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By Jonathan Crouch

The improved version of Ford's third generation Kuga has sharpened up its act. Jonathan Crouch checks it out.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 64

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.

Backgroundword count: 167

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 Experienceword count: 342

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.

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