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The Ford Kuga is a C-segment SUV developed under the leadership of the Ford European Design Centre, serving as one of the Blue Oval's core strategic global models. The name "Kuga" is a stylistic variation of "Cougar", symbolising agility and power. The first-generation Kuga debuted in 2008 on the Ford C1 platform, quickly earning widespread acclaim across European markets for its continental driving dynamics. Currently on sale is the third-generation facelift, which made its global premiere in October 2024.
Positioned as a mid-size SUV, the Kuga's key selling point lies in seamlessly blending European chassis-tuned driving engagement with diverse powertrain choices and cutting-edge in-car technology. In the Taiwan, China market, the 2025/2026 facelifted Kuga is offered across two powertrains and three trim levels: 1.5T Vignale, 1.5T Active, and 2.0T AWD ST-Line, priced between RM939,000 and RM1,139,000. Dimension-wise, it measures approximately 4,623 mm long, 1,870 mm wide, and 1,675 mm tall, with a 2,710 mm wheelbase. The five-door, five-seater SUV registers a kerb weight of 1,662 kg.
In the US market, the Kuga is sold under the Escape nameplate, recording 146,859 units sold in 2025. However, as Ford retools its assembly lines for electric vehicle production, the US-spec Escape is slated to be phased out after 2026. Over in Europe, the 2026 Kuga continues to receive updates, including the rollout of the BlueCruise hands-free driving assistance system.
The Kuga's exterior styling was penned under the direction of Nedzad Mujcinovic, Chief Designer at the Ford European Design Centre, drawing inspiration from the "Adventurous Spirit" design philosophy. The facelifted iteration gains an elevated, slimmer front grille, with the Ford badge relocated from the bonnet directly onto the grille. Full-width LED daytime running lights and smoked LED tail lamps come standard across the entire range.
The Kuga is offered with three distinct sub-brand exterior styling packages:
Vignale: Showcases a signature winged front grille paired with satin chrome accents, exuding Italian-inspired understated luxury.
Active: Features a rugged cross-mesh grille and matte silver bumper skid plates, paired with matte black window surrounds and roof rails to emphasise an adventurous, go-anywhere character.
ST-Line: Fitted with a matte black honeycomb grille, an aggressive aero body kit, and 19-inch alloy wheels to amplify its athletic, performance-focused stance.
The facelifted Kuga also debuts Ford's flagship Pixel LED projector headlights, integrating 126 LED chips across the vehicle and offering 10 intelligent illumination modes. Linked with the onboard navigation system, the headlights can proactively project light beams into bends ahead of turn-in, with a road detection range extending up to 800 metres.
Inside, all Kuga variants come standard with a dual-screen digital cockpit comprising a 13-inch full-colour digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch floating central touchscreen. The instrument binnacle runs the new Vision X interface with selectable drive-mode graphics. Interior materials and trim vary across variants: the Vignale boasts Italian Mario Levi leather with metallic diamond-quilted trim; the Active sports Norwegian Wood-style inserts paired with suede upholstery; while the ST-Line turns up the sporty vibes with carbon-fibre-look trim and a dedicated sports steering wheel.
Under the bonnet, the Kuga is powered by Ford's EcoBoost MPC modular engine family, featuring a lightweight all-aluminium block and an uprated 350-bar direct fuel injection system for finer fuel atomisation. The Taiwan, China market offers two petrol powertrain options:
1.5T Inline 3-Cylinder Turbocharged Engine: Delivers 187 PS at 6,000 rpm and 25.3 kg·m (approx. 248 Nm) of torque at 3,000 rpm, with an average fuel economy of 14.6 km/L.
2.0T Inline 4-Cylinder Turbocharged Engine (ST-Line exclusive): Pumps out 255 PS at 5,500 rpm and 38.7 kg·m (approx. 380 Nm) of peak torque at 3,000 rpm, returning an average fuel consumption figure of 12.0 km/L.
Both engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission shared with Lincoln, delivering a 20% improvement in shift efficiency. Drivetrain layouts include front-wheel drive (FWD) on 1.5T models and an intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) setup on the 2.0T ST-Line. Fuel tank capacity stands at 57 litres.
In the European market, Ford also offers 2.5-litre self-charging hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains, with the PHEV pushing out a combined 240 PS. Similarly, the US-spec lineup provides two electrified options: 2.5-litre HEV and PHEV.
The Kuga is built upon the Ford C2 modular architecture. The body shell incorporates nearly 50% ultra-high-strength steel, boosting torsional rigidity by 10%. Underneath, the chassis employs a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension setup, complemented by lightweight aluminium rear lower control arms. The ST-Line variant benefits from a dedicated sports suspension tune with a lowered ride height for enhanced road holding. Moose tests and real-world mountain road trials demonstrate that the Kuga ST-Line's cornering body roll control outperforms key segment rivals.
In terms of traction, the 2.0T ST-Line is equipped with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system. Braking duties are handled by front and rear disc brakes. For rolling stock, the Vignale and Active come standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, while the ST-Line steps up to 19-inch alloys.
On the technology front, the entire Kuga range is fitted with dual 13-inch displays powered by the latest SYNC 4 infotainment system. The setup supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, built-in navigation, and a 2K 360-degree surround-view monitor with 15 selectable viewing angles. Stepping up to the 1.5T Active adds a head-up display (HUD) supporting turn-by-turn navigation guidance. A flagship NVH acoustic insulation package and ambient cabin lighting come standard across the board.
In terms of creature comforts, variants from the Active upwards gain a premium B&O sound system and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Seating-wise, the Active variant boasts AGR-certified ergonomic sports seats upholstered in suede, featuring 18-way power adjustment for both front seats and a three-setting memory function for the driver. The second-row bench offers 15 cm of fore-and-aft sliding adjustment alongside a 60:40 split-folding backrest. Standard kit across the range includes dual-zone automatic climate control, an electronic rotary gear selector, automatic rain-sensing wipers, and keyless entry with push-start ignition. Passenger-registered models also feature a hands-free kick-activated power tailgate.
The Kuga sets a high benchmark in terms of vehicle safety. On the passive safety front, seven SRS airbags (including dual front, front side, and full-length curtain airbags) come standard across the range, supported by an aerospace-grade boron steel passenger cell. Active safety is governed by the comprehensive Ford Co-Pilot360 Vision 2.2 intelligent driving predictive assistance suite. Key highlights include:
iACC 2.0 Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control: Works in tandem with onboard navigation and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) to proactively anticipate the road ahead and adjust vehicle speed.
Level 2 Semi-Autonomous Driving: Comprising Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Centring Assist (LCA), and more.
Intersection Collision Warning: A newly added feature designed to enhance junction crossing safety.
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB): Complete with pedestrian detection.
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS): Includes Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA).
360° Surround-View Camera System: Rendered in crisp 2K resolution.
Active Park Assist (APA) System.
In the European market, the 2026 Kuga takes active safety further with the introduction of Ford's flagship BlueCruise hands-free driving assistance system, a Level 2 ADAS suite. The system enables a "hands-off, eyes-on" semi-autonomous driving experience across approximately 95% of approved motorway networks in 16 European nations, using infrared driver-monitoring cameras to track driver gaze.
The Kuga continues to post solid sales across global markets. In the US, the Escape (its North American twin) recorded deliveries of 146,859 units in 2025. However, as Ford shifts production resources toward electric vehicles, the US-market Escape will be retired after 2026. Across Europe, the 2026 Kuga remains highly competitive with the addition of BlueCruise technology. In the Taiwan, China market, the facelifted Kuga maintains a firm foothold in the mid-size SUV segment courtesy of its versatile "two powertrains, three styling packages" product strategy.
Media reviews highlight the Kuga's core strength as its dynamic, European-tuned driving characteristics—with ST-Line models demonstrating a 25% to 40% reduction in body roll compared to segment rivals during dynamic road tests on routes like Taiwan's Beiyi Highway. The punchy 2.0T mill serves up peak torque from just 3,000 rpm, delivering direct throttle response. On the flip side, noted drawbacks include the 2.0T's relatively high fuel consumption (12.0 km/L) and rear knee room (25.6 cm) that falls slightly behind some Japanese rivals. Nevertheless, as a mid-size SUV combining European handling pedigree with comprehensive in-car technology, the Ford Kuga continues to attract drivers seeking an engaging behind-the-wheel experience alongside cutting-edge intelligence in the fiercely competitive SUV arena.
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