Ford's updated the Kuga SUV with fresh new looks and a more modern interior, but waves goodbye to diesel power.
Ford has just revealed an updated version of the Kuga SUV. This Motorpoint favourite now sports a whole new look, a new suite of infotainment technology and some important changes to the engine lineup. Here's what you need to know.
Exterior changes
The big news is the Kuga's new face. The updated model has thinner, more angular headlights that house sharp-looking daytime running lights. These headlights aren't just better looking, they should be brighter too – LED headlights are now standard on all models, with the option to upgrade to 'dynamic pixel LED' units, which can help block out other cars from your main beam so you don't dazzle them. They can also use GPS data to help illuminate road signs, junctions, corners and roundabouts.
Ford's joined the lightbar craze by linking the Kuga's headlights with a thin illuminated strip, nestled atop a more angular front grille. As with the recent Focus and Fiesta facelifts, the Kuga's Ford badge has slipped down its nose onto the centre of the grille like a pair of wayward spectacles.
Changes to the rear of the car are fairly minimal and, as usual, you can get the new Kuga with a sportier bodykit on the ST-Line and ST-Line X models. New colours include the Desert Island Blue and Bursting Green shades you can see in our photos.
What's new inside?
Infotainment, mostly. The facelifted Kuga gets Ford's Sync 4 infotainment system and a huge 13.2-inch screen on the dashboard, linked to digital dials behind the steering wheel. As well as sharper graphics and snappier response times, the Sync 4 system features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it even has Alexa built-in. Perfect for turning your smart lights off as you head to work.
Driver assist systems are improved on the new Kuga, too. The adaptive cruise control can now slow you down for upcoming corners and junctions, and a new 360-degree camera system should help take the pain out of parking.
Goodbye diesel, hello more powerful hybrids
Ford's slimmed down the Kuga's engine range. There are no diesel options and the only pure-combustion option is the 1.5-litre, 150hp EcoBoost petrol with a manual gearbox and front-wheel drive.
More attention has been given to the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, with boosts to acceleration and significantly increased towing capacities, which now go up to 2,100kg on a braked trailer. You can choose from a 2.5-litre petrol 'self-charging' hybrid with either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive and about 180hp, or a 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid with 243hp and about 37 miles of electric-only range. The PHEV dashes from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds now – nearly two seconds faster than the pre-facelift model.
Finally, Ford's added an Active version of the Kuga to the range. This version gets some plastic cladding around the wheel arches and 10mm raised suspension up front, with a 5mm lift at the back. It also adds a Trail driving mode to help find grip on slippery surfaces.
2024 Ford Kuga price and release date
The 2024 Ford Kuga will go on sale in the UK in January 2024, costing from £32,080 for an entry-level Titanium model. An Active model will set you back £38,955, while a range-topping ST-Line X with the PHEV powertrain will cost £42,455.
