Review: Ford Kuga FHEV ST-Line X AWD
What is it?
The Ford Kuga has always been a bit of a crossover star, but the 2024 model is a product of careful refinement. Introduced in the early 2000s, the Kuga has evolved into one of the most reliable and versatile compact SUVs on the market. With the shift towards greener technology, Ford has equipped the latest version with a full hybrid powertrain, making it the most eco-conscious Kuga yet.
On the road
I had a good selection of journeys planned for the Kuga. A trip to the NEC, a few local commutes, and a trip to Scotland that included a variety of fast B roads and some dirt roads thrown in for some good measure.
Let’s start with the everyday side of things. If your daily grind involves a mix of motorway miles, city congestion, and winding back roads, the Kuga will handle it all with ease. One of the first things you’ll notice when driving this car is just how smooth it is. The transition between petrol and electric power is near-seamless, making it feel like you’re gliding along without that old-school hybrid clunkiness.
The automatic transmission shifts quietly in the background, and with 190PS on tap, there’s more than enough power to accelerate confidently, even when fully loaded.
In town, the Kuga remains nimble enough to navigate narrow streets and tight parking spaces, with the electric motor coming in handy for stop-start traffic. You'll hardly notice it's hybrid tech working in the background – unless you’re watching the battery gauge.
Out on the motorway, the Kuga cruises effortlessly at speed, and the AWD adds extra reassurance in wet or slippery conditions. Handling is impressive for an SUV this size, and while you won’t mistake it for a hot hatchback, the Kuga manages corners better than you’d expect, with minimal body roll. It’s actually very comfortable.
After a leisurely 110 mile cruise back from Scotland at 56mph due to a slow puncture, and having to use the gunge, it achieved 47mpg. That said, a few days earlier, a quick blast to the NEC also saw 47mpg!
Off road
Now, we wouldn’t call the Kuga a full-blown off-roader, and if you’re expecting it to tackle rock-crawling expeditions or wade through rivers like a Defender, you might want to temper those expectations.
With AWD, the Kuga has enough bite to get you through light off-road challenges, whether that’s gravel paths or slightly rougher country lanes. The suspension strikes a good balance between on-road comfort and off-road durability, meaning it won’t rattle your bones when you hit a few bumps and potholes. It’s not equipped with low-range gearing or heavy-duty off-road modes, but it will handle moderate obstacles with its respectable ground clearance and traction.
Ford’s Terrain Management System also helps. You can toggle between different modes like normal, eco, sport, and slippery, adjusting throttle response and traction control to suit the surface you’re driving on. So while the Kuga may not conquer mountain peaks, it’s certainly got enough grit to get you through a muddy car park at Glastonbury or a weekend in the Lake District - depending on your choice of tyres, of course.
I mentioned Scotland earlier, and this was a few days away with my pal Nick. He has permission to use around 1000 acres of land, and I’d arranged to spend a few days away with him.
The main track was fairly solid, but the rest was quite slippery, and once I’d taken the top layer off it became like ice. But credit where credit’s due, switching the control to, well, ‘Slippery’ the Kuga climbed the treacherous slopes with ease. Also worth mentioning is the surround camera system, perfect for rough terrain, not just carparks.
Interior
Step inside the Kuga and you'll be greeted by an interior that feels both premium and practical. Ford has clearly thought about the little things that make day-to-day driving enjoyable. The ST LINE X trim brings a sporty edge with its red stitching, flat-bottomed steering wheel, and part-leather seats. That said, the layout as a whole, albeit functional, is a tad uninspiring.
The 12.3” digital instrument cluster is clear and customisable, giving you all the info you need at a glance, whether it's navigation, hybrid power usage, or the classic speedometer. Meanwhile, the 8” touchscreen in the centre console handles all your infotainment needs, and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. For some reason I couldn’t sync my iPhone 13Pro, but Muddy Madam could, so I ended up using a cable all week.
It's all powered by Ford’s SYNC 3 system, which is mostly intuitive to use, once you know where things are. As an example, as most drivers do these days, once they start the car, they’ll then switch off lane assist, and maybe speed warning chimes. Some cars have visible buttons on the dash that make this act a simple affair, but the Kuga makes you go back and forth into various settings.
Whilst I’m having a good moan, the Kuga loses a heap load of points because the heating controls are all on aforementioned 8” centre touchscreen. Not good.
Back onto the positives, in terms of space, the Kuga is generous for both passengers and cargo. There’s plenty of room in the back for adult passengers, and the boot offers a healthy 612 litres of storage, expanding to 1,530 litres with the rear seats down. Ideal for a family road trip or if you need to haul a bit of kit for a weekend away. It easily swallowed my Ecoflow Glacier fridge, freezer, DeltaMax 2 power bank, large tent, a couple of Peli cases and tables and chairs.
When it comes to comfort, the Kuga really shines. Those seats I mentioned earlier? They’re supportive, yet soft enough for long journeys. The driving position is high, giving you a commanding view of the road, and the cabin is impressively quiet, thanks to good insulation and the hybrid powertrain’s silent running at low speeds.
Ford’s attention to detail is noticeable here too. Dual-zone climate control ensures both the driver and passengers are comfortable, and heated seats, as well as a heated steering wheel, are a real treat during chilly UK mornings. There’s also a panoramic sunroof to flood the cabin with light, adding to the airy, spacious feel.
Engine ’n’ transmission
The Kuga 2.5I FHEV uses a 2.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a decent 190PS and a more efficient ride. But the Kuga isn't just about reducing emissions and sipping petrol. It's still got enough grunt to power you through motorway miles, and with all-wheel drive (AWD) now in play, it can handle slippery country lanes just as well as the daily school run.
But this isn't Ford just slapping an electric motor into a car and calling it a day. The 2024 Kuga represents years of research into balancing power, fuel economy, and emissions, all while maintaining the brand's commitment to creating a vehicle that still feels like a proper SUV, both inside and out.
Conclusion
The 2024 Ford Kuga 2.5I FHEV ST LINE X feels like a versatile, well-rounded option in the hybrid SUV market. It’s not trying to be an extreme off-roader, nor is it an ultra-luxury SUV, but it strikes a sweet spot for drivers who want something that can handle both the daily grind and a bit of adventure on the weekends. It’s environmentally conscious, easy to drive, and comfortable – all while retaining the charm and practicality that has made the Kuga a popular choice in the UK.
In short, whether you're tackling the M25, taking a scenic drive through the Cotswolds, or rolling up to a campsite in Wales, the Kuga is more than up for the job. It’s not the brawniest 4x4 out there, but for most people, it’s more than capable of handling everything the British road (or muddy track) throws its way.
