2020 Ford Kuga Release Date | Info
Published Date: 11th Dec 2019
The all-new 2020 Ford Kuga SUV features a sleeker, less boxy design and a new plugin hybrid option. First deliveries of the new Kuga should reach customers early 2020 with Ford aiming its sights squarely at other popular rival family SUVs like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage.
2020 Ford Kuga Highlights:
- New exterior design is sleeker and loses the boxy looks
- New engine line-up includes mild hybrid, hybrid & a plugin hybrid option for the first time
- New interior is more spacious with class leading space for rear passengers
- New interior tech features wifi hotspot, head-up display & wireless smartphone charging
- State-of-the-art driver aids includes camera and radar systems for self-parking, collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking and more...
2020 Kuga Exterior
The 2020 Kuga has been completely redesigned in a bid to make it a more attractive family SUV option, the changes are probably the most radical the Kuga has seen for 10 years.
The new design features more contours and a much less boxy appearance with a sloping roofline. The new model is 2cm lower than the outgoing model and its almost 9cm longer and 4.4cm wider. The result is a much sleeker looking SUV moving it closer to the Ford Focus Active and Active X Crossover vehicles with which it share a lot of features.
All models get alloys wheels, a front skid plate, rear diffuser and LED daytime running lights as standard.
2020 Kuga Engine Line-up
The cheapest option is a 118bhp 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol engine which is a great around-town runner. There’s a more powerful 148bhp 1.5 litre EcoBoost petrol engine too which will set you back around £1500-£2000 more, it’s a good option for those doing a lot of motorway travel or frequently taking trips fully loaded. The 1.5 litre EcoBoost petrol engine is the same, much-acclaimed engine you’ll find in a Focus.
Diesel options are 1.5 and 2.0-litre EcoBlue engines, the 2.0-litre diesel is available with mild hybrid technology powered by a 48-volt battery and features brake regeneration technology. The 2.0 EcoBlue mild hybrid can do up to 56mpg and emissions are as low as 132g/km.
The new all-wheel drive petrol hybrid is powered by a 2.5-litre engine and a lithium-ion battery. Two options will be available; a PHEV (plug-in hybrid) or a self-charging hybrid.
Economy figures for the self-charging hybrid are anything up to 50mpg with CO2 emission as low as 130g/km.
The plugin-in petrol hybrid can do up to 34 miles in full electric mode, emissions are as low as 29g/km and fuel economy in full PHEV mode is up to 200mpg.
The Kuga is built on the same C2 platform as the new Focus with a larger wheel base than the outgoing model, so dynamics and handling are excellent.
2020 Kuga Interior
Inside, the new 2020 Ford Kuga offers more space for passengers and a bigger boot too. Ford say rear passenger space is ‘best in class’, rear leg room can be further enhanced with a new rear bench seat feature that allows it to be adjusted/moved backwards.
The boot also features a clever hands-free opening system by way of sensor that can be triggered by moving your hand/foot under the rear bumper.
Despite the new re-designed model being 20mm lower, thanks to some clever work from Ford the interior still offers more head room (13mm more in the front and an extra 35mm in the rear).
The interior of the 2020 Kuga shares a lot of design features found in the new Focus. Materials have been improved and the dashboard is a much cleaner looking affair with many functions operated via the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
2020 Kuga Interior Tech
The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is built on Ford’s SYNC 3 platform and features all the staple requirements expected in a modern car like Bluetooth, DAB radio and smartphone integration in the form of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Also integrated is FordPass Connect which provides a mobile hotspot for up to devices to connect to. Also new is wireless smartphone charging.
Higher grade models get an impressive 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a head-up display is also available as an option.
2020 Kuga Driver Aids and Safety Tech
Radar and camera systems take the Kuga to new levels of semi-autonomous driving with systems that can steer the vehicle to avoid a collision and apply the brakes in an emergency.
If parking isn’t your forte, you’ll be pleased to learn that the new Kuga features a self-parking system that can parallel park your car at the push of a button.
Other features include a lane-keeping assistant and new wide-angle cameras which enhances front and rear visibility.
2020 Kuga Trim Levels
Trim levels are the entry-level Zetec, Titanium, ST-Line and the plush Vignale model, ST-Line trim-level features sport styling and unique ST-Line branding whilst the Vignale is the most plush and luxurious model.
Our recommendation is the Kuga Titanium model which features excellent levels of tech and equipment including a B&O sound system and front/rear parking sensors.