Buyer’s guide to the 2023 Ford Kuga

Buyer’s guide to the 2023 Ford Kuga

Ford’s roomiest SUV has lots to offer

SUVs are big business now at Ford, and it’s these models that now sell better than traditionally popular options like the Fiesta and Focus. 

You’ve got the choice of the Ecosport, Puma and Ford’s largest SUV in the UK – the Kuga. Ideal for families thanks to its spaciousness and flexibility, the Kuga also offers modern styling inside and out and offers great value for money. 

Let’s take a look at what the 2023 Ford Kuga has to offer. 

What engines are available?

Ford has slimmed down the Kuga’s engine choice in recent years, with customers now having the option of one petrol, one hybrid and one plug-in hybrid. All cars are front-wheel-drive, too. 

Kicking things off is the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. It kicks out 148bhp, allowing for a 0-60mph time of 9.5 seconds, with Ford claiming up to 42.2mpg.

If you’d prefer a hybrid, there’s a choice of a ‘self-charging’ or a plug-in model. Each revolves around a 2.5-litre petrol engine, with the regular hybrid producing 187bhp, allowing for a 0-60mph time of 8.8 seconds and fuel economy of up to 50.4mpg. 

The plug-in hybrid model gets a more powerful electric motor that takes the power up to a combined 222bhp while a larger 14.4kWh battery allows up to 40 miles of electric driving at a time. If you make the most of the electricity, there’s scope for very low running costs, with Ford claiming up to 282.5mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 22g/km. 

What trim levels are offered?

Ford offers five different trim options on the Kuga, with equipment highlights and pricing as follows. 

Zetec – from £30,755

All Kuga models come with plenty of equipment, with the entry-level Zetec featuring 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors and air conditioning. It also features keyless start, a heater windscreen, cruise control and lane keep assist. An eight-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also included. 

Titanium Edition – from £32,655

Upgrade to the Titanium Edition and it adds 18-inch alloy wheels, full LED headlights, an electric boot and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It also brings a 10-speaker B&O sound system, reversing camera, keyless entry and an electric driver’s seat. 

ST-Line Edition – from £34,455

The ST-Line Edition majors on sportiness, and brings a bespoke bodykit, extended rear spoiler and black roof rails. Electric folding door mirrors are also included along with red brake calipers and sports suspension.

ST-Line X Edition – from £35,910

This ‘X’ grade boasts larger 19-inch alloy wheels, as well as a panoramic sunroof. 

Vignale – from £37,210

At the top of the line-up is the Vignale, which boasts bespoke 19-inch alloy wheels, a Vignale bodykit, as well as full leather upholstery.

What about personalisation?

In addition to engines and trims, there’s plenty of scope for personalisation. For starters, there are eight colours on offer, including the excellent Lucid Red. You can also specify different alloys, with wheels of up to 20 inches on offer. A ‘Black Package’ is also available, bringing full gloss black styling and accents to give the model a stealthier finish. 

Other option packages available include the Technology Pack, which brings upgraded LED headlights and a head-up display, as well as a Driver’s Assistance Pack that brings park assist, adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring.

Enquire on a new Ford Kuga