Overview
Looking for a capable car on and off the road? The Kuga is a well-equipped option. It’s not bad looking either. With a cemented place in the market, it’s no exception to what you’d expect from Ford. It’s family-friendly, efficient and fun to drive.
What you need to know about the Ford Kuga
The Kuga underwent quite the facelift in 2012 when the Europe-only car was replaced by a global model. To appeal to a broader audience, driving dynamics changed somewhat. But that’s not all you’ll notice. The Kuga goes against the current trend – it’s more SUV than crossover and offers more four-wheel drive choices. Compared to its rivals, it’s more practical when the going gets rough.
There’s a competitive amount of kit as standard and a spacious interior. With alloys, hill hold, cruise control and the like, along with DAB radio Ford Sync voice control system and air con, as well as smart styling, it’s an easy 4x4 to admire. The top-spec X-Sport, with body kit for added ruggedness, is only likely to appeal to the more adventurous, though.
Not only has the Kuga improved efficiency, Ford have worked hard to live up to market expectations. The car boasts a large boot, decent leg room and a raised driving position.
What you need to watch out for
If you want the looks and appeal of the Focus, but as an off-roader, it’s hard to be disappointed with the Kuga. The smaller EcoSport and larger Edge will appeal to different audiences, but the Kuga remains the go-to model in the range. With the Kuga, practicality doesn’t come at the cost of style and spec. That’s something we applaud. In our review, all we were after was an EcoBoost engine option.
Other options
- SEAT Ateca
- Hyundai IX35
- Nissan X-Trail
Expert opinion
The driving experience of the Kuga is up to par with the tough standards set by rivals. If you spend more time off-road – but don’t want to lose out on niceties – it’s a great choice of car. See what you think of the range of Kugas available from Exchange & Mart today.