Ford Kuga (2013 – 2016)

By Jonathan Crouch

Models Covered

5dr SUV (1.6 EcoBoost – 150PS & 180PS / 1.5 EcoBoost – 150PS & 180PS / 2.0 TDCi 140PS, 150PS, 163PS, 180PS – 2WD & AWD) [Zetec, Titanium, Titanium X])

Introduction

The Ford Kuga evolved in second generation form into a larger, more practical and more efficient proposition that on the used market will be equally attractive to Qashqai-like Crossover and RAV4-style soft roading SUV buyers. The single five-seat bodystyle is properly family-sized and gets some clever technology that segment buyers will like. Here, we’re looking at the original 2013 to 2016 version of the MK2 model.

The History

For a company that has counted on sports utility vehicles for such a huge proportion of its global earnings, Ford has had a surprisingly patchy track record with the things in the UK – until 2008 and the arrival of the first generation version of this model, the Kuga. Back then, so-called ‘Crossover’ vehicles – cars with the styling of an SUV and the sense of a family hatchback – were an emerging trend that almost every brand has since had to follow. This one copied the approach of Nissan Qashqai-class alternatives but added a butch-er look and a better driving experience, a combination that saw Ford garner over 45,000 UK sales in less than four years before the arrival of this MK2 model early in 2013.

The priorities here weren’t difficult for Ford designers to tie down. Second generation Kuga buyers wanted their cars to be more efficient. And they needed them to be bigger. After all, in the original version of this model, luggage room and rear seat cabin space were inferior to that of most compact family hatchbacks – which simply wasn’t good enough for a car of this size and class. Fortunately, the solution lay in a direction Ford was going anyway. The Blue Oval bean counters had already decreed that the second generation Kuga would be a global design that, badged over the Atlantic as the ‘Ford Escape’, must also satisfy the larger needs of North American buyers. In other words, it was always going to be bigger.

The extra size brought with it an extra presence and perceived purpose that, visually at least, positioned this design not only as a Qashqai Crossover competitor but also as a car you might take seriously against soft roading SUVs like, say, Toyota’s RAV4 or a Honda’s CR-V. In other words, this MK2 Kuga had wider appeal. It was certainly cleverer and more affordable to run. But then, plenty of other similarly targeted cars from this era make similar claims. This one sold until a heavily facelifted version was launched early in 2016.

What To Look For

In our owner survey, we came across plenty of owners who loved their Kugas. Inevitably, though, there were a few buyers who’d had problems. A known problem is water leaking to the driver’s side front footwell; apparently, this is caused by a water outlet pipe in the air conditioning being blocked. One owner also reported a leak in his car’s roof above the rear passenger driver’s side seat. One owner had an oil cooler fault which led to oil leaking out and the need for a new engine. And another reported an intermittent tapping noise from behind the dashboard. We came across reports of a creaking driver’s door, a sticking power tailgate, sticking door locks and a faulty handbrake. Look out for all these things, as well as the usual signs of unwise off road use.

On The Road

Making a car bigger is not usually a recipe for improving its on-road dynamics. Quite the reverse in fact. Which might be a cause for concern if the reason you chose the first generation version of this model was the way it felt almost as sharp as a Focus to drive. But loyal Kuga customers needn’t fret too much. This second generation version might not have quite the same sheer ‘chuckability’ as its predecessor, but it’s still a class-leading driver’s car. If we had to sum up the difference with this MK2 model, we’d say that it grew up a bit - become a bit mellower – with a personality changed towards something a bit more family-friendly. A bit like a mate you've known for ages who's just had kids. He’s still fun, just a bit more measured in his outlook.

This car still knows how to thread a series of corners together though. Yes, the chassis feels a little softer in an attempt to give what is still a very firm set-up a bit of extra suppleness over poor surfaces - a change that Kuga regulars might feel has meant the sacrifice of that extra tenth of body control. Plusher variants came fitted with the desirable ‘Ford Stability Control’ package. This includes ‘Roll Stability Control’ to keep that bodyroll in check. And, perhaps most significantly, ‘Curve Control’.

Overall

When this MK2 model Kuga was introduced in 2013, it was clear that at last, Ford had got serious about SUVs. Like its contemporaries from this era, it’s aimed at the urban, rather than the Amazon jungle, but unlike rival contenders, it can reward on twisty tarmac as well as straight stuff, capability enhanced by some clever roll stability and curve technology. In fact, there’s so much clever stuff here. Depending on specification, this car can park itself, raise its tailgate for you, brake to avoid an accident and even automatically call for help after a crash.

The most important changes that Ford made with this MK2 design though, were fundamental ones. More frugal, cleaner powerplants. A proper petrol option for the first time and, most importantly, a cabin that now at last was properly big enough for family duties. In other words, Ford’s global mid-sized SUV has been as thoroughly thought through as you would expect it to have been.