Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid review
The latest Ford Kuga is available with a choice of powertrains – including a plug-in hybrid engine for the first time
Pros
- Easy-to-use hybrid system
- Decent electric range
- Spacious interior
Cons
- Not that fast
- Dull dashboard design
- Gearbox not very slick
| Car type | Electric range | Fuel economy | CO2 emissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plug-in hybrid | 35 miles | 202mpg | 32g/km |
The latest version of the Ford Kuga is better than ever, with a focus on fun handling, practicality and, with this plug-in hybrid version, low running costs for private and company car buyers alike.
There's a normal hybrid model, too, although the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) makes the most sense for buyers who are able to plug in and make the most of the on-board battery. It has a 2.5-litre petrol engine – just like in the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in, which is one of its closest rivals. Its electric motor uses power from a 14.4kWh battery, which gives a driving range of 35 miles on electric power only.
There are plenty of other rivals for the Kuga, including the Kia Niro PHEV and Vauxhall Grandland Hybrid and its French sister models the Citroen C5 Hybrid and Peugeot 3008 Hybrid. There's also the Suzuki Across, which uses the same technology as the aforementioned RAV4.
The Kuga used to be one of the best-handling SUVs around, but lost its way more recently. This latest model is back to its best, and it drives almost as sweetly as some of Ford's smaller models such as the Focus hatchback. It's fun to drive but it doesn't have rock-hard suspension to achieve this, so it's still great as an everyday car – you can enjoy the well weighted controls on a twisty road, then relax when in city traffic.
The hybrid set-up is good, delivering good economy and low company car tax costs, and the Kuga is also practical, with plenty of room for the family. There's also all the kit you need, with an excellent multimedia system that included smartphone connectivity and sat nav. For a more detailed look at the Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid, read on for the rest of our in-depth review...
