If running costs are your priority, then go for the front-wheel-drive Ford Kuga with the 1.5-litre diesel with 118bhp, as it returns 64.2mpg and emits 115g/km of CO2. Even the more powerful 2.0-litre TDCi engine with 148bhp returns a respectable but not exceptional 60.1mpg, plus emissions of 122g/km of CO2.

The Ford Kuga with the 1.5-litre petrol EcoBoost engine comes with 118bhp, 148bhp or 180bhp, and all have eco-friendly start-stop technology. The 148bhp variant does 45.6mpg and emits 143g/km of CO2, while the 176bhp engine returns 38.2mpg and CO2 levels of 171g/km.

Four-wheel-drive isn't available throughout the Ford Kuga range, and only cars with the 180bhp 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol engine and the 2.0-litre TDCi diesel units benefit from the extra traction. 54.3mpg is the best an all-wheel-drive Kuga can manage, which means it's only worth going for if you really need the four-wheel-drive grip.

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Which Is Best

Cheapest

Name
1.5 EcoBoost Titanium 5dr
Gearbox type
Manual
RRP
£33,045

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Most Economical

Name
2.5 FHEV ST-Line 5dr CVT
Gearbox type
Auto
RRP
£38,115

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Fastest

Name
2.5 FHEV Active 5dr 4WD CVT
Gearbox type
Auto
RRP
£40,415

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In This Review

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Dean Gibson

Senior test editor

Dean has been part of the Auto Express team for more than 20 years, and has worked across nearly all departments, starting on magazine production, then moving to road tests and reviews. He's our resident van expert, but covers everything from scooters and motorbikes to supercars and consumer products.