The Ford Kuga, the popular crossover/family SUV, has undergone a significant refresh; it’s just grown up, adding more to its appeal

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Car Reviewed: Ford Kuga Active PHEV 2.5l Duratec CVT Automatic FWD

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The base models have a 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine; the hybrid versions get this 2.5-litre petrol engine. This PHEV combines with a 14.4kWh plug-in hybrid system. This means regular charging is needed to get the most out of the fuel economy. Ford claims an estimated EV range of 42 miles, but in reality, it’s less than this to achieve the best MPG charge regularly.

The electric motor and engine work seamlessly, and performance is very good. With a 0-62mph of 7.3 secs and a top speed of 125mph, the 243bhp power output is just right. The combined MPG of the PHEV charged can bring up to 282mpg but let the charge go to zero, and the combined consumption comes out at a claimed 50.5mpg, going as low as 33.2 mpg.

This Kuga offers tight handling, making it fun to drive, which we have come to expect from Ford. The CVT isn’t as thrashy as some and is always composed and refined on the road. That is also helped by noise cancellation; an electronic system like posh headphones cleverly generates opposite sound waves to reduce surrounding sounds.

The latest Kuga is, to my eye, the best-looking one yet. With subtle yet effective changes to the exterior, such as a smoothed front with a new grille and light bar, new Ford badging and LED lamps. The Kuga is a visually pleasing car that stands out without resorting to the more extravagant styling of its competitors.

Ford has come leaps and bounds with its connectivity with the latest 12.3inch touchscreen, powered by the SYNC 4 version with 5g, Amazon Alexa Built-in, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, easy to use, feature-filled, crisp and concise and with options for personalisation. Some other manufacturers now need to up their game. The ten-speaker B&O sound system makes listening on the go a pleasure.

For some, it may be a little austere on the inside due to the dark, mostly black interior. It’s similar to the Focus, but that’s not a bad thing. The Kuga feels roomy, and the optional £1200 panoramic roof, when opened, brightens it all up. The ergonomic seats are 12-way adjustable for the driver and two-way for the passenger. The rear seats have a feature to slide them forward to increase boot space from 412 litres to a useful 552 litres.

Ford’s latest adaptive cruise control is excellent on the Kuga, straightforward to use; it is perfect for clogged arteries around the UK. It can brake automatically for curves, junctions and other traffic and also includes stop & go.

At £40,955, it is a price that is about right for its PHEV tech. However, the tested model came in a £46,055 with the increased options of wheels, a panoramic roof, a winter pack, a tech pack, a charging cable and a retractable tow-bar.

This model was specced in the Active trim grade, adding a slightly beefier look, with special 18″ machined alloy wheels in a very attractive design, special active lifted suspension, black roof, mirror caps and roof rails. The active seats had a posh-sounding neo-suede covering that appeared hardwearing.

It is worth talking about the lighting with the Full auto LED headlights and LED daytime running lights with LED at the rear; also, the Quickclear windscreen is a must-have for a colder day.

The Ford Kuga PHEV has really upped the game and is the best Kuga yet. The PHEV may only be an option to suit if driving needs include many short trips, running around in EV mode for some with a dash of engine. Rewards can really be had for petrol savings, but when out of battery charge, you may fare better with a different powertrain option.