The US-spec 2023 Ford Escape debuted in October 2022, but its EU-spec twin has yet to benefit from a similar facelift. While the mid-lifecycle update is near, Ford introduced the Kuga Graphite Tech Edition which comes packed with equipment and is available with all the powertrain variants.
Visually, the Graphite Tech Edition is distinguished by the Grey Matter paint. Ford chose gray because it was the most popular color in Europe in 2022, accounting for 27% of new car sales. The model also comes standard with full LED headlights and the sporty ST-Line bodykit combined with gloss black 19-inch alloy wheels and red brake calipers. The optionally available Black Package adds even larger 20-inch alloy wheels and more black accents around the bodywork (roof, mirror caps, bumper intakes, and rear spoiler).
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Moving inside, the Kuga Graphite Tech Edition comes standard with all the ADAS goodies available in this generation, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System, Active Park Assist, plus a head-up display.
The new variant can be combined with the entire powertrain lineup including petrol, diesel, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. The latter was the best-selling PHEV in Europe in both 2021 and in 2022. Ford has already started taking orders for the Kuga Graphite Tech Edition in European markets, with the first deliveries scheduled for June.