The Ford Kuga was first produced in 2008 and was also called the Ford Escape on some markets such as the U.S.

Like the Ford Focus and Ford C-Max, the Kuga is based on the C1 platform and it comes in several versions, a 1.5-liter & a 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel, and a 1.5-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine, followed by plug-in hybrid variants, Kuga EcoBlue Hybrid (mild-hybrid) and Kuga Hybrid (full-hybrid).

The new Kuga model benefits from the latest automotive technologies and hi-tech features like Stop & Go, Speed Sign Recognition, Lane-Centring, wireless charging pad, FordPass Connect embedded modem, B&O Sound System, 12.3-inch LCD, and Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system accompanied by an 8-inch central touchscreen. The parking can be done automatically through Active Park Assist 2, a useful technology that makes life easier for its users.

The new Ford Kuga comes with more interior space making the car more comfortable, revised aerodynamics (thus reducing weight and fuel consumption) and augmented architecture for improved crash performance. Furthermore, due to a longer wheelbase, the stability on the road has increased, and with Post-Collision Braking technology (that reduces the impact of a potential secondary collision), Ford has made the Kuga model inherently safer.

With 12 colors available, customers have a wider palette to choose from, according to their personal preferences.

The second generation of the Ford Kuga was unveiled in 2012 and it was the answer given by Ford Motor Company for the compact-class SUV.
It was designed in Europe.

The first generation of Kuga was premiered at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, at the same time with its main rival in Europe, the Volkswagen Tiguan. While the economic crisis started, the sales figures dropped and Ford was forced to sell its premium brands in Europe such as Volvo, Aston Martin, Land Rover, and Jaguar. Kuga and all the other cars offered by Ford had to survive and drive the car-maker ahead.

The 2017 model received a big improvement for the second generation of the Kuga. A bigger, taller, and wider grille was adopted. It was flanked by new headlamps incorporating LED daytime running lights and complemented by fog lamps. The taillights and the rear bumper were redesigned as well.

Inside, the biggest improvement was the introduction of the SYN3 infotainment unit. It was engineered to complement the modern smartphones and offered a better understanding of voice commands. The 8” touch-screen display offered a better layout. It featured a parallel or perpendicular automatic parking system.

For the drivetrain, the Ford C1 platform was perfect for the compact Kuga. Due to its architecture, it allowed both front and all-wheel-drive systems via a Haldex electronically controlled center differential. Kuga was offered with a choice of four gasoline and four diesel engines. All of them were turbocharged.

Surprisingly, the new Kuga was cheaper than its predecessor, however, it was bigger and offered more technology.
The new Kuga was also longer, improving the available space for the rear passengers. The trunk was a great size and could have became a completely flat load bay with the rear seats folded. The Kuga also featured an optional power lift gate. The backseats were also reclinable.

The cabin of the Kuga was fitted with good quality materials and the dash was similar to the one on the C-Max. The modern look was emphasised with the gloss black finish that gave a premium feeling.

The cabin offered lots of storage spaces, including a large glovebox and big side bins.

Available with a front wheel drive system or an all wheel drive system, the Kuga performed well and was grippy. The front wheel drive was more adequate for people looking to buy a car with a reduced fuel consumption.

The Kuga was equipped with Ford’s latest technology, including lane keeping assist, an optional blind spot monitoring system and an electronic anti-skid system, active city stop, auto high beam, driver alert and traffic sign recognition.

The Kuga was given a 5 star score at the Euro NCAP and it was also awarded for its Emergency Assistance system, meaning that if airbags deployment was detected, an emergency call was made and automatically provided the GPS co-ordinates.

Ford Kuga officially entered mass-production in mid-2008, with Ford’s Saarlouis, Germany production plant the only facility to build the new model.
Although it is especially designed for the European market, there were a couple of rumors indicating that Ford is considering bringing the compact crossover into the United States. This soon happened as the model is marketed as the Escape on the US market.

However, Kuga has always been regarded as a potential competitor for Citroen C-Crosser and Vauxhall/Opel Antara, being available at similar prices, about 20,500 pounds in UK, and providing almost the same engine performance and fuel consumption (rated at 44.1 mpg).

Well-balanced and proportioned, the Kuga is built on the Ford’s acclaimed C-car architecture also shared by the Focus and the C-MAX. The robust exterior “kinetic design” is matched by a practical quality interior, offering plenty of passenger space for its class.

By default, the Ford Kuga is fitted with a FWD system, but an intelligent All-Wheel-Drive is available to make the most out of the available engines. This, combined with a handful of AWD technologies makes the Kuga a very maneuverable and safe choice.