Ford Kuga evaluate | Auto Categorical

In order for you one other mid-size SUV that’s as partaking to drive because the Ford, you’ll must look in direction of the likes of the BMW X3. Nonetheless, this sits on the premium finish of the market, which implies a much more important beginning worth of over £50,000. 

Efficiency, 0-60mph acceleration and prime pace

The 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine offers 148bhp and 240Nm of torque, and manages the 0-62mph dash in 9.7 seconds, with a prime pace of 121mph. 

Subsequent up is the two.5-litre FHEV hybrid, with the front-wheel-drive mannequin producing 178bhp and 200Nm of torque. Choosing the ST-Line X provides the choice of four-wheel drive, and this produces the identical quantity of torque, however with a little bit extra energy at 181bhp. The FWD automobile will get from 0-62mph in 9.1 seconds, whereas the 4WD mannequin is a little bit faster at 8.3 seconds. Each prime out at 122mph.  

The quickest Kuga is the 240bhp 2.5-litre PHEV plug-in hybrid, which completes the identical dash in 7.3 seconds and romps on to a prime pace of 125mph.

Ford has fitted selectable driving modes as normal, so you’ll be able to cycle between settings designed to cater for eco, sporty and off-road driving. Naturally, you’ll need the four-wheel-drive mannequin in order for you the very best efficiency within the tough stuff. That mentioned, the Energetic trim’s raised journey peak makes it the higher possibility for conquering (barely) rougher terrain.

City driving, visibility and parking

Though there’s no mistaking the Kuga’s dimension from behind the wheel, the superb all-round visibility helps stop any main mishaps when squeezing by narrower gaps. There was the odd event the place the vehicles’ A-pillars did show a little bit obstructive throughout testing, however this was a reasonably minor and rare frustration.