2023 Ford Kuga facelift previewed by new Escape model

This is how the facelifted Ford Kuga will look once it arrives in Britain

With the Fiesta facing the axe, the Ford Kuga will be expected to pick up some of the sales slack in the near future. An upcoming facelift could potentially help boost Ford’s mid-size SUV in the eyes of buyers and thanks to its Escape-badge US variant being released, we now know what to expect from next year’s updated Kuga.

We’ve previously caught the Escape testing in America undisguised and we now know that the final production car is unchanged from what we’d seen. The front features a narrower grille with the Ford badge embedded in a similar fashion to the facelifted Fiesta and Focus, as well as new LED headlights with a central light bar, and a redesigned bumper. 

The full range of existing Kuga variants could be carried over, with cheaper models receiving smaller alloy wheels and plastic body cladding while higher spec versions get chrome trim, body-coloured bumpers and door handles, chrome exhaust tips and LED fog lights. The facelift brings a new design of rear light signature as well. 

We also expect the new Kuga to get an update inside. The latest version of Ford SYNC4  infotainment will appear, ​​operated via a new 13.2-inch central touchscreen, although the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster will probably remain. The US-spec Escape can be had with various safety systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, collision avoidance and pedestrian detection. Optional extras include a head-up display, panoramic roof and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

The engine lineup should change with the facelift, with a line-up kicking off with a 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol, a 187bhp 2.5-litre petrol hybrid and a 222bhp 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid petrol. All-wheel drive versions of the Kuga are available in America, but Ford is likely to stick with front-wheel drive models of Kuga in the UK.

We’re yet to see the facelifted Kuga testing in Europe and we don’t expect a full unveiling until later in 2023. Pricing for the new Kuga should start slightly higher than the current car’s £28,755 starting price tag. 

Check out the latest Ford news and reviews here...

Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Recommended

Mazda CX-30 review
Mazda CX-30 - front tracking
In-depth reviews

Mazda CX-30 review

The Mazda CX-30 targets premium rivals with its style and great driving experience, although practicality and performance aren’t the best
28 Nov 2023
Used Car of the Year 2023: Dacia Duster
Dacia Duster - Used Car of the Year 2023
Best cars & vans

Used Car of the Year 2023: Dacia Duster

The Dacia Duster is our 2023 Used Car of the Year thanks to its bargain price, frugal engines and impressive amount of space
22 Nov 2023
Mazda CX-5 review
Mazda CX-5
In-depth reviews

Mazda CX-5 review

The Mazda CX-5 is good to drive, while decent levels of comfort, space and tech help it challenge the leading mid-size SUV pack
8 Oct 2023
Best tow cars to buy 2023
Best tow cars to buy 2023 - header
Best cars & vans

Best tow cars to buy 2023

There’s more to towing a car than just hitching up a caravan. Check out these tow car stars to pick what’s right for you
25 Sep 2023

Most Popular

New Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2024 review: big estate with value boost
Jaguar XF Sportbrake - front tracking
Road tests

New Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2024 review: big estate with value boost

Jaguar's XF Sportbrake may be 8 years old but it just got a whole lot cheaper!
7 Dec 2023
Deal of the Day: Volkswagen ID. Buzz brings retro-style and practicality for £311 per month
Volkswagen ID. Buzz - front cornering
News

Deal of the Day: Volkswagen ID. Buzz brings retro-style and practicality for £311 per month

All-electric MPV offers style and substance - making it our Deal of the Day for Wednesday 6 December
6 Dec 2023
Toyota Yaris review
Toyota Yaris - front tracking
In-depth reviews

Toyota Yaris review

An efficient hybrid powertrain and plenty of standard kit make the Toyota Yaris a key contender in the supermini segment
6 Dec 2023