➖ Build quality
➖ Ergonomics
➖ Visibility
➖ Fuel consumption
pros
➕ Manageability
➕ Suspension
➕ Passage
➕ Comfortable salon
The advantages and disadvantages of the 2018-2019 Ford Kuga in a new body are revealed based on feedback from real owners. More detailed pros and cons of Ford Kuga 2 generations 2.5 and 1.5 turbo with automatic, front and all-wheel drive 4x4 can be found in the stories below:
Owner reviews
The car is comfortable for long distances over 1000 km per day. We drove both on the highways and on military dirt roads, climbed along the talus roads into the mountains (no extreme) - Kuga 2 drives confidently, drives up when sliding, when stopping on a reverse slope, it does not go back, you can move calmly as if on a level one.
Up to 140 km / h, the speed is not particularly felt, it becomes noisy faster and vibrations appear, but it keeps the course confidently and at 160. The car is generally balanced, it has no frankly weak points.
The turbocharged engine pulls quite briskly in the city, for sharp overtaking there is Sport on the highway, or a button for a low one.
The suspension is more urban on country roads, you will not go quickly, it will pass through a virgin field, along rainy forest roads, along a flat beach, it drives nicely. For 30,000 km, nothing happened, the interval between maintenance is 15,000 km. The general impression is a typical urban crossover: comfortable, vigorous, with its own pleasant little things.
But at the same time, I do not like the layout: the body is narrow, high and elongated (compared to classmates). The wide front pillar blocks the side view, the mirrors do not fold completely and end up sticking out, there is illumination of the legs for some reason, but there is no illumination of the glove compartment, on the tailgate there is a closing handle on only one side, so with a busy right hand you need to contrive to close and the move is quite hard, a weak woman will have to hang on it.
Igor Suvorov, drives a Ford Kuga 1.6 (150 HP) AWD AT 2015
You can switch the speed on the automatic box in manual mode. Very comfortable seats, you get into the car like a spacecraft. Nice flat square luggage space with the rear seats folded.
Ford Kuga II holds the road perfectly, the car is very maneuverable when driving around the city. And it's very cool to refuel gasoline: I opened the flap and there are no plugs, put the pistol in and took out the pistol, clean and comfortable.
Gasoline consumption dropped after 40,000 km, sharply, the car began to consume 2 liters less gasoline. It is strange why such a long break-in period? In rainy weather, the trunk does not open from the foot on the first try. The doors also sometimes (very rarely) do not open on the first attempt with keyless access.
Yes, for some reason the side windows get dirty very quickly in the rain. There was only one complaint - after 35,000 km, the motor cooling bypass failed, it was changed under warranty, despite the fact that I never came to MOT, I changed the oil and filter myself.
Nikolay Sheryshev, drives a Ford Kuga 1.6 (150 hp) AWD AT 2013
Video review
Very comfortable and pleasant to drive a car, many options, a gorgeous panoramic roof, excellent bi-xenon, a very convenient famous door that opens with a foot, excellent seats that proved to be very good on long trips (1,300 km without stopping you can easily drive), good finishing materials interior, decent dynamics, good brakes, very good insulation, comfortable suspension, sharp steering wheel, the car is comfortable at speeds up to 200 km / h.
But there are also jambs: then the box squeaks, pushes and kicks, the steering rack knocks and asks for replacements, the deflectors crunch, the saber rubbed the holes in the rear door to the metal, the keyless entry falls off, the music is full r .., the steering column clicks, the speedometer curve, the hood vibrates at idle, the tailgate opens and then no longer, something squeaks, taps, rattles, the tire pressure monitoring system does not work, the washer level sensor too ...
In addition to this, I was faced with a complete reluctance of official dealers to do anything within the framework of their warranty obligations. Complete from the word "absolutely". Tightly frostbitten guys. And I got the same attitude from the head Russian Ford ...
Dmitry Gaidash, drives a Ford Kuga 1.6 (182 hp) AWD automatic in 2016
Where could I buy?
After being taken away, we drove the first 200 km - the average consumption showed 8.6 liters. In the city, consumption with all the warm-ups and idling showed 13.9 liters. It's a smooth ride.
You understand, while I run in, I do not force it. The departure was out of town, along a distance of 200 km one way - the flow rate showed already 7.3 liters. I fill in gasoline 92nd, the seller advised only to drive 92nd, I don't know how much is correct, what are you filling?
Now the mileage is already in the region of 900 km. The car warms up very quickly, 5-10 minutes and the temperature arrow goes up. It feels like it's not a car, but an airplane, inside is quiet, calm and comfortable. The seats also warm up very quickly.
Another big plus, which was paid attention to, is the blowing of the rear passengers. On the Kuga, it has a plus for heated legs. In my opinion, the CX-5 is not. We carry the child in the back. Another plus is the tilt-adjustable rear seats.
I started the car even at -30 degrees (after 12 hours of inactivity), there are no hints at all that the Kuga will not start. The interior is warm, and in the current frosts I sit freely in a T-shirt.
About handling - generally a thrill. There is no ice or snow porridge between the stripes. When overtaking everything is smooth and calm, you sit high, the visibility is excellent. Rubber is Nokia 5 R17 (received as a gift from the salon).
Review of Ford Kuga 1.5 turbo (150 hp) with automatic and all-wheel drive 2018
I will compare Kugu with my former Suzuki Grand Vitara. Exterior. Like the front. Still, the face adorned this unit. I do not like the previous body (some kind of squinted in front). From the side, nothing has changed, indifferent. The rear has changed a little for the better.
Salon. The width on the front row is the same as on the Suzuki. The seats are more comfortable. I settled down immediately, the lumbar support is good, as well as the lateral support. The right leg does not get tired.
The heated front windshield is a wonderful thing, perhaps the most useful thing after the air conditioner. There is no need to wait for the engine to heat up, and when, in turn, warm air heats up the glass, which means you don’t have to make ridiculous movements with the scraper.
It is quite spacious under the hood, but the neck for the washer is a little higher centimeters - it would be more convenient. What I don't like is the lack of a dipstick to check the oil in the automatic transmission.
Suspension. Compromise solution. I can evaluate it fairly objectively, since every day I go to and from work on the same path (road). In those places where I remembered everyone, starting with the road workers and ending with our supreme power, with bad words, now I fly by imperceptibly, well, or almost imperceptibly.
Engine. I got what I wanted. Simple volumetric aspirated. Someone may not have enough traction, but the wave is enough for me, and in extreme cases there is a sport mode. Here are just servicing (changing the oil) once every 15,000 km. For me, sheer blasphemy.
The owner drives a Ford Kuga 2.5 (150 hp) AT AWD 2016
I have a standard package, but it has everything you need. Front-wheel drive. The car holds perfectly and a dry road, and a large downpour with puddles. Someone wrote that Kuga does not eat rut - they lie! Ford normally digests it, any car will feel this disadvantage of our roads. On a normal smear, outside the asphalt and after rain, the car drives confidently and does not grimace.
The Kug's handling is excellent and holds the turns perfectly, even on a circular path. There is no roll at high-speed approach! Do not listen to anyone, since I also read somewhere that lurch too much.
This is my first machine gun, and it seems to me that the mechanics would be faster. Gear shifting is slower than desired. Also frustrating is the expense. On the highway at a speed of 110-130 km / h, 9.5-10 liters are needed, and at 140-150 - already 10-11 liters. In the city - 12 liters.
Review of Ford Kuga 2.5 (150 hp) with automatic 2019
The American carmaker Ford has been producing the popular Kuga compact crossovers since 2008. But recently, the market has been replenished with SUVs and crossovers in more modernized versions. Therefore, by the decision of the concern, another one will be added to the two existing generations of the Kuga by the end of 2018.
Automobile publications have spread information on the Web about the alleged details of the exterior and interior of the new 2018-2019 Ford Kuga crossover, while the company has not officially announced the start of production. There are also no first teasers of the car yet.
According to publications, significant changes appear in the exterior of the new generation Kuga. The manufacturer promises to use a new platform for the production of the car, which will increase its dimensions.
It is expected that without changing the corporate style, the machine will have the following new parameters:
- powerful radiator grill;
- large bonnet stamping lines;
- widened wheel arches;
- a new form of plastic body kit;
- multi-stage front bumper design;
- narrow head optics;
- lED elements of the rear lights;
- extended rear spoiler and other features.
The new interior of the new 2018-2019 Ford Kuga
Everything that changes in the interior of the 2018 Kuga crossover will be aimed at increasing comfort and improving ergonomics. First of all, the changes will affect the size of the cabin, which will become more spacious.
Other features in the interior of the new generation crossover include:
- front seats with a high seating position for improved cross-country ability;
- modified rear seats to improve passenger seating;
- interior trim with wear-resistant and soft fabrics together with high-quality plastic;
- indoor LED lighting in several colors and with floor lighting;
- multifunctional steering wheel of a new type;
- center console with an enlarged touchscreen display;
- heat-reflecting coating on glass and other parameters.
Specifications and equipment Ford Kuga 2018
It is assumed that the new 2018-2019 Ford Kuga crossover will be equipped with gasoline and diesel powertrains.
It will be a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with 199 horsepower, as well as a 3-liter turbocharged engine with 284 horsepower. The diesel unit TDCi 140.0 will have a volume of 2 liters and a capacity of 163 horsepower.
In the basic version, the car will be all-wheel drive, and front-wheel drive will be available as an option. In addition, the basic configuration assumes a 6-speed manual transmission, and all the rest - the same "automatic".
It will not do without additional security systems and equipment. While the installation is being considered:
- keyless access;
- starting the motor from the button;
- start-stop systems;
- 19-inch rims;
- lED adaptive optics;
- electric heated seats, steering wheel, mirrors;
- rear view cameras;
- rain sensors, tire pressure, parking, light;
- parking assistant;
- dual-zone climate control.
When will Ford Kuga 2018 go on sale?
The third generation Ford Kuga is slated for production at the end of 2018. In Europe, the car will be assembled at a plant in Valencia (Spain), while the car in the basic version for this market is estimated at 25 thousand euros.
For the Russian market, the novelty, like its predecessor, will be assembled in Tatarstan in the city of Elabug, and the cost was initially announced at 1.55 million rubles.
The crossover of the American company is still of interest to Russians due to its high level of safety, reliability, dynamic properties, comfort, improved cross-country ability and controllability.
Yesterday I visited the Ford Sollers plant in Yelabuga, witnessed the first Ford Kuga rolled off the assembly line, assembled using the full-cycle technology, and drove a 170-horsepower diesel Kuga along the factory track. I can already say for sure that this version of the American crossover is just a fairy tale. The car is surprisingly clear in control and strikes with dynamics - somehow you can't expect such agility from a crossover. In general, this is love at first sight. I liked the little red little car - he is the twin brother of the first Kuga, solemnly presented to us during the production launch ceremony.
1. Wake up early, a couple of hours on the bus, which worked as a Universiade shuttle in the summer, and now we are approaching the special economic zone “Alabuga”. On the bus I met Alfred, my guide companion in spring.
2. We are welcomed at the entrance. The interior is surprisingly clean and comfortable. The guests are gathering, and the production is working as usual. The ceremony will begin in a couple of minutes, but for now the buffet table)
3. The ceremony will be opened by Ted Cannis, President and CEO of Ford Sollers JV, and Adil Shirinov, First Vice President and CEO of Ford Sollers JV.
4. Executive Chairman of the Board of the Ford Motor Company William Clay Ford Jr., great-grandson of the famous Henry Ford. For me, standing next to the head of an international auto monster was like communicating with an alien)
5. Prime Minister of Tatarstan Ildar Khalikov. He told us exactly how the fairy tale came true)
6. General Director of SOLLERS OJSC Vadim Shvetsov shared his grandiose plans for the development of production.
7. Journalists nearly tore apart the great-grandson of the famous Ford. Bill behaved well and politely answered all the shark's questions of the pen and microphone)
8. It's great that the employees of the plant were invited to the ceremony. Whose holiday is this if not theirs? ..
9. Now a bird will fly out)
Departure of the first Kuga, produced by full cycle technology in Yelabuga. "Pants turn", only in auto sound)
10. Here he is, handsome. Previously, I didn’t come across the red Kugami.
11. Autographs of the top officials of the corporation and the republic on the hood.
12. Photo for memory.
13. Red Kuga is the star of many photo shoots today.
14. Almost a car dealership photo. The model and the machine are quite like that)
15. The design of the new Coogee is considered controversial by many, but I really like it.
16. The red color of this car is unique to the face.
16. Yura Chislov, whom I invited here, apparently also thinks so)
17. On this red Kuga, I dashingly raced along the factory track. However, famously - this is not a completely correct formulation.
18. I rode quietly and carefully. But at the very first serious obstacle, shouting "Banzai", he pressed the gas pedal to the floor. Kuga obediently galloped over the artificial bumps. No squeaks, no rattles. The representative of the factory sitting with me turned pale - the car was shaking so that it seemed that the racks were about to break through the hood. Slow down - my navigator asked in horror - but we had already left on a flat road.
19. On this car, I drove already as a passenger. The back sofa is quite comfortable.
20. I wanted to ride a little around the territory of the plant, but the excursion to the production was already beginning.
21. Two models are assembled at this plant - Kuga and Explorer.
22. There are many robots in the workshops, but many operations are performed manually.
23. You need to work in special glasses - sometimes sheaves of sparks fly here. We were also given glasses.
24. Mostly men work here.
25. Workers of all ages.
26. Everywhere cables, robots, some kind of complex mechanisms.
27. At the same time, there is perfect cleanliness and fresh air everywhere. The hood here, apparently, is on the level.
28. For some reason I expected that there would be no people here at all ...
29. Colleagues staged a real photo-massacre here)
30. You have to be careful - there is quite active traffic here, there are special sidewalks for the pedestrians.
31. Women still work in some places.
32. And once the workers understand all these mechanisms ...
33. Somehow you involuntarily imbued with respect for these people.
34. Robots. They look very impressive. But when I tried to make a video, they became passive. I had to catch up with our group, so there will be no video.
35. We had a guide. But in pursuit of good shots, I, unfortunately, ignored almost all of his words.
36. So many of the processes taking place in these photos are still full of mysteries for me.
44. The first industrial conveyor, if you remember, was implemented at Ford. The great Henry studied its principle somewhere in the slaughterhouses in Chicago.
45. It is very interesting to watch how cars, moving along the conveyor, acquire new details.
46. \u200b\u200bIt's time to put on your shoes)
47.With wheels, it's somehow more familiar ...
48. Well, it looks like a car)
49. Here, apparently, they are looking for paint flaws.
50. It's time to install the seats.
51. The machines are almost ready.
52. Let's highlight!
53. That's all - the car is ready. This is the sports version of the Ford Explorer. Now it will be checked on the track.
54. We say goodbye to this with the plant and Kuga - it's time to go to Kazan.
I promise - since during the excursion I was not attentive enough, I will definitely come back here. And I will even try to spend one day at the factory as a worker. I also think to ride on different versions of the Kuga and Explorer, produced in Yelabuga. By the way, the line of models of the plant will expand, so there will be
MORE CARS, GOOD AND DIFFERENT!)))
Let's get acquainted with the modernized crossover Ford Kuga from the first, pre-production batch. The car became more courageous, got new engines and improved electronics. Ford Sollers also listened to the comments of the Za Rulem experts.
Kuga-2017 is, in fact, a deep modernization of an already known vehicle. But Ford for some reason call it a new model.
At the entrance of the Ford Sollers plant in Yelabuga, a thin guy meets us.
My name is Mikhail Melnikov, I am a leading engineer for the launch of new models.
Mikhail is shaking my hand, and in his left hand he is holding the March issue of Za Rulem magazine, in which the pre-styling Kuga could not beat its competitors in the comparative test. Not otherwise, debriefing awaits me.
I am your longtime reader, I haven't missed a single issue since I was five! During my school years I even sent a letter to the heading "You wrote to us." A week later, Mikhail Kolodochkin from the editorial office called me and upset me: it turned out that the illustrations I sent were not suitable for printing. Well, okay, communication with him for me, a boy, was already happiness! Here we are - this is your Kuga. Isn't she beautiful?
I couldn't find an answer. Yes, Kuga has become more beautiful. But the huge mouth of the grille gave the crossover a hefty dose of brutality, masculinity. Not a beauty - a handsome man!
The bumpers, hood and head optics have been transformed - now the headlights have bi-xenon filling and are able to change the configuration of the light beam depending on driving conditions and external lighting. The rear lights and the tailgate have been adjusted, but this can only be seen against the background of the pre-styling car.
I arrived in Yelabuga long before the start of sales, so I have a car from the first, pre-production batch in my hands. As you understand, I don’t know the price yet. (Prices were announced on December 8. - Ed.)
I jump into the salon. Yeah, we got by with pinpoint improvements. New three-spoke steering wheel with a more comfortable rim to grip. Instead of the usual handbrake, there was a button for an electromechanical parking brake - and there was free space for a niche with a neat sliding curtain. The ERA-GLONASS system module was registered on the ceiling. The chairs, which I liked before, have become even more comfortable thanks to the elongated cushion and tucked sidewalls on the back.
On the other hand, in the initial modifications, the display is too simple. Find a middle ground ...
The trip-computer screen in advanced versions is overloaded with information. Her abundance is dazzling in the eyes.
SYNC multimedia system has received new "brains". Ford people claim that its performance has increased by an order of magnitude, and the navigator is trained to plot a route taking into account traffic jams.
The interior design has not fundamentally changed - it still looks relevant. A button for turning on the steering wheel heating appeared on the center console. It is high time!
The climate control buttons have become larger, so now the probability of missing the desired one is minimal.
Paddle shifters (basic equipment) are one of the main acquisitions of the Kuga.
Kuga became the first Russian Ford with the ERA-GLONASS module.
-In addition, we lowered the temperature in the first stage of seat heating by two degrees, as there were many complaints about excessive heat. We are very attentive to constructive criticism and try to respond promptly to it. In your comparison test, you wrote that a car of this level must have a heated steering wheel and at least two USB ports. Receive - and sign! Scared by the abundance of buttons on the center console? Their number was reduced by almost half. They also introduced heating for the parking area of \u200b\u200bthe wipers, which turns on together with the heated side mirrors and rear window. In our climate - a necessary thing.
Michael cannot be held back. A minute later, I learned that Ford's main reason for pride was the advanced SYNC 3 multimedia system with voice control. Compared to the previous one, it is much more productive, and interaction with smartphones on Android and iOS platforms is expensive. And instead of a small display on the center console, an eight-inch touchscreen flaunts. The navigator was taught to plot a route taking into account traffic jams. Everything we love.
The basic multimedia system has a display no larger than that of the Soviet Electronics clock.
In the Trend Plus version, the screen is already more solid - with a diagonal of five inches.
There is progress in the rest of the electronics. In particular, the Active City Stop automatic braking system now operates at speeds up to 50 km / h (previously up to 30 km / h). The self-parking operator now parks the car not only parallel to the roadside, but also perpendicularly. In addition, he will help you to leave the tight parking lot - for many this is still a task. Finally, the Cross Traffic Alert system makes reversing out of the parking lot safer - warns the driver with sound and light signals if he rolls out in front of an approaching car.
In addition, we introduced the MyKey system, which allows you to program keys at your discretion. You can leave yourself an "unlimited" one, and give your wife a "prepared" copy with a wired-in speed and volume limit of the audio system, a prohibition on setting a target to the navigator while driving, and a low fuel threshold message pushed aside - for her own benefit.
After the upgrade, diesels disappeared from the range of engines - with a tiny demand, it is unprofitable to tinker with them. The petrol 2.5-liter 150-horsepower aspirated is combined exclusively with the front-wheel drive: more than half of the buyers choose such cars. 
The 1.5 turbo engine replaced the 1.6-liter. The power is the same, but the cooling of the air coming from the turbine is carried out in it by a liquid, not an air intercooler. Fuel consumption was reduced by 7%.
The previous 1.6 liter turbo engines (150 or 182 hp) gave way to the 1.5 EcoBoost engines of the same power already known from the Focus. Reducing the cubic capacity was achieved by reducing the piston stroke. The new motors made the Kugu a little more economical. They comply with the Euro-6 eco-standards and are adapted for 92nd gasoline, while previously only 95th was required.
I have at my disposal a top 182-strong Kuga. Rides not as vividly as you expect, acceleration to a hundred takes more than ten seconds. Extra "horses" are lost in the wilds of the all-wheel drive and six-speed automatic 6F35, which was included in the basic equipment of the Kuga (there is no longer a version with mechanics, since it did not find demand). Even in sport mode, the box shuffles gears with laziness.
I was only pleased with the fact that in manual mode, the transmissions now change with the usual paddle shifters, and not with a key on the selector, which was inconvenient to use.
The old engine, when accelerated to the floor, squealed that there was urine, and the 1.5-liter one did not break down to scream. And road noises are now better muffled. Is the use of double-layer side windshields so influenced?
This is the result of the work of our specialists. The modernized Russian-assembled Kugi received additional noise insulation for the bottom, therefore, the acoustic comfort has significantly improved. You also criticized him in that comparative test ...
And Melnikov pointed his finger at our text. Nothing, nothing, constructive criticism has not bothered anyone yet - so Kuga has changed. 
The front seats are good: good profile, wide adjustment ranges, tenacious upholstery. 
I really liked the practical troughs nestled between the seat and the threshold. 
Rear passengers are spacious and comfortable. They have a backrest with an adjustable angle of inclination and folding tables. In rich versions, rear passengers are offered a 220-volt socket (left). In simpler versions, a 12-volt power supply (right) is used instead.
The chassis has not undergone any transformations. And it is right. Rideability has always been a strong point of the Kuga. In the sincerity of the steering effort, stability on the trajectory and the delicacy of the stabilization system settings, only the Volkswagen Tiguan can compete with the Kuga.
It's a pity we couldn't get a 150-strong turbo version! Judging by the technical data, it is not particularly inferior to the flagship. Therefore, I see no reason to pay extra for a more powerful modification. The motive for buying it can only be the equipment that is not available for versions with weaker motors. By the way, all the configurations have become richer. So, in the basic version of Trend (available only with engine 2.5), in addition to power accessories, an audio system, air conditioning, heated side mirrors, seven airbags, ESP and fog lights, LED running lights, automatic paddle shifters, and the MyKey system appeared.
The ground clearance is 198 mm and the sloping bumper allows you to confidently move on difficult terrain. For complete happiness, there is not enough blocking of the multi-plate clutch. 
The lidar of the autobraking system, now working at speeds of up to 50 km / h, is installed at the salon mirror.
Adaptive bi-xenon headlights are an option even for the flagship Titanium Plus version.
The Trend Plus version (offered with both 150-horsepower engines), in addition to roof rails, dual-zone climate control, electric heated washer nozzles, windshield and front seats, received a heated steering wheel and wiper rest zone, a parking brake button, an audio system with a larger color screen and a second USB port, as well as 17 ‑ inch alloy wheels.
Titanium is available with any of the offered motors. If before he added a combined trim (leather plus fabric), a keyless entry system, cruise control, a self-dimming salon mirror, light and rain sensors, a 220-volt outlet for rear passengers and tinted rear windows, now the SYNC multimedia system has been added to this list 3.
Shortly before my trip to the Yelabuga plant, I got acquainted with the European version of the Kuga. With the exception of the Russian adaptation package (ERA-GLONASS, additional sound insulation of the bottom and all kinds of heating), everything is the same - both design and technology. Only the 182 ‑ strong Kuga in the sporty performance of the SL Line stands apart. Its body is decorated with an aerodynamic body kit, and the radiator grille and lighting equipment are decorated with black gloss instead of chrome. The key differences are in the suspension: stiffer springs, shock absorbers and an anti-roll bar are installed. In addition, the ground clearance is reduced by 10 mm. All this made the Kugu a little more collected and accurate in turns, but there is no fundamental difference in handling between it and the standard car. Now, if, in addition to the above innovations, Fords increased the power to at least two hundred "horses" ... However, what do we need? The Kuga ST Line will not be on sale in Russia.
The flagship Titanium Plus version can only be equipped with a 182-horsepower engine. As before, the list of equipment includes leather upholstery, electric driver's seat adjustment, panoramic roof, mirrors with illumination of the door space and electric folding, contactless trunk opening function, and an enlarged rear spoiler. And from the new - a self-parking operator, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, a rear-view camera, a navigator. For this version, only one additional option is offered - the package of electronic assistants.
In full ammunition, the updated Kuga is perceived as nobler and more luxurious than its predecessor. In the course of modernization, she got rid of many shortcomings, and in the next comparative test she will have a chance to win back.
Quick jump to sections
The updated Ford Kuga has changed the shape of the hood, the headlights and the radiator grill have become slightly different. The taillights have changed the shape of the sections, which may be important for fans of the model, but this, of course, did not affect the technical characteristics of the restyled Ford Kuga. The main changes that have occurred in the car relate to its electronic filling.
Like others, Kuga is equipped with a turbo engine of the EcoBoost family, in this case, its volume is 1.5 liters, and the power is 182 hp, as well as an automatic transmission. This is the option that is sold in Russia. If Ford cars have enemies, then they do not like it lately, first of all, for the interior design solution. Indeed, the center console is made in such a way that it literally runs into the driver. But the dashboard cannot but please. The steering wheel is grippy, quite comfortable and easily customizable because it is adjustable in two directions, and the devices can be called sports at all. At Kug they are the same as at the "Focus", sunk in two wells.
Interior innovations
A new control unit appeared on the steering wheel, thanks to which the new Ford Kuga received adaptive cruise control and the ability to track the lane. Moreover, the car can even steer a little if the driver is distracted and does not closely follow the lane.
Video: new Kuga on the road
The center console of the new Ford Kuga now has a full-fledged large screen and modern multimedia system Sync 3 with voice control. The navigation system and maps are in Russian. The screen is touch-sensitive, however, individual functions can be operated using buttons. Not without "relics of the past" - on the center console, temperature indicators, as before, are green. A clear tribute to tradition, indicating that this is an American car.
Ford Kuga captivates with huge space for rear passengers. Even with the front seat pushed back, there is plenty of knee space. There is no tunnel under the feet of the passenger sitting in the center of the second row, which means that the three of us will be comfortable sitting on the back sofa. In addition, the rear passengers have an adjustable backrest tilt, armrest and door pockets. An interesting detail: the windows in the rear doors go down to the very bottom, which is not found on all cars. This is another reason why young families choose the new Ford Kuga. If you add a few more fashion options to it and slightly refresh the design, then the car will sell even better.
Dimensions and other dimensions of Ford Kuga:
- Length: 4524 mm;
- Width: 2077 mm, with mirrors folded 1838 mm;
- Height: 1689 mm, with roof rails 1703 mm;
- Wheelbase: 2690 mm;
- Turning circle: 11.1 m;
- Fuel tank volume: 60 liters;
- Trunk volume: 484 liters, with the rear seats down, 1653 liters.
Overhangs and clearance allow
When a crossover is bought, especially an all-wheel drive one, its owner wants to believe that his car will be able to drive at least moderate off-road conditions. For this, the Ford Kuga has the prerequisites. In particular, its overhangs are short, so that during a test drive, the car moved without problems over hilly fields.
Here's what is curious. Any modern crossover is full of various electronic assistants. In particular, an assistant during the descent from the mountain today is, it would seem, on every crossover. Alas, for some reason it was not on the updated Ford Kuga. I had to go down the old fashioned way, that is, on the brakes. It's not scary on a dry hillock, but when you have to move down slippery slopes, the electronic assistant would even come in handy.
Video: Active Park Assist helps the girl to park the car
Another question is to what extent the new Kuga is suitable for driving to the top of this or that hill. On the first releases of the Cougars there was a Haldex clutch, but then Ford decided to save money and began to independently develop all-wheel drive systems. They coped with the task and their system works well. The only question is: why does it not have a clutch lock button so that, if necessary, the driver could force the four-wheel drive to be permanent? By the way, there is no disabling the ESP system here, and on the off-road it helps a lot.
Nevertheless, the new Ford Kuga is capable of conquering the roller coaster well. Still, its motor is good, and besides, it works in tandem with a real machine. The car easily enters the top of any hillock. In places where the car is suspended, the traction control system is activated, the torque is transferred to the wheels that have traction with the ground, and the car successfully drives up.
About steering
What the Ford Kuga has always liked motorists is handling. The new Ford Kuga has retained this dignity and the restyled model is still unmatched. This is especially felt on the version where a full-fledged automatic machine acts as a checkpoint. its presence is especially valuable off-road, but it also demonstrates its advantages well on asphalt. The box does everything it needs quickly enough, especially in Sport mode.
Video: how the all-wheel drive system works for the Ford Kuga
However, in the sport mode, another feature appears. Sitting in the car with the usual movement, you switch the selector lever down and immediately enter the Sport mode, and the fuel consumption in this mode is such that it easily reaches the level of 16 liters. However, the sport mode itself is wonderful. It also has an instant response to pressing the pedal, there is also a pick-up, only the emptying of the gas tank occurs at an alarming rate. However, as soon as the lever is shifted up, the mode will change to the usual "Drive", after which the character of the car changes significantly. The pickup is no longer the same, but the fuel consumption is reduced to 12 liters "per hundred" of the run.
Overview of the disadvantages of the Ford Kuga
One of the main features of the updated Ford Kuga is the new multimedia Sync 3. There are no questions for its large screen, but now its new map is very difficult to understand. In particular, if you want to return to the main menu from the navigation, then it is rather difficult to do this.
By the way, in the multimedia system, there was also a disable Traction Control, which I wanted to do, but failed during a test drive off-road. The fact is that in most cars this shutdown is very simple: by pressing a single button. It couldn't be better. For example, while driving, when the driver sees that there is dirt in front of him. In this case, he presses the desired button and the ESP system is instantly deactivated. As soon as the dirt is left behind, the driver activates the system using the same button.
On the new Kuga, this functionality is much more complicated. The owner of the crossover has to climb into the menu, make five or six movements there before he gets to the desired option, and only after that he will be able to turn off the stabilization system. Why such difficulties?
Under the hood of the new Kuga
In Russia, the Ford Kuga is sold with an EcoBust gasoline engine with a volume of one and a half liters and a capacity of 180 hp. There is also a second motor - this is a well-known, time-tested aspirated engine. its working volume is 2.5 liters, and the power is 150 hp. It works in tandem with a machine gun. Why is this motor good? It is, of course, much more reliable, since it does not have a turbine. On the other hand, while driving, he is very slow and the car, as they say, does not go with him. If there is EcoBoost under the hood, the dynamics of the car is completely different.
Two versions of the new Ford Kuga:
- Engine: EcoBoost, displacement 1.5 liters, turbocharged, power 182 hp, torque 240 Nm. Drive: either full or front, gearbox: 6-speed automatic.
- Engine: gasoline aspirated, displacement 2.5 liters, power 150 hp Drive: front only.
Options and prices
The test drive showed that the updated Ford Kuga has changed, in general, not much, which has twofold consequences. With one of them, the good thing is that the car's handling and its cross-country ability have been preserved. On the other hand, some electronic chips of the updated model will not really appeal to future owners. Although, of course, the decisive factor, as usual, will be the price. It is hoped that Ford's flexible pricing policy for the new Kuga will continue. By the way, the following question may arise: where is the Ford Kuga assembled? In Yelabuga, where the Russian plant of the Ford company is located.
Video: the new Kuga received 5 Euro NCAP stars for safety
The novelty is offered in four levels of equipment:
- 1,379 million rubles. there is a restyled version of the Kuga in the Trend version. This is a basic configuration, and therefore it is not worth waiting for it much. Under the hood there will be a 2.5-liter engine, and the drive will only be on the front axle. However, the crossover will have both ESP and ABS, which has become mandatory today. The driver will have a range of assistants designed for situations such as emergency braking and starting off on an incline. What's more, the electronics will help the driver keep traction in corners under control, as well as prevent possible rollover on tight bends.
- Trend Plus will be slightly better at a price of 1,469 million rubles. Here the buyer will receive a car with a turbocharged EcoBoost, and most importantly, he will have the opportunity to choose the type of drive: either front or full.
- Next comes the Titanium package with a price tag starting at 1.559 million rubles. Those buying such a version will have the opportunity to choose an engine: either the good old aspirated, or the brand new EcoBoost with a turbocharger.
- The model line is crowned by the Titanium Plus version, which costs almost 2 million rubles. It will feature all the innovations described above, such as Sync 3 multimedia, as well as a parking lot and a "wave your foot" opening of the trunk.
