Ford Kuga 2021 review
Overview
The third-generation Ford Kuga (Mk3) arrived in the UK in 2020 on Ford's C2 platform, and the 2021 model year is the point where the range fully settled - including the plug-in hybrid that became the car's headline act. The PHEV pairs a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with an electric motor and a 14.4kWh battery for a combined 225PS, delivering an official 201.8mpg on the weighted WLTP cycle, just 32g/km of CO2 and a genuine 35 miles of electric range - enough for most school runs and commutes without burning a drop of petrol.
It is not a one-trick car. The 2021 range also covered a 1.5 EcoBoost petrol with 120 or 150PS, a 1.5 EcoBlue diesel with 120PS, a 2.0 EcoBlue 190PS mild-hybrid diesel and a 190PS full hybrid, all wrapped in five-door crossover practicality. Ford's media figures quote 475 to 645 litres of boot space with the sliding second row adjusted (411 to 581 litres in the PHEV, whose battery sits under the floor), stretching to about 1,534 litres with the seats down. The Kuga earned five Euro NCAP stars in 2019 with strong 92% adult and 86% child scores, and insurance sits between groups 14e and 21e.
Trims ran from Zetec through Titanium and the value-led Edition variants to sporty ST-Line, ST-Line X and luxury Vignale, with standard kit including FordPass Connect, wireless phone charging and driver-assist features from the entry level. The PHEV was offered in Titanium, ST-Line, ST-Line X and Vignale. Real-world testing by the motoring press found that a charged PHEV sips fuel on short trips but reverts to around 47mpg on long runs with the battery depleted - charge it regularly or the diesel still makes more sense.
In 2026 the 2021 Kuga is one of Britain's best used family-SUV values, typically £11,000 to £18,000 depending on engine, trim and mileage - roughly half the original list price. One caveat matters on the PHEV: Ford recalled Kuga PHEVs built before 26 June 2020 over battery overheating and fire risk, so 2021 cars fall outside the recall window but a VIN check with Ford is still wise. Diesel buyers should confirm a clean DPF and full service history, and note the PHEV's reduced 1,200kg braked towing limit.
UK price from: £23,995
Specifications
| Trim levels | Zetec, Titanium, Titanium X, ST-Line, ST-Line X, Vignale (+Edition value variants) |
| Engine (PHEV) | 2.5 Duratec Atkinson 4-cyl (2,498cc) + electric motor |
| System power | 225PS / 221bhp |
| Battery | 14.4 kWh lithium-ion |
| Electric range | 35 miles (56 km) WLTP combined |
| Fuel economy | 201.8 mpg (WLTP weighted combined) |
| CO2 emissions | 32 g/km (WLTP) / 26 g/km (NEDC) |
| 0-62 mph | 9.2 seconds |
| Boot space | 411-581 litres (PHEV, seats up); 475-645 litres (non-hybrid) |
| Gearbox | Single-speed automatic (e-CVT), front-wheel drive |
| Euro NCAP | 5 stars (2019: 92% adult, 86% child) |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60,000 miles; PHEV battery 8 years / 100,000 miles |
Features
- 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid: 225PS, 35-mile WLTP electric range, 201.8mpg weighted economy
- Sliding second-row seats with up to 1,035mm of rear legroom
- FordPass Connect embedded modem with WiFi hotspot for up to 10 devices
- Wireless smartphone charging pad, standard from entry trim
- SYNC 3 with 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- B&O 10-speaker premium audio (First Edition and higher trims)
- Hands-free power tailgate and Quickclear heated windscreen (ST-Line X and up)
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (axle set) | £35 | Typical UK retail estimate |
| Front brake discs (pair) | £70 | Typical UK retail estimate |
| Alternator | £90 | Catalogue-verified UK range £50-£130 |
| Timing belt kit + water pump | £90 | Typical parts cost; 1.5 EcoBoost uses belt-in-oil - specialist garage job, estimate |
| 12V battery | £130 | Typical UK retail estimate |
| Clutch kit (manual) | £200 | Typical parts cost; labour extra, estimate |
Pros
- Genuine 35-mile electric range makes the PHEV very cheap to run if charged regularly
- Five-star Euro NCAP with 92% adult and 86% child protection scores
- Roomy cabin: sliding rear seats give up to 1,035mm of rear legroom
- 2021 cars cost roughly half their original price in 2026 - strong used value
- Generous standard kit: FordPass Connect, wireless charging and driver-assist from Zetec
Cons
- PHEV loses boot space (411-581L vs 475-645L) and can only tow 1,200kg braked
- Never-charged PHEV economy falls to about 47mpg - no better than the diesel
- 2020-built PHEVs were fire-risk recalled - verify any PHEV's build date via the VIN
- Interior plastics feel cheap next to rivals such as the Tucson and Sportage
