Ford Capri review
The Ford Capri may have a controversial name, but it’s a refined and well-built EV
Our opinion on the Ford Capri
Lovers of the classic Ford Capri need not apply, but for everyone else, the latest Capri is a well executed mid-size electric SUV with a smart interior and impressive powertrains that are sourced from Volkswagen, but have been given a makeover by Ford’s engineers. There’s not much added substance over the closely related Ford Explorer beyond the Capri’s different exterior design, and it doesn’t offer a hugely engaging driving experience to go with the sporty styling. But if the Capri’s expressive exterior design floats your boat and you can stomach the high price tag, then there’s every reason to consider it.
About the Ford Capri
Sitting alongside the Explorer in Ford’s range, the electric Capri SUV adopts a sportier, more rakish look, which in places makes the most subtle nods to its fastback namesake. The slim grille is flanked by slightly squared-off headlights, plus there’s a thin blacked-out lighting strip at the back, and both hint to the classic Ford Capri, as do the rounded rear quarterlights ahead of the C-pillars – but some might find that the resulting profile has more than a whiff of Polestar 2 about it.
From a mechanical standpoint, Ford hasn’t created a ground-up EV like the Ford Mustang Mach-E; instead, the Capri is based on the Volkswagen Group MEB platform, just like the Explorer. This means that in some areas the Capri feels like a Ford, but in others the VW DNA can be easy to spot.
We've twin-tested the Ford Capri against the Cupra Tavascan and found the Capri beats the Tavascan for its better ride and handling balance, its nicely finished interior, and its impressive efficiency.
Ford Capri prices and latest deals
Pricing for the Ford Capri starts from around £37,000 for the Style model, thanks to the £1,500 Band 2 Electric Car Grant (ECG). That discount also applies to the 58kWh battery version of the Premium trim, which comes in around £41,000.
You can't get that grant with the Extended Range 79kWh battery pack, so a mid-range Select trim starts at just under £43,500. Those wanting four-wheel drive will need to step up to the top-of-the-range Premium trim and fork out over £52,000. These are the recommended retail prices, but you can try the Auto Express Buy A Car portal to find discounts from selected retailers.
Performance & driving experience
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It feels like Ford has pulled a fast one on the VW Group here, because for all the MEB SUVs that the German giant currently offers, the Capri delivers a better compromise between ride and handling balance than any of them.
Performance, 0-60mph acceleration and top speed
The single-motor Standard Range is the entry point and produces 187bhp and 350Nm of torque, which offers a 0-62mph of 8.0 seconds, which isn’t the fastest for an EV, but is quicker than most petrol SUVs of a similar size.
There’s then a big step up – in terms of power and price – to the Extended Range model. This Capri has a 282bhp single rear-mounted motor that produces a 0-62mph time of 6.4 seconds. It’s possible to go even quicker with the AWD Extended Range. This makes the most of a twin-motor set-up that produces 335bhp and 540Nm to allow for a 0-62mph time of just 5.3 seconds.
| Model | Power | 0-62mph | Top speed |
| Capri Style Standard Range | 187bhp | 8.0 seconds | 99mph |
| Capri Select Extended Range | 282bhp | 6.4 seconds | 111mph |
| Capri Premium Extended Range AWD | 335bhp | 5.3 seconds | 111mph |
Town driving, visibility and parking
We have tested the Capri on optional 21-inch alloy wheels, which are the biggest available. Despite this large diameter, plus the low-profile tyres, the Ford’s ride didn’t feel harsh. While it had a firmness to it overall – more so than you’d find from the Skoda Enyaq or VW ID.4, for example – the well judged damping prevented much in the way of crashiness or jostling inside the cabin.
Elsewhere, the controls are all neatly weighted and precise. While the transition between motor regeneration and mechanical braking is fairly slick, it’s a shame that the choices of deceleration are limited when you lift the accelerator. Select Sport mode, and you get a moderate level of retardation, but otherwise the choice is between almost complete freewheeling and heavy regen (plus an irritating adaptive mode, which we turned off, although only after plenty of burrowing through the infotainment sub-menus).
In this area, we much prefer the systems you’ll find on the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, whose steering wheel-mounted paddles allow the driver to much more precisely tailor the level of regeneration to their tastes.
Country road driving and handling
That braking gripe aside, the Capri drives very smartly for a car in this class. There are rivals that feel a touch more agile – the Renault Scenic is one example – and others, such as the Skoda Enyaq, which ride a little more softly. Yet few, if any, strike such a sweet balance between the two as the Ford. That quality of damping translates into great body control along an undulating road.
Body roll is well judged, and the suspension is firm enough to contain a fairly significant kerbweight (nearly 2.2 tonnes in the top-spec car), yet offers enough movement to show how the Capri is behaving as the tyres load up. The throttle is responsive but still linear, although if you’re a little too aggressive with the accelerator in cold, damp conditions, the front tyres will give up traction before the rears.
Motorway driving and long-distance comfort
Tyre roar is the most noticeable sound that you can hear at speed, but overall, the Capri is still a hushed environment for a motorway cruise. That firmer-than-average suspension set-up translates into great high-speed stability, too.
"As with VW, Ford offers two levels of regenerative braking, with the standard ‘D’ coming with very gentle regen akin to standard engine braking on an internal combustion engine (ICE) car, with ‘B’ increasing this to a more forceful level. It won’t bring you to a complete stop, mind." – Jordan Katsianis, senior staff writer
Range, charging & running costs
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Electric range, battery life and charge time
Obviously, the smaller-capacity 58kWh Standard Range model has the least driving range of the Capri line-up, with a WLTP range of 286 miles. Our recommended 79kWh Extended Range rear-wheel drive has a figure of 389 miles, while the extra weight of the dual-motor set-up used in the AWD model (along with its marginally reduced 77kWh battery capacity) manages 338 miles.
During our time testing the Extended Range rear-wheel drive model, we averaged 3.3 miles per kilowatt hour or around 260 miles of range. That’s something of a pessimistic view of what it can achieve, because the weather at the time was cold and damp, which clearly had an effect. Our previous experience testing MEB cars in warmer weather has seen range figures above 300 miles and efficiency closer to 4.0mi/kWh, and that was including lots of motorway miles. It’s a shame that a heat pump, which provides a more efficient way of heating the car in colder weather and helps to preserve your range, is only offered as an option; given the car’s price, we feel it should be standard.
Charging is at its best in the AWD model, where it reaches a peak charging speed of 185kW. With some battery preconditioning, the Capri will hit those speeds on a charger that can keep up, which meant that we found the claimed 27 minutes for a 10-80 per cent top up was entirely achievable. The 79kWh battery has a peak speed of 183kW, so its top-up time is similar at 29 minutes. The 58kWh car maxes out at 105kW, but its reduced capacity means it'll only take 26 minutes to take the battery from 10 to 80 per cent state of charge.
Utilise a typical 7kWh wallbox charger at home, and you can expect recharge times of around 9 hours for the 58kWh battery, 12 hours for the 77kWh battery, and 13 hours for the 79kWh battery.
| Model | Battery size | Range | Insurance group |
| Capri Standard Range | 58kWh | 286 miles | 23 |
| Capri Extended Range | 77kWh | 389 miles | 29 |
| Capri Extended Range AWD | 79kWh | 338 miles | 33 |
Insurance groups
The entry-level Ford Capri in Style trim sits in a low (for an electric car) grouping of 23, which is quite a bit less than the equivalent Volkswagen ID.5, which starts in group 28. The more powerful 282bhp 77kWh Extended Range Capri is in group 31, while the most potent four-wheel drive AWD version tops out in group 35. However, it’s worth noting that the platform-sharing Explorer is several insurance groups below its Capri equivalent across the line-up.
Tax
Unfortunately, electric cars such as the Capri are no longer exempt from vehicle excise duty (VED) charges, so it will attract a first-year VED rate of £10, rising to £200 per year thereafter. Most versions of the Capri cost less than the revised £50,000 luxury car tax threshold (increased from £40,000 and comes into effect from 1 April 2026, although it applies retrospectively to cars registered from 1 April 2025), and avoid the additional surcharge that applies from the second time the vehicle is taxed up until it is six years old. However, the top-of-the-range Premium Extended Range AWD (four-wheel drive) version is above this threshold and will be the most costly Capri to tax.
EVs would also be subject to an eVED pay-per-mile fee if that comes into force from April 2028 onwards.
Benefit-in-Kind company car tax is charged at the lowest four per cent rate for '26/'27, as per all EVs, but this rate will slowly increase year on year to seven per cent by '28/'29. This is still significantly lower than for most petrol or hybrid cars, though.
Depreciation
Depending on trim level, the Capri is predicted to hold on to between 44-51 per cent of its original value after three years or 36,000 miles, which isn't quite as good as its Ford Explorer sibling. It is better than the Skoda Enyaq Coupé (39-42 per cent), and much better than the Ford Mustang Mach-E (33 per cent).
To get an accurate valuation on a specific model check out our free car valuation tool...
Interior, design & technology
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A modern design and a well finished cabin make the Capri a nicer place to sit than many of the VW Group alternatives, although some of our complaints about the various MEB-based cars have been carried over here.
All versions come well equipped, with the Style trim getting 19-inch alloy wheels, LED lights front and rear, and a movable 14.6-inch portrait touchscreen.
Our preferred mid-range Select trim adds:
- Heated front seats
- An electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings and a massage function
- Wireless phone charging
Above this is the Collection, which comes in a unique shade of Tribute Blue paint, has a large rear spoiler, black 21-inch alloy wheels, and a contrasting black and blue interior. It also includes the Travel Pack with Frunk organiser, which is a £250 option on other trims, as standard.
The top-of-the-range Premium trim has larger 20-inch alloys, matrix-LED headlights, an electric tailgate with hands-free operation, a panoramic glass roof and an upgraded B&O sound system.
Ford’s renowned QuickClear windscreen isn’t available on the Capri, which is no doubt another side effect of its MEB platform.
Interior and dashboard design
The Capri’s cabin is identical to the Explorer's, so it’s neatly laid out without being flashy or irritating to use. It is modern and crisp, and makes the Mustang Mach-E feel a bit cheap. Some of the Capri’s shortcomings inside betray its VW Group origins. The most irritating is on the driver’s door, where there are just two electric-window switches; if you want to lower the rear windows, you need to press a touch-sensitive button labelled ‘Rear’, which then changes the function of the physical buttons. Why four buttons weren’t used instead still baffles us.
Materials and build quality
There was a time when Volkswagen could rightly claim to have the best-finished cabins in its class. It was slightly awkward, then, that the Skoda Enyaq appeared and felt much better finished than the equivalent ID.4.
Now, Ford has added to that awkwardness because the Capri feels like a nicer place to sit than the VW, too. But while the finish is impressive, it’s still not quite on the level of the fanciest cabin in the segment, which belongs to the Peugeot E-3008.
Infotainment, sat-nav and stereo
Ford infotainment systems have come on leaps and bounds in recent years, although in some areas, such as loading times, they still can’t quite live with the best around. The latest SYNC system in the Capri is among the manufacturer’s better attempts.
The large 14.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen means that all of the important features can occupy the display at the same time, so switching between modes is easy. Some functions, such as configuring the Capri’s various driver-assist systems and changing driving modes are more fiddly than they should be, though.
We have tested the Capri with the upgraded 10-speaker B&O sound system. We’ve found that at the more affordable end of the market, Ford’s B&O set-ups are among the clearest and punchiest around, and true to form, the Capri’s audio is a cut above most of the alternatives at this price level.
Boot space, comfort & practicality
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The Capri’s cabin and boot space are impressive, although the Explorer offers similar space for less money.
Dimensions and size
There are only marginal differences in size between the Capri and Explorer, but the former does have more boot space overall.
| Dimensions comparison | |||
| Model | Ford Capri | Ford Explorer | Renault Scenic |
| Length | 4,634mm | 4,468mm | 4,470mm |
| Width | 1,872mm | 1,871mm | 1,864mm |
| Height | 1,626mm | 1,630mm | 1,572mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,760mm | 2,767mm | 2,785mm |
| Boot space | 567-1,505 litres | 465-1,455 litres | 545-1,670 litres |
Seats & passenger space
The Capri’s driving position is fairly lofty, and the seat and the steering wheel have plenty of adjustment, although some testers found that the front seats are a little heavy on lower lumbar support. If you want an electric front driver's seat adjustment with memory, you'll need the mid-range Select trim.
The Capri’s slightly squared-off steering wheel means that there’s a large opening to view the digital dials. But unlike in the Volkswagen ID.5, where the display adjusts with the steering column, here it is fixed. Visibility is adequate, but that subtlest of references to the original Capri, the rear side window, actually compromises visibility.
While the Capri offers roughly 60mm less headroom than the more upright Explorer, overall headroom is still impressive despite that swoopy roofline. There’s also loads of space to stretch out, and we found in our comparison test against the Cupra Tavascan that the Capri offers the most rear leg room of the two (640-881mm for the Capri compared with 627-872mm with the Tavascan). Both were evenly matched in terms of head room, but the Capri edged ahead of the Tavascan when it came to shoulder room by having a 10mm wider cabin.
A flat floor means that legroom in the Capri is still generous, but the centre seat feels a little bit perched. Big door pockets mean that there’s more than enough storage space in the back, too.
Much like its VW ID.5 sibling, the Capri has two Isofix child seat mounting points on the outer positions of the rear seats, and they're easily accessible behind some removable plastic tabs. You can't get child seat mounting points as you do on its VW equivalent, though.
Boot space
Despite that notchback shape to the boot lid, the Capri has a 572-litre boot. Premium models feature a powered tailgate as standard. Behind the wheelarch intrusions are a pair of deep cubbies, one of which has a removable bin, while the two-piece false floor allows the rear area to be divided up. The seats don’t quite fold flat but leave a near-level load area, which grows to 1,505 litres in two-seat mode. We did note during our Capri versus Tavascan comparison test that the Ford had the highest loading lip, at 786mm versus 723mm for the Cupra.
It’s a shame there is no front boot as standard, but on Collection models, or as an option on other trims, you can add the Travel Pack for £250, which includes a storage tray with a retaining net under the bonnet. It isn't a waterproof storage area, so don't feel tempted to put any valuable electronic devices there.
Reliability & safety
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While we don't have any Driver Power data for the Capri yet, we predict that hardware issues and software bugs that came with VW's earlier MEB cars will be largely addressed. Ford’s own delays to the Explorer and Capri have given the company’s engineers some breathing space to ensure that the cars that hit the road are ready, not rushed. That being said, Ford still needs to do more as a brand to improve upon its 23rd out of 31 manufacturers' ranking in the 2025 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey.
Euro NCAP has awarded the Capri the maximum five-star safety rating. The Renault Scenic was ahead in the child occupant and safety assistance categories, but the Capri scored better in adult occupancy and vulnerable road user testing.
Most active and passive safety features are fitted as standard, but an optional Driver Assistance package incorporates high-end inclusions such as Driver Alert, Lane Centring and active Lane Change Assist alongside other elements like a 360-degree parking camera and an excellent head-up display.
| Euro NCAP safety ratings | |
| Euro NCAP safety rating | Five stars (2024) |
| Adult occupant protection | 89% |
| Child occupant protection | 86% |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 80% |
| Safety assist | 72% |
Buying and owning
Best buy: Ford Capri Select Extended Range
The Select model has smaller wheels than the Premium trim, so it should ride even more smoothly, while the rear-drive motor and 79kWh battery will deliver a range of 389 miles, according to the official figures.
Ford Capri alternatives
Rivals include the excellent Kia EV6, which has been updated with a greater capacity 84kWh battery plus fresh tech and styling. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 isn’t quite as resolved to drive as the Kia, but it has a lower starting price because it can be fitted with a smaller 63kWh battery. Looking at European competition, the firm-riding but stylish Peugeot E-3008 and sensible Vauxhall Grandland are worth considering.
The Volkswagen Group and its shared powertrain also offer a variety of potential rivals, from the Volkswagen ID.4 and Volkswagen ID.5, or if you’re after something more striking to look at, there is the Cupra Tavascan.
Key updates of the Ford Capri review
19 May 2026: General update and a mention of the £1,500 band 2 Electric Car Grant discount for selected models.
14 January 2026: Updated to reflect the increased expensive car supplement threshold and mention the proposed pay-per-mile tax for EVs from 2028.
Deals on the Ford Capri and alternatives
Ford Capri pictures
Frequently Asked Questions
Ford offers a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, which is only average for the new-car market. This is not as good as you’ll find on some rival cars, which now offer up to five years, or the industry benchmarks from Korea and China, which have seven years of warranty cover.
