The Ford Kuga is a model in the C-SUV segment that has always managed to create a dedicated fanbase with its "driver-oriented" approach. With its facelifted new face, it has shed that older, somewhat innocent-looking front design; featuring a light bar spanning the grille and a higher-positioned hood line, it has gained a much more muscular and American-esque stance. Aesthetically, breaking away from the previous generation's Focus-like lines and achieving a look that practically screams "I am an SUV" is a very correct move for the market.
In the Turkish market, it is predominantly found with the 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine and manual transmission combination, or with an 8-speed automatic option. While the 120-horsepower version might look like it would struggle to carry this massive body on paper, the 240 Nm of torque coming alive from lower revs closes this gap in city use. As a former service manager, I have always trusted the durability of Ford engines; however, those with high performance expectations having to rev this 3-cylinder unit high will quickly push fuel consumption towards double digits.
Stepping into the cabin, we see the biggest innovation is the massive 13.2-inch SYNC 4 screen positioned in the center of the console. This system is currently one of the fastest and most intuitive interfaces on the market, and the wireless Apple CarPlay connection works flawlessly. Interior spaciousness pushes the limits of its class; specifically, being able to play between legroom and trunk volume (from 518 liters up to 645 liters) thanks to the sliding rear seats offers fantastic practicality. Material quality is not bad, but the hard plastics in the lower sections somewhat reveal Ford's cost calculations.
Where the Kuga truly shines is the moment you hit the road. The steering responses are so crisp, and the chassis is so communicative that you forget you are driving a high-riding SUV and feel as though you are driving a hatchback. The suspension system controls body roll wonderfully in corners, offering the most dynamic driving character in its class. Wind insulation is quite successful, but it must be said that when asphalt quality drops, those sporty suspension settings let in some road noise and jolts.
In summary, for family men who view their car not just as a means of transport but as a machine that provides joy, the Ford Kuga is still the model offering the best steering feel in its class. The massive screen and tougher design that came with the facelift have completely covered the vehicle's technological and aesthetic shortcomings. If you like manual transmissions, it's very attractive with its price advantage; but if you seek comfort, finding the automatic versions will require you to stretch your budget a bit further.
