The Ford Kuga 2019 has all the ingredients of the recipe for success

The Ford Kuga 2019 is the third generation of the brand’s popular crossover and the most innovative of them all

There is no denying that the new Ford Kuga draws from the same design waters as the Ford Fiesta and, later, the Ford Focus. In fact, this new-generation SUV is reminiscent of the Ford Focus Active, but beyond the similarities, the real point of interest lies in the technological novelties this car brings to the model and, above all, to the brand’s immediate future.

We have already reported that hybrid versions of the Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta are on the way. As part of an ambitious electrification plan, the American brand intends to offer as many electrified versions as possible, whether as a hybrid or as a fully electric car, and the new Ford Kuga will be no exception.

The new C2 global platform of Ford is responsible for supporting this product, which enters a new phase that, among other benefits, allows it to gain up to 10% in torsional rigidity and reduce its weight by up to 90 kg compared with the equivalent of the generation still on sale at dealerships.

Engines of the Ford Kuga 2019

The new Ford Kuga will offer diesel and petrol engines and, in addition, hybrid versions. But let’s start with the traditional configuration.

The Ford Kuga diesel will have two versions: one with the 1.5-litre EcoBlue engine, producing 120 CV, and the 2-litre unit with 190 CV. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual gearbox and an eight-speed automatic. In addition, the Ford Kuga EcoBlue 2.0 will be offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Meanwhile, the Ford Kuga petrol will be the 1.5-litre unit with two power outputs: 120 or 150 CV. An engine that, as we already knew from the arrival of the EcoBoost engines, can deactivate cylinders depending on its operating speed, saving fuel by reducing power when the full output is not needed.

The hybrid range of the new Ford Kuga

Saying that the Ford Kuga 2019 is hybrid is putting it briefly, since there will be a mild-hybrid version, another as a full hybrid car and a third as a Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid.

Ford Kuga EcoBlue Hybrid

The Ford Kuga EcoBlue Hybrid will be the mild-hybrid version, using the 150 CV EcoBlue 2.0 diesel engine combined with a starter-generator that replaces the traditional alternator.

This system allows energy to be recovered and stored in a 48 V lithium-ion battery. That electricity is used as electric torque assistance for the diesel engine during driving and at moments requiring extra power, such as acceleration. In addition, the electrical system supplies power to the Ford Kuga 2019’s electronic auxiliary systems.

With all this, the consumption of the Ford Kuga EcoBlue Hybrid on the WLTP homologated cycle averages 5 litres per 100 km, with emissions of 132 grams of CO2 per kilometre travelled.

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Ford Kuga Hybrid

The Ford Kuga Hybrid will reach dealerships in 2020 as a variant that pairs a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, an electric generator and a lithium-ion accumulator. The powertrain is managed by an automatic transmission with a power splitter that can direct the engine’s output to the front wheels or to all four, as this version of the new Ford Kuga will be offered as 4×2 or 4×4.

As for consumption, the Ford Kuga Hybrid is rated at an average of 5.6 litres of fuel and CO2 emissions of 130 g/km. A very acceptable figure for a vehicle that delivers up to 225 CV in total from the combination of both engines.

Ford Kuga hybrid plug-in

The greatest attention falls on the Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid. This version will be available from the start of sales of this new generation. This Ford Kuga PHEV also delivers up to 225 CV from the 2.5-litre petrol engine working in sync with the electric motor, the generator and a 14.4 kWh battery, with a fully electric range of up to 50 km. The battery charging time, from a 230 V socket, is set at 4 hours.

The consumption for this Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid is just 1.2 litres of fuel and carbon dioxide emissions of only 29 grams per 100 km.

The Ford Kuga gains appeal

And not only in terms of styling, which, as we said at the start, offers a design line very close to the most popular compact models.

In addition, the aforementioned new platform architecture improves space and, therefore, the habitability and comfort of its occupants.

In fact, the Ford Kuga 2019 is 44 mm wider than its predecessor and 89 mm longer, which means the wheelbase increases by 20 mm. This directly benefits the cabin, as front-seat occupants get up to 43 mm more shoulder room and 57 mm more hip room, while those in the rear seats have up to 20 mm more shoulder room and 36 mm more hip room.

And, although the presented Ford Kuga 2019 is 20 mm lower overall, it offers up to 13 mm more headroom for front-seat passengers and 35 mm more for those in the rear.

In terms of infotainment technology, highlights include the integration of the FordPass Connect modem, a 12.3-inch digital display, a wireless charger for electronic devices, SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen and an audio system signed by B&O.

It also features new driver assistance systems appearing for the first time on the Ford Kuga, such as lane keeping with blind-spot assistance and Pre-Collision Assist. There is also Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Speed Sign Recognition and Lane Centering Assist.

Trims and prices of the Ford Kuga 2019

The new Ford Kuga will therefore be sold in five trim levels: Trend and Trend+, Titanium, ST-Line and Vignale. The price of the Ford Kuga 2019 starts at 20,894 euros for the most modest variant, up to 28,547 for the Vignale, with discounts and promotions applied.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverFord Kuga19 versions · from 37,624 €