Skip advert
Advertisement

New Ford Kuga breaks cover with rugged looks and £32k price tag

The Ford Kuga lineup gets a new rugged Active model for the first time, plus a hybrid-focused engine range

Pricing for the updated Ford Kuga has been revealed, with the tweaked model range kicking off at £32,080. Ford’s big-selling Kuga has been given a thorough overhaul for 2024, with the new four-tier lineup offered with a range of four powertrains. Key changes include a new exterior design, with the addition of a rugged Active model for the first time. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The headline-grabbing £32,080 price point applies to the sole, petrol-powered Titanium model fitted with a manual transmission. In order to access the hybrid models you’ll need to upgrade to either the ST-Line, Active and top-spec ST-Line X trim lines, starting at £38,955 for the former. The top-spec Kuga ST-Line X fitted with the plug-in powertrain tops the price list at £42,455.

The Active model leads the updates, ushering in a similar look to that found on existing soft-roader models like the Focus Active. There’s a set of silver scuff plates and extra cladding, plus a new grille design with vertical bars and a gloss black finish. Inside, you’ll find unique seat trim and floor mats, and a wood finish for the dashboard.

But Ford says the Kuga Active isn’t just a styling pack, claiming the car is “more capable” than the standard model thanks to a ride height that has been raised by 10mm at the front and 5mm at the rear. An additional Trail Mode apparently alters the traction control and throttle response to allow users to maintain progress on different surfaces.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Other Kuga models feature a similar exterior design, with sharper headlights and a reprofiled grille. Titanium gets more chrome trim, while ST-Line features body-coloured accents and a slightly sportier bodykit. ST-Line X brings red brake callipers and branded scuff plates.

There are also new colours including Desert Island Blue and Bursting Green, as well as Agate Black, Solar Silver, Frozen White and Lucid Red. Buyers can also choose from five new alloy wheel designs.

Advertisement - Article continues below

But that’s not all, as Ford has upgraded the interior with a new 13.2-inch central touchscreen – addressing one of the outgoing car’s common criticisms in the process. The bigger display is flanked by fewer physical buttons and runs the maker’s latest-generation Sync 4 technology with ‘cloud-connected’ navigation. 

Ford says key controls – such as those for the heating and ventilation – are always present at the base of the screen, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also feature. A 5G data connection enables over-the-air (OTA) updates which Ford says “improve the vehicle over time”.

Behind the steering wheel sits a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The graphics change depending on the selected drive mode, but Ford says “high priority information” such as for the driver assistance technology, features most prominently when activated.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The engine range is largely unchanged, but small tweaks have been made to improve performance and efficiency. A 148bhp 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol will be offered alongside a  Hybrid (FHEV) and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), the former also being offered with an optional all-wheel drive system. The electrified models get a larger motor and upgraded transmission, which boosts towing capacity to 2,100kg (up more than 30 per cent) on both models.

With this in mind, the new Kuga now features Trailer Tow Navigation, which can avoid routes with particularly tight turns, low bridges and other hazards. A Trailer Connection Checklist can also be accessed via the infotainment system or Ford Pass app.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Small changes mean the PHEV will now accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds – almost two seconds faster than before. The 14.4kWh battery now allows for a range of almost 43 miles, for a competitive Benefit-in-Kind rating of just eight per cent. Homologated CO2 emissions for this model stand at 20g/km.

As well as the advanced interior tech, Ford is making a lot of noise about the SUV’s lighting set-up. Aside from the new design, the Kuga will be available with Dynamic Pixel LED headlamps, which can shut off individual bulbs to prevent blinding oncoming traffic. These units can also use navigation data to “illuminate the inside of curves in the road” while also changing the beam pattern in adverse weather. 

Other driver assistance systems available on the new Kuga include an upgraded Adaptive Cruise Control setup now with Predictive Speed Assist, which can adjust the car’s speed for upcoming corners or limit changes. Reverse Brake Assist works in conjunction with Cross Traffic Alert to warn drivers of stationary objects when backing up, and can apply the brakes if needed.

Prices and specs for the new Kuga will be announced in due course, but we expect the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage rival to go on sale in the UK in the coming weeks. 

Click here for our list of the best-selling cars in the UK...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best tow cars to buy 2025
Best tow cars to buy 2025 - header

Best tow cars to buy 2025

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
Best cars & vans
20 Sep 2024
Hyundai Tucson vs Ford Kuga vs Vauxhall Grandland: which is the ultimate hybrid family SUV?
Hyundai Tucson vs Ford Kuga vs Vauxhall Grandland - front tracking

Hyundai Tucson vs Ford Kuga vs Vauxhall Grandland: which is the ultimate hybrid family SUV?

Hyundai, Ford and Vauxhall go head to head to find the best hybrid family SUV on the market
Car group tests
3 Aug 2024
Car Deal of the Day: fresh new Ford Kuga for £234 a month
Ford Kuga - front corner

Car Deal of the Day: fresh new Ford Kuga for £234 a month

This entry-level Ford Kuga is still well equipped, and looks appealing at just £234 a month on this lease deal
News
25 Jun 2024
Ford Kuga review
Ford Kuga - main image

Ford Kuga review

Practical and efficient, yet still great to drive, the Ford Kuga is an appealing family SUV
In-depth reviews
11 Jun 2024

Most Popular

A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success
Opinion - cheap EV

A £10k electric car with a 100-mile range would surely be a sales success

Mike Rutherford thinks there would be demand for an electric car with a modest 100-mile range if it only cost £10k
Opinion
17 Nov 2024
New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer
New Jaguar logo 1

New Jaguar logos unveiled as big concept reveal moves closer

Jaguar has revealed its new logos and styling details ahead of its transition into a luxury EV brand
News
19 Nov 2024