2025 Ford Kuga Review: Is It Worth Buying After the Focus Discontinuation?
Ford has recently discontinued the Focus, a car that dominated the UK market for nearly a decade. With the Fiesta also retired after 12 years of top-selling status, questions arise about the future of the Ford Kuga. Is it the next model in danger, or does it still have a reason to exist?
In this review, we analyze the 2025 Ford Kuga’s design, performance, interior, practicality, and value to help you decide whether it deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Exterior Design
Ford gave the Kuga a facelift last year to keep it modern. The Active trim, designed to look rugged, comes with the following updates:
New front grille and badge, considered an improvement over competitors like Audi
Light bar across the front
Silvery accents and cladding on wheel arches
Slightly raised suspension for better comfort
18-inch alloy wheels standard, with optional 20-inch sportier wheels
Observations:
Headlamps often have condensation, affecting appearance
Rear design remains relatively unchanged and looks slightly dated
Traditional door handles and exhaust pipes retain a classic charm
The Active trim aims for a rugged look but doesn’t fully compete with futuristic designs from Kia or other newer SUVs.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, Ford has updated the Kuga with a more modern cabin:
Large infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Digital driver display
Optional heads-up display (old-fashioned panel style)
Practical storage solutions: sliding armrest, cup holders, door bins, glove box, and under-seat storage
Pros:
Modern infotainment and connectivity
Comfortable sun visors and vanity mirrors
Good headroom and foot space in the front and rear
Cons:
Some plastics feel cheap, including fake wood on the dashboard
Climate controls integrated into the infotainment screen, harder to adjust while driving
Back seats are tight for three adults
Rear door bins’ angle can cause bottles to slide dangerously
Engine Options and Performance
Ford has updated the Kuga’s engine lineup, dropping diesel entirely. Available options:
| Engine Type | Configuration | Power | Drivetrain | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 L Turbo Petrol | Standard petrol | Moderate | FWD | Entry-level |
| 2.5 L Petrol + Electric | Plug-in hybrid | High | AWD | PHEV, requires caution due to past battery recall (up to 2023) |
| 2.5 L Petrol + Electric | Standard hybrid | Moderate | AWD | Smooth hybrid, good performance |
Performance Observations:
0-60 mph in 7.09 seconds (faster than Ford’s official 8.3 seconds claim)
Excellent braking: 60-0 mph in 33 meters
Sport mode activation is slightly cumbersome through screen cycling
The Kuga’s hybrid system works well in town, offering smooth starts and minimal jerks. However, the CVT gearbox produces noticeable noise under acceleration.
Driving Experience
The Kuga is fun to drive for a family SUV:
Raised Active trim provides a commanding view and better visibility
Handling is balanced but suspension is firm, causing a jiggly ride on uneven roads
Turning circle: 11.4 meters
Pickup from 40-70 mph is adequate, but road surface sensitivity is noticeable
Compared to the Focus, the Kuga retains some fun factor but sacrifices smoothness due to its taller stance.
Practicality and Space
Boot Space
Seats fully back and reclined: 412 liters
Seats can slide forward for more space
Rear seats fold easily via levers in the boot
Underload bay storage for spare wheel, 12V socket, tie-down points
Rear Seat Comfort
Adjustable recline for better comfort
Adequate headroom and foot space for two adults
Tight for three adults across the back row
Child Seat Installation
ISOFIX anchor points exposed and easy to use
Doors open wide enough for access
Some adjustments required due to interior protrusions
Features to Consider
Pros:
Built-in door protectors prevent parking dents
Thin, removable load cover makes loading easier
Easy surround-view camera access
Digital and acoustic glass reduce wind noise
Rated 7th out of 50 in 2025 Driver Power Owner Satisfaction Survey
Cons:
Three-year warranty shorter than many competitors
Plug-in hybrid had past battery recall issues
Active trim sills expose the door area, leading to dirt accumulation
Bonnet release requires double action
Door handles can pinch fingers
Final Verdict
Should you buy the Ford Kuga?
Consider it if you want a stylish SUV with decent driving performance and modern features
Limitations include firm suspension, tight rear seats, and high pricing compared to rivals
Alternatives like Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai may offer better value and comfort
The Ford Kuga remains a competent family SUV but does not yet replace the charm and practicality of the Focus.
2025 Ford Kuga Review FAQs
Is the Ford Kuga discontinued like the Ford Focus?
No, the Ford Kuga is still on sale. Even though Ford has discontinued popular models like the Focus and Fiesta, the Kuga continues to receive updates and facelifts, which suggests Ford still sees value in keeping it in the lineup for now.
Why did Ford keep the Kuga despite strong competition?
Ford has kept the Kuga because it still performs reasonably well in sales and appeals to buyers who want a practical family SUV. It also competes in a segment that remains popular, even with strong rivals from Kia, Nissan, and other brands.
What changes were made in the latest Ford Kuga facelift?
The facelift brought a new front grille, updated Ford badge, light bar, refreshed infotainment system, and subtle exterior tweaks. The Active trim also adds rugged styling elements like cladding and raised suspension.
Does the Ford Kuga still offer a diesel engine?
No, diesel engines are no longer available on the Ford Kuga. The current lineup consists of petrol engines and hybrid options, including self charging hybrids and a plug in hybrid.
What engine options are available on the Ford Kuga?
The entry level Kuga uses a 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine. Higher variants get a 2.5 litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor. Buyers can choose between a plug in hybrid or a standard hybrid, with four wheel drive available only on the hybrid version.
How quick is the Ford Kuga hybrid in real world driving?
Although Ford claims a 0 to 60 mph time of 8.3 seconds, real world testing showed the Kuga hybrid achieving the sprint in around 7.09 seconds, making it quicker than expected for a family SUV.
Is the Ford Kuga comfortable for rear seat passengers?
The rear seats offer good headroom, legroom, and the ability to slide and recline. Comfort is good for two adults, but space becomes tight when carrying three passengers due to limited shoulder room.
How practical is the Ford Kuga boot?
With the rear seats fully reclined, the boot offers 412 litres of space. Sliding the seats forward significantly increases luggage capacity, and folding the seats from the boot adds further convenience.
Are there any known reliability issues with the Ford Kuga?
Some plug in hybrid Kuga models built up to 2023 were recalled in Europe due to battery related issues. Newer models are not affected. The Kuga ranked seventh out of fifty cars in the 2025 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey for reliability.
Is the Ford Kuga good to drive compared to rivals?
The Kuga offers balanced handling, good steering feel, and a surprisingly fun driving character for an SUV. However, its suspension can feel firm and slightly jiggly on uneven roads, especially compared to smoother rivals.
Should you buy the Ford Kuga in 2025?
The Ford Kuga is worth considering if you want a practical hybrid SUV with good performance and strong safety features. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai often offer better pricing, longer warranties, and greater overall value.
