2026 Ford Kuga Changes, Specs, Redesign
2026 Ford Kuga Changes, Specs, Redesign – A quick look into the 2026 Ford Kuga family tree reveals that the 2008 release of the first iteration of this family-friendly SUV was only a high-riding Ford Focus. This was advantageous, though, because it gave buyers the ability to drive like a hatchback while yet utilizing the extra space and amenities of a larger five-door family vehicle.
In 2012, Ford unveiled the second iteration of its mid-size SUV. As competition from cars like the Peugeot 3008, Renault Austral, and Kia Sportage intensified, the Mk2 Kuga became a little rounder in its middle years and struggled to make an impact. Its dull look, outdated electronics, and poor driving performance did not help its cause.
With the Kuga, Ford has done a fantastic job. The manufacturer’s painstaking attention to detail has produced the Kuga’s remarkable look, high degree of standard equipment, efficient engine option, and outstanding safety credentials. It drives really nicely, too.
The third-generation Kuga is based on Ford’s C2 platform and the Focus hatchback. The Kuga’s ride and handling are once again its strongest qualities, and driving it is more fun than with rivals like the Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4. 2026 Ford Kuga Changes
Table of Contents
2026 Ford Kuga Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior & Interior
The front end of the 2026 Ford Kuga has seen the most significant visual changes. All versions now have the revised Ford corporate logo, which was first seen on the Ford Transit Custom and is now present on the most recent Kuga, in addition to a modified grille and headlights.
If you desire a sportier look, the ST-Line and ST-Line X models come with the largest 19-inch alloy wheels and a sharper bumper design. Along with a little suspension adjustment, extra unpainted black plastic trim is added around the wheel arches and side sills to give the Active trim a more substantial appearance.
The Kuga’s cabin is functional and features two large digital screens, just like the redesigned Ford Focus hatchback. We regret that the physical temperature controls from the Kuga’s pre-facelift are no longer accessible.
Unfortunately, this eliminates one of the key features that set the Kuga distinct from rivals like the Peugeot 3008, which now just has a touchscreen, and made it stand out before to the facelift. As with the Volkswagen Tiguan, when the car is turned on, a number of temperature control shortcuts appear at the bottom of the screen. However, compared to earlier versions of similar technology, a genuine dial is more practical to use while driving.
We would prefer to see the cheap-feeling plastics removed, even if they still play a big part in the new Kuga. Two competitors that have improved to the point where they can now compete with and even outperform more costly models like the Tiguan are the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. Even though the top-tier ST-Line X models feature contrast red stitching to give them a little livelier appearance, the interior of the Kuga series may still appear a little drab.
In addition to front and rear parking sensors, every Kuga model incorporates a reversing camera. Upgrading to Titanium trim (or ST-Line trim and higher) with the Driver’s Assistance Pack includes a 360-degree video system and further driver safety aid technologies. More advanced LED matrix headlights in the Technology Pack, available throughout the series, alter the beam pattern to avoid blinding oncoming cars. Furthermore, this pack has a head-up display that projects useful information, such your speed, into your range of view on a windshield display.
The Kuga is equipped with Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment and navigation system as standard. In addition to the USB charging connections in front of the gear selector, there is a wireless phone charging pad for users who wish to connect to apps on their smartphones. Sat-nav, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the internet are all available.
The infotainment system’s integrated user interface is easy to use and loads quickly, allowing you to rapidly access the options you want. The big icons and fast, clear screen make it incredibly easy to use while on the go. The 10-speaker system is substantially better, even though ST-Line and above come with a six-speaker system by default.
Digital dials are now standard on all Kuga variants, however they are less customizable than those of rival vehicles and do not display the satellite navigation map on the instrument cluster like the Peugeot 3008 or Volkswagen Tiguan. 2026 Ford Kuga Changes
2026 Ford Kuga Specs
Engine & Performance
The third-generation Ford Kuga’s variety of potent engines make it an enjoyable family SUV. Comfort on long journeys and agility in tight turns are provided by a multi-link rear suspension and a MacPherson strut front suspension. When you need to control it, the brakes are strong.
Due to its sporty suspension and larger alloy wheels, we did find the ST-Line X model’s ride to be a bit too harsh and uneven, but generally the suspension is quiet and enjoyable. Smaller wheels give the Kuga a more refined appearance.
The Kuga’s use of plug-in, full-, and mild hybrid power is a significant advancement that improves fuel economy and reduces CO2 emissions. The mild-hybrid system recovers power during braking and stores it in a small battery to reduce engine strain and improve driving efficiency. An electric motor that aids in acceleration is subsequently powered by this energy. A bigger battery with higher power storage and a more powerful electric motor that might improve fuel efficiency by using just electricity to move the Kuga short distances at moderate speeds are two similar features offered by the full-hybrid.
Conversely, the Kuga plug-in hybrid model is expected to reduce CO2 emissions and save a substantial amount of gasoline. The 2.5-liter gasoline engine operates best in pure-EV mode, albeit it can be a little loud when it starts up. The CVT transmission, which regularly produces noise while accelerating quickly, makes this worse. We would much rather have a basic automatic transmission to keep everything moving smoothly.
The 1.5-liter EcoBoost petrol engine generates 148 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque. It can sprint from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 9.7 seconds and achieve a top speed of 121 miles per hour.
The 2.5-liter FHEV hybrid comes next, with 181 horsepower in the four-wheel drive version and 178 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque in the front-wheel drive version. The former takes 9.1 seconds from 0 to 62 mph, while the latter is a little quicker at 8.3 seconds. The maximum speed for both is 122 mph.
The quickest is the 2.5-liter PHEV plug-in hybrid Kuga, which has 240 horsepower and can reach a top speed of 125 mph in 7.3 seconds. With Ford cars, you may choose between sporty, off-road, and eco-friendly driving options thanks to selectable drive modes. 2026 Ford Kuga Changes
2026 Ford Kuga Fuel Economy
Low running costs are a must for a family SUV, and the 2026 Ford Kuga shines at them. As long as they charge it regularly, business car users will benefit from the PHEV model’s low emissions and diesel-like efficiency, even though gasoline-powered vehicles should earn about 40 mpg.
According to Ford, the standard gasoline version may get up to 44.1 mpg on the WLTP combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 145 g/km. A full-hybrid is a more efficient option, with a maximum efficiency of 52.3 mpg and CO2 emissions of 123 g/km.
The most cost-effective choice is the 2.5-liter gasoline plug-in hybrid Kuga. You will need to charge frequently and rely mostly on electricity to achieve Ford’s claimed 313.9 mpg fuel economy. The PHEV model has an all-electric range of up to 42 miles and can be fully charged in around 3.5 hours with a 7kWh wallbox charger. Therefore, if it fits with your employment and commute, it can be a good idea to consider using less fuel. Just keep in mind that other electric car options, such as the Tesla Model Y, may prove to be even more cost-effective for business drivers to run, and that there are vehicles that will go longer between charges, such as the Honda CR-V e:PHEV.
2026 Ford Kuga Safety Features
The third-generation 2026 Ford Kuga ranked a strong 15th on our list of the best cars to own, based on the results of the 2023 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey. On the other hand, Ford ranks 28th out of 32 brands in the rankings of the leading automakers, well below Toyota and Kia and much behind Volkswagen and Skoda.
Customers will be reassured by the various safety measures included in all Kuga variants. Standard features include post-collision brakes, intelligent speed assist, lane-keeping assistance with lane-departure warning, and a pre-collision assist system with autonomous emergency braking (AEM).
The Driver’s Assistance Pack, which is available on entry-level Titanium trim but standard on ST-Line and above versions, includes adaptive cruise control with traffic sign recognition and a blind spot information system (BLIS).
The Kuga received a flawless five-star safety rating in the 2019 Euro NCAP test. Safety assistance technology was rated at 73 percent, pedestrian safety at 85 percent, and adult and child protection at 92 percent and 86 percent, respectively. While it is a commendable result, overall performance was better for the Toyota RAV4, which was also tested in 2019.
2026 Ford Kuga Release Date & Price
Fortunately, the equipment levels were made simpler with the update. The lowest Titanium grade is the only one with the 1.5-liter Ecoboost engine, and it also has 17-inch alloy rims, LED lighting, front and back parking sensors, a reversing camera, a 13-inch infotainment touchscreen, climate control, lane keep assist, and the required heated windshield. Next up is the sportier-looking and remarkably well-equipped ST-Line grade, available in all engine ranges. Wider 18-inch wheels, driver-side memory electric front seats, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, an automatic tailgate, and a 360-degree video system are all included.
The Active trim, which is exclusively offered with hybrid or plug-in hybrid engines, is the least expensive four-wheel drive Kuga option. It looks a little tougher than the ST-Line thanks to its higher ride height, black exterior trim, and leather inside seat materials, but it lacks certain amenities. The top-tier ST-Line X has a panoramic glass roof, red brake calipers, heated steering, front and rear seats, and 19-inch alloy wheels.
The starting price of the Titanium-grade 1.5 Ecoboost Kuga and our favorite mid-size SUV, the Hyundai Tucson, is around £32,000. The next trim level up, the ST-Line, is a touch more expensive at little under £37,500. An Active trim demands a smaller financial leap, starting at little under £38,000, while the top-of-the-line ST-Line X costs just under £40,000.
Conclusion
The third generation (2026) Ford Kuga is without a doubt the best family SUV the business has ever produced. It blends excellent driving abilities, pragmatism, useful onboard technology, and strong safety features.
The Kuga is an attractive automobile overall, even though its interior is less opulent than that of its primary rivals. For committed drivers who need a little more room for the family, the Kuga offers excellent value because of its economical range and effective hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.
Note: The details included in this blog post are derived from pre-release material that was accessible when the article was written. If you want the latest information, you should check official sources or call your nearest dealership.
