On paper, the new Ford Kuga (aka the Escape in the U.S.) has everything it takes to compete against the best in its class.
The latest version of Ford’s SUV comes with sharp looks and the company’s latest tech. The cabin is big enough for hauling a family, although not as big compared to rivals like the Skoda Kodiaq.
The interior mixes soft-touch materials with hard plastics and the dashboard has a distinctive design that’s compromising its ergonomics in certain places. The SYNC3 infotainment system offers clear graphics and all the options you could want from an SUV of this class.
Engine choices include a 1.5-liter EcoBoost petrol with 120hp, 150hp and 180hp, a 1.5-liter TDCi diesel with 120hp and a 2.0-liter TDCi diesel with either 150 or 180hp. You can get a six-speed automatic transmission with the petrol engines and a PowerShift dual-clutch unit with the diesels.
The rather firm suspension of the Kuga isn’t ideal at low speeds, while the claimed sporty character doesn’t translate into a fun driving experience, according to Carwow’s review.
With the segment being a hot-contested one, the Ford Kuga has to tick a lot of boxes to make it into customers’ buying list. So, does it? Find out the answer in the following video.