Used Ford Kuga for sale: everything you need to know
The Ford Kuga is the brand’s competitor in one of the busiest segments in the UK, facing up to best-selling rivals like the Nissan Qashqai. The model is now in its third generation and was facelifted in 2023, and while it’s the pre-facelift 2019-on model we’re concentrating on here, much of what you’ll read below applies to later cars too.
One of the Kuga’s biggest strengths is a choice of both hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines, both of which are effective at reducing fuel bills, while offering useful, smooth performance. The Kuga has always been popular too, which makes finding a used example pretty easy - read on below to to find out what the Kuga offers.
Should you buy a Ford Kuga?
The Ford Kuga is a solid choice for a used family SUV. It was among the better cars in its class when new, and age hasn’t wearied its talents much - it’s still good to drive, practical, reasonably well built, reasonably trouble-free, and it’s also plentiful which means finding a good example on the used market isn’t too tricky.
Like most modern Fords, the Kuga’s ride and handling is among the better you’ll find in family SUVs like this. A crossover doesn’t need to steer as neatly or feel as precise as this, but you’ll be glad Ford made the effort even if you’re not an enthusiastic driver, as it makes the Kuga intuitive and confidence-inspiring to drive. The hybrids have a decent turn of pace, with electric power giving them an instant kick you don’t get from the diesel or petrol versions.
It’s comfortable both up front and in the rear seats, and the rear bench slides to let you choose between legroom or boot space - though it’s not so bad on either measure anyway. It feels well built, and the driving position is spot-on. Some rivals offer better in-car tech, but later Kugas in particular are an improvement, especially with their infotainment systems.
You aren’t short of alternatives in the Kuga’s market segment. The Nissan Qashqai remains a very strong seller, but the Korean duo of the Hyundai Tuscon and Kia Sportage is strong too, as both are good all-rounders. The Skoda Karoq is hard to ignore too, with handsome looks, a smart interior, and a talented engine lineup.
What’s the best used Ford Kuga model to buy?
If you’re prepared to look at older Kugas then the diesel models still make a lot of sense, having enough punch to perform well without having to keep your right foot pressed in the carpet but not using too much fuel either. They’re probably a better option than the 1.5-litre petrol too, which is smooth but a little underpowered for this size of car. The hybrids though get along quite nicely, and the plug-in may have benefits for those who do a lot of urban driving. Spec-wise, Zetec or Titanium will be fine for most buyers - both are well equipped, and ST-Line and Vignale models are more embellishment than worthwhile upgrades.
Used Ford Kuga fuel economy and performance
- Ford Kuga 1.5 Ecoboost 150PS: The sole pure petrol Kuga uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine making 150PS, with a six-speed manual transmission. 0-62mph comes up in 9.7 seconds, and Ford quotes up to 42mpg combined.
- Ford Kuga 2.5 Hybrid 190PS: The regular hybrid model is based around a 2.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor, supplied by a 1.1kWh battery pack. Performance is a touch quicker than the 1.5, at 9.1 seconds from 0-62mph, while economy is 51.4mpg combined.
- Ford Kuga 2.5 PHEV 225PS: With a larger 14.kWh battery pack and punchier electric motor, the 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid delivers 225PS. Extra weight means it’s no quicker at 9.2 seconds to 62mph, but 37-39 miles of EV range result in a 282mpg claimed economy figure.
What used Ford Kuga trim levels are available?
Ford has shuffled the Kuga’s trim levels a few times, but the four listed below are a representative sample of the kind you’ll find on the used market. Zetec and Titanium both get decent levels of kit, while the ST-Line is the de facto sporty option and Vignale models are more luxurious. Later models may be appended with the word ‘Edition’ and feature a little more equipment, while Black Package and Graphite Tech models get features like black exterior details and a driver assistance pack respectively.
- The Ford Kuga Zetec kicks off the range in front-wheel drive form with the 150PS 1.5-litre Ecoboost petrol engine and a manual gearbox.
- The Ford Kuga Titanium also gets the 1.5-litre petrol, but has more equipment than the Zetec.
- The Ford Kuga ST-Line has a sporty appearance, with slightly different interior and exterior detailing, while an ST-Line X trim upgrades to larger alloy wheels and a few more toys. Both open up the option of hybrid power.
- The Ford Kuga Vignale is a luxury-focused model with leather trim and other upmarket features.
Used Ford Kuga dimensions and boot size
The Ford Kuga’s dimensions are:
- Length: 4614mm
- Width: 1883mm
- Height: 1666mm
- Ground clearance: between 160mm and 191mm depending on spec.
The Ford Kuga’s boot size is:
- 475-645 litres
- PHEV: 411-581 litres 1534 litres with rear seats folded (PHEV: 1481 litres)
Used Ford Kuga road tax
With petrol and hybrid models in the Kuga range, annual VED (or ‘road tax’) differs only slightly, as since April 2017 VED has been charged at a flat rate. For the hybrids that’s £180 a year for the 2024/2025 tax year, while the petrol model is £10 more expensive. You’re unlikely to happen across a Kuga that cost more than £40,000 new, but if you do - perhaps a Vignale PHEV that was dressed up to the nines - you’re looking at a £600 annual bill from the second to sixth years of registration.
How much is it to insure a Ford Kuga?
At the bottom of the range, with Zetec trim and a 1.5-litre Ecoboost engine, the Kuga starts in group 10 insurance. This rises as you hop into more powerful, more expensive and better-equipped models, with hybrids starting at group 20 and the PHEV in group 21. A PHEV in Vignale trim is group 22.
