2025 Ford Kuga touches down in Europe

Ford Europe has unveiled the Kuga facelift for the EU market. Pre-orders are already running in select countries.

The exterior updates largely follow in the tracks of the U.S.-sold Ford Escape: the headlights, the grille and the front bumper have all been redesigned. Those opting for the Active package get imitated rugged trims, an unfinished-plastic body kit and a mild suspension lift (10 mm at the front, 5 mm at the back).

Inside, a new Sync 4 infotainment system with dual displays and Alexa voice assistant support is arguably the biggest addition. The digital dash is now 12.3 inches large and the main display measures 13.2 inches corner-to-corner. Most secondary controls – for example, the HVAC – are now only accessible via the touchscreen.

In its most basic guise, the 2025 Kuga still ships with the old 1.5-liter EcoBoost mill with 150 PS (148 hp / 110 kW) mated to a manual gearbox. There are two mild hybrids available: FWD and AWD. Both combine a 2.5-liter petrol engine and a motor, but while the former has 180 PS (178 hp / 132 kW), the latter has 183 PS (180 hp / 135 kW). Both powertrains used to deliver 190 PS (187 hp / 140 kW) before the facelift.

And then there is a plug-in hybrid with 243 PS (240 hp / 179 kW) and 88 km (54 miles) of all-electric range. It has improved its power output and range compared to the old version and now reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) from standstill in 7.3 seconds – nearly two seconds faster than before. It is also the fastest hybrid SUV in its lineup with a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph).

Buyers of the Active trim mentioned above also get an extra drive mode called Trail, which adjusts throttle response and torque vectoring for trail driving. The navigation software on board can now plot routes depending on whether the SUV has a trailer attached.