Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid Video Review

Published on 29 November, 2023

A capable Plug-In Hybrid SUV that houses a beefy 2.5L petrol engine and returns better fuel economy than a diesel SUV

Highlights

Overview

The Ford Kuga, a perennial favorite among Irish families, now comes in its latest Plug-In Hybrid variant, adding environmental sustainability to its list of attributes.

Interior Gallery

The Kuga PHEV makes a slight concession in the boot to accommodate the battery pack, but still offers a generous level of space. The Kuga also features a practical sliding seat function, enabling the adjustment of boot space in exchange for rear seat passenger room based on specific requirements. When the seats are pushed forward, the available boot space reaches up to 580 litres, albeit at the expense of passenger seat legroom. Levers are provided for seat folding from the rear, enhancing overall usability. Wide opening rear doors, Isofix and a good amount of legroom make it a family friendly affair in the back. The finish of the cabin as a whole is of a high quality, contributing positively to its overall appeal.

The cabin offers a generous sense of space, creating a comfortable and open atmosphere. The driver's seat in the ST-line model of our test car allows for electric adjustments, ensuring a personalized and comfortable driving position. The inclusion of stylish red-stitched sports seats and a sturdy flat-bottom steering wheel adds to the sporty feel. The infotainment system is managed through an 8-inch touchscreen display with built-in SatNav. It's equipped with essential features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which is a good job because despite the system's overall functionality, some may find the graphics and screen placement a bit dated. 

Overall, the cabin is well-designed, balancing quality with durability – an important aspect for a family car. The materials used convey a sense of sturdiness, meeting the demands of family life.

The Kuga is equipped with a robust 2.5-litre petrol engine, a rare occurance in today's market. This engine affords the vehicle a reassuring and capable performance, adeptly managing its size and weight. Despite the additional load from the onboard battery pack, the fuel economy remains impressive, averaging approximately 6l/100km when the battery is depleted—not bad for a large petrol SUV.

Regarding its electric capabilities, the Kuga has an estimated range of around 56 km. In most scenarios, this seems quite feasible. Even with a more spirited driving style, a comfortable 40 km or more is a reasonable expectation. A full charge takes just three and a half hours, making it very easy to live with, especially for individuals with access to charging facilities at work and home. This could see some people's commuting bills essentially disappear and where the whole PHEV idea really starts to make sense. 

Driving the Kuga in either mode offers a pleasing experience. In electric mode, the vehicle operates notably quieter and smoother, with the transition to petrol power having a minimal impact on refinement. Sound insulation in the cabin is impressive, and the handling as solid and predictable as you might expect of a family car. 

Facts & Figures

Sinead McCann

Sinéad is our resident car tester who has the unenviable (-ok, slightly enviable) task of reviewing all the latest new cars to hit the market. You can follow her on Twitter @smcani and on Instagram @whatshedrives