Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford Kuga 2.5T

Focus-based off-roader gets turbo five-cylinder motor from the ST hot Hatch.

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Ford Kuga
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

We’re big fans of the Kuga – it’s great fun to drive, brilliantly built and highly practical. And in diesel trim it certainly comes highly recommended. However, the sums simply don’t add up for the 2.5-litre turbo model. It offers excellent refinement and performance, but it’s thirsty and too expensive.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There’s much to like about Ford’s Kuga – it’s one of the best SUVs in its class, with a fine blend of good looks, off-road ability and driver appeal.

So far the Focus-based 4x4 has only been offered with a 2.0-litre diesel, but now the range is benefiting from petrol power – and not just any unit. Under the bonnet is the same 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo engine as in the Focus ST and RS. Revised tuning means it now produces 197bhp at 6,000rpm and a meaty 320Nm of torque from only 1,600rpm. A slick six-speed gearbox helps provide rapid acceleration, with 0-60mph taking around eight seconds.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Ford Kuga

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"68300","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

Thanks to the unit’s deep-chested urge, overtaking moves on B-roads and motorways are dispatched swiftly and easily, often without any need to change down. As with the diesel, the Kuga is great fun on a twisty route, turning into corners keenly, steering precisely and gripping hard irrespective of the quality of the tarmac. Body control is taut, the ride is comfortable and refinement is extremely good.

In fact, it’s almost too refined. The engine is so muffled that even under full throttle you can barely hear the offbeat five-cylinder warble that gives the Focus ST so much character. One element that is shared by the two models is their fuel economy.

Ford claims that the Kuga 2.5T returns 28.5mpg on the combined cycle. But if our experience of the Focus ST is anything to go by, added to the fact that the Kuga weighs around 170kg more at 1,608kg, owners will struggle to get any better than 25mpg in regular driving.

Then there’s the yearly tax bill of £400, thanks to CO2 emissions of 234g/km. By comparison the diesel model is far more economical, returning 44.1mpg combined, and with just as much torque, it’s nearly as rapid on the move. Our Titanium test car is well equipped, but at £24,295, it’s very expensive. So while the Kuga 2.5 is great to drive, it doesn’t make much sense.

Rival: VW Tiguan 2.0 TSI
Packing a 197bhp 2.0-litre turbo engine from the Golf GTI, the flagship petrol Tiguan matches the Kuga for pace. But it’s cheaper to buy, more economical and costs less to tax.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Ford Kuga

Ford Kuga

RRP £33,930Used from £13,600
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,515Avg. savings £3,834 off RRP*Used from £10,200
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,505Avg. savings £4,317 off RRP*Used from £19,564
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,135Avg. savings £5,771 off RRP*Used from £13,571
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options
Renault Clio design render - front

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options

Renault’s sixth-generation Clio hatchback will get a clean look and hi-tech kit, and our exclusive images show what it could look like
News
12 Feb 2025
New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped
Volkswagen Transporter e-Shuttle - front

New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped

The Ford-based Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle is refined, good to drive and has plenty of space in all three rows
Road tests
14 Feb 2025
Car Deal of the Day: retro Renault 5 for £232 per month, plus four years to enjoy it
Renault 5 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: retro Renault 5 for £232 per month, plus four years to enjoy it

The reborn Renault 5 is one of the most feverishly anticipated cars in a long time, and at such a low price, our Deal of the Day for 8 February is a p…
News
8 Feb 2025