Ford launches updated Kuga with more powerful PHEV option

Ford has revealed the latest version of its popular Kuga SUV, complete with an upgraded plug-in hybrid option.

The Kuga PHEV has been Europe’s best-selling plug-in hybrid for the last three years, outselling the likes of the Kia Sportage and Vauxhall Grandland, and the 2024 facelift brings technical changes, a new trim line-up and subtle cosmetic changes.

A motor upgrade increases the plug-in’s power to 240bhp (from 22​2bhp) and brings a marked improvement in acceleration, cutting the 0-62mph time from around 9 seconds to 7.3 seconds. The new Kuga also gets an extra two miles of EV range, returning almost 43 miles on a charge. 

Official economy is between 282 and 313mpg, while CO2 emission of 20-28g/km and the 40-mile-plus EV range mean a benefit in kind rate of 8% for company drivers. 

The upgraded motor also gives the Kuga an improved and class-leading towing capacity of 2,100kg. To aid towing horse boxes or caravans, the Kuga’s new infotainment system features a trailer connection checklist and a navigation function that takes your trailer’s dimensions into account and plots routes to avoid tight turns or low bridges. 

While the PHEV is only available as a front-wheel-drive model, there’s also a full hybrid version that’s available as a two-wheel-drive variant with 178bhp or a four-wheel-drive with 181bhp. At the bottom of the range, there’s also a 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol.  

Visually, the whole range has been given a refresh with a full-width LED light bar spanning the new-look grille, plus narrower LED headlights and a reshaped lower bumper. For the first time, there’s an Active trim level on the Kuga, which brings a more rugged external look, very slightly taller suspension and a more durable seat fabric. 

Inside, the dashboard has been restyled to house a new 13.2-inch touchscreen packing the latest, cloud-connected Sync 4 software. The physical climate controls have also been deleted, replaced with permanent shortcuts on the touchscreen. Ahead of the driver, there’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. 

Other technological additions include wireless phone mirroring and charging, adaptive cruise control with braking for curves and junctions, and auto-dipping LED headlights. A dynamic matrix LED system is also available that will use road signs and GPS information to adjust the light pattern on curves and junctions. 

Alongside the new mid-tier Active trim, there is an entry-level Titanium grade, and “sportier” ST-Line and ST-Line X options. The PHEV is only available in ST-Line grade and above, with prices starting at £40,555 - a £1,900 increase on the outgoing equivalent. 

The new Kuga has arrived ahead of the firm's all-electric family SUV - the Explorer - which is set to enter production later this year after an eight-month delay. 

The Explorer is effectively a battery-powered alternative to the Kuga, based on the same platform as the Volkswagen ID.4 and set to go head-to-head with it in the electric family SUV market. It was due to go on sale at the end of 2023 but Ford delayed its production to ensure that its batteries meet incoming European safety standards. Production is now expected to begin in July, with the first deliveries to European customers in August.