Skip advert
Advertisement

Ford Kuga 2.5T

Does self-shifter boost 4x4 driving experience?

Overall Auto Express rating

2.0

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

The case for the blue oval’s manual-equipped 2.5-litre Kuga 4x4 was already thin – but justification for this even less efficient and more expensive automatic variant is pretty much non-existent. Unless you simply must have a self-shifting Ford Kuga, we would advise you to test drive the six-speed manual 2.0-litre TDCi version, which offers great performance, low emissions, 46mpg and a price tag that starts at some £6,500 less.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Mondeo ECOnetic might be the most efficient version of the saloon you can buy today, but its Kuga 2.5T brother comes way down the ranking.

We drove the flagship 4x4 variant and were impressed by the performance of its throaty five-cylinder petrol turbo – although not by its economy. Now that Ford has fitted the car with an auto, is the result any better?

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

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

Rather than offer the latest Powershift twin-clutch box, the top Kuga gets a conventional auto. It costs £1,200 on top of a regular Kuga 2.5T, which takes the price to nearly £27,000.

Unfortunately, the transmission isn’t a strong point. Refinement is poor, shifts are jerky in manual mode and performance is unresponsive, with 0-60mph taking nearly nine seconds, half-a-second down on the manual.

Combined economy dips to 27.4mpg compared to its stablemate’s 28.5mpg, too – although we’d be surprised if owners got much more than 22mpg. The real nails in the coffin are the emissions – 244g/km of CO2 means a £405 road tax bill – and heavy depreciation. As for the rest of the experience, the Kuga is a class leader – but with this engine and box, it gets the wooden spoon.

Rival: Tiguan 2.0 TSI DSG
At 28.5mpg, this DSG-equipped VW is not exactly efficient, either, but at least its transmission is smooth and works well in both auto and manual modes.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Ford Kuga

Ford Kuga

RRP £35,730Used from £13,795
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £1,882 off RRP*Used from £18,900
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,233 off RRP*Used from £15,297
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,675 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Citroen Holidays 2025 review: a cheaper and cheerful VW California campervan rival
Citroen Holidays - front

New Citroen Holidays 2025 review: a cheaper and cheerful VW California campervan rival

The new Citroen Holidays is the perfect option for those that want to camp on a budget
Road tests
15 Apr 2025
Carbon fibre could be banned as EU classifies it as a hazardous substance
Czinger teases 21C's carbon fibre bodywork

Carbon fibre could be banned as EU classifies it as a hazardous substance

Particulates emitted by the disposal of carbon fibre can be harmful to both machinery and human health
News
14 Apr 2025
How green are electric cars? The truth about EV environmental impact and carbon footprints
Polestar 3 - front full width

How green are electric cars? The truth about EV environmental impact and carbon footprints

New figures from Polestar cast light on the big questions around EV sustainability and environmental impact compared to petrol cars
News
15 Apr 2025