing for a more class-competitive EV driving range (almost 43 miles). What the line-up really needed though, was a more efficient replacement for the entry-level 150PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol unit - a unit which continues unchanged. Diesel drifted out of the pre-facelift line-up just after launch and hasn't returned.
Thrashing around for a unique Kuga selling point, Ford has seized upon towing capability, engineering Hybrid and PHEV versions of this car to tow up to 2,100kg, a best-in-class figure. For reference, a Volkswagen Tiguan can tow up to 2,000kg, Kia's Sportage just 1,500kg. Special sat nav functionality allows owners to enter the dimensions of their car and trailer, then the software will plan a route avoiding low bridges tight corners: neat.
The other reason you might choose a Kuga is much as before: it remains one of the more engaging mid-sized SUVs to drive. Which means you can make the most of the quite eager performance: engage the sportiest drive mode and the 4WD Hybrid makes 62mph in 8.3 seconds, nearly half a second quicker than the front-driven Hybrid version. It's manual transmission only for the base 1.5. All other Kugas get a CVT automatic.
Off-road ability is better than the class norm - or at least it is if you opt for the 'Active' variant, which has a ride height raised by 10mm at the front and 5mm at the rear. This version also gains an extra 'Trail' driving mode, which optimises traction control and throttle response for progress on different surfaces.
Design and Build
If you're unfamiliar with the visual changes introduced as part of this MK3 Kuga's 2025 update, you'll find that they go a little further than the usual facelift wash and brush-up. Compared to the original version of this third generation design, the most obvious differences are at the front, which features smarter headlamps and a reprofiled grille. As before, the front end look varies quite a bit with trim choice; chrome for 'Titanium' spec and body-coloured accents for the 'ST Line' variants. The top 'ST Line X' further adds red brake calipers.
Arguably of greater significance were the updates made inside as part of the 2025 update. As part of the media upgrade to its SYNC4 infotainment set-up, Ford added a much larger 13.2-inch central touchscreen. It has fewer physical buttons flanking the monitor and includes cloud-based navigation, over-the-air updates, a 5G data connection and wireless 'Apple CarPlay and 'Android Auto', along with Amazon Alexa. The 12.3-inch digital instrument display you view through the wheel was also new for the mid-term update, featuring graphics that change with the selected drive mode. Not so good is the fact that all physical climate controls (bar the windscreen demister) been moved to the central touchscreen. That demister's function button now sits alongside the switchgear that was previously on the centre console (for the rear view camera and drive modes). Which has freed up space for an extra centre console cubby.
As before, for rear seat passengers, the entire second row of seats can be moved backwards for best-in-class 1,035mm rear legroom, or forwards to increase boot space by 67-litres. A remote release function enables the second row to be folded flat with ease. Out back, there's a 475-litre boot (it's 411-litres with the PHEV model), which can be extended to 1,534-litres (1,481-litres PHEV).
Market and Model
Pricing theoretically start from around £33,000, but that's for the entry-level 'Titanium' version hardly anyone will want because it comes only with the base 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine and base trim. More typical Kuga models are priced in the £38,000-£43,000 bracket and are available in 'ST-Line', 'ST-Line X', 'Active' and 'Active X' forms. There are also top 'ST-Line X Black Package' and 'Sound Edition' versions. The base 1.5-litre unit is the only one available with manual transmission.
As for equipment, base 'Titanium' spec gets you the basics: 17-inch alloy wheels, full-LED headlamps, LED tail lamps, silver roof rails, power-folding mirrors, rear privacy glass, keyless entry, a 'Quickclear' heated windscreen, cruise control, all-round parking sensors and a rear view camera. Inside, you get the full media upgrade - a 13-inch SYNC4 centre touchscreen and a 12.3-inch instrument cluster. Plus Electronic Automatic Temperature Control and second row sliding seats.
All other Kuga models get black roof rails, a hands-free powered tailgate, a 360-degree camera, extra camera safety features and power-adjustable front seats. The 'Active' version gets active lifted suspension. The most popular version will be the 'ST-Line' grade, which gets 18-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers, sports suspension, a body styling kit and power-adjustable Sensico-upholstered sports seats with black neosuede inserts and red stitching. 'ST-Line X'-spec adds larger 19-inch wheels, a power-opening panorama roof and heat for the front and rear seats and steering wheel. There's also a 700W B&O Premium audio system, which is also fitted at 'Active X' level.
Avoid 'Titanium' spec with your Kuga and Ford will include its latest 'BlueCruise' system. This is a 'hands-off, eyes-on' technology that allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel when travelling in designated Blue Zones. These zones now cover
approximately 95 per cent of motorways across 16 markets in Europe. Building on the capabilities of the Kuga's Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control set-up, BlueCruise actively manages steering, acceleration, braking, and lane positioning. The system maintains a
safe distance from other vehicles and can operate at motorway speeds as well as in stop-and-go traffic.
Cost of Ownership
Obviously, the ultimate option in terms of efficiency is the Plug-in Hybrid 2.5 Duratec PHEV version, which records an official WLTP fuel figure of up to 313.9mpg and a WLTP-rated CO2 reading of up to 21g/km. That's provided you keep the battery fully charged, which takes three and a half hours from a 7.4kW wallbox or six hours from a domestic socket. As you might expect, the 2.5 Hybrid is next up in terms of effeciency, managing up to 46.6mpg and up to 123g/km of CO2 in front-driven form. The Hybrid 4WD version manages up to 47.1mpg and 133g/km. The conventional 1.5 EcoBlue 150PS front-driven version manages up to 42.2mpg and a best of 145g/km of CO2.
As for other stuff you'll need to know, well these days, the three year/60,000 mile Ford warranty looks pretty unremarkable, but in the first year, you do get unlimited mileage UK and European roadside cover and unlimited paint cover. There's also a 12 year unlimited mileage perforation warranty. There's also the 'Ford Service App' that you can download to your phone for free. It lets you locate your nearest dealer to make maintenance bookings, plus as a bonus, the app can help you find petrol stations and even has a 'Park Me' feature that remembers where you left the car, to save hunting for it in busy multi-storeys.
Summary
This MK3 Kuga has been progressively improved across its lifetime, with extra quality, technology and personality. All of which is much-needed given the stiiff competition in the segment for combustion-based mid-sized SUVs. We particularly like the BlueCruise semi-autonomous drive set-up and the sophisticated SYNC4 infotainment system, which sits in the now much more appealing cabin.
As for engineering, well as before the returns of the base 1.5-litre variant and the Hybrid version are bettered by obvious rivals, but the PHEV model's now class-competitive. And Ford's emphasis on towing capability will strike a chord with quite a few likely customers. As will the more SUV-orientated 'Active' version. In summary then, it's clear that the Blue Oval brand now means business when it comes to this class of SUV. And if you doubt that, then you need to try this one.
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