Ford Kuga Trend 2015 Review

There are so many SUVs to choose from today it's difficult to know where to start. From compact hatch-sized micro SUVs to giant troop-carrying behemoths, there's an SUV for every occasion. So where does the Ford Kuga fit in?

Right in the middle, it turns out.

Slotting into the medium SUV segment, the Spanish-built Kuga starts at around $28,000 for a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and basic standard features but the vehicle on test – the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol Ford calls 'EcoBoost' – is for buyers who want more mumbo, more presence, more bells and whistles.

Priced from $36,490, Kuga Trend comes with a six-speed sports auto transmission, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, powered/heated mirrors, rear parking sensors and a rear spoiler.

I really liked that there are three 12-volt power outlets, the big glovebox and 10-way electronic adjustment for the driver's seat. The nine-speaker stereo with digital radio and Bluetooth streaming is a nice touch too.

And things like the self-dimming rear view mirror, push-button engine start capless fuel filler are small but thoughtful (and time-saving) bonuses.

It's a shame there's no reversing camera from the factory on this Trend model, likely a symptom of the tiny-weeny infotainment screen, which requires a telescope to examine properly.

Only the Titanium model gets a reversing camera as standard, though a dealer fitted option is available but it costs $1355 (fitted).

Don't get me wrong, the Kuga's interior is impressively modern with an edgy design motif that stands out compared to other SUVs in the class. The seats offer good comfort levels for commuting and long distance cruising, and the crucial high-riding position delivers an ample view. The extra height improves entry and exit too.

But both digital information screens – one located centrally in the dash, the other in betwixt the instrument panel – are so small that I found myself squinting at times. The former screen is also embedded deep within the dashboard, exacerbating the issue due to the extra distance.

The infotainment system is pretty good – if you can read it – and the heating/cooling controls are easy to suss out, but the rest of the central control panel is confusing. There's no cohesion or logic to the layout, just dozens of buttons. A simplified version would be nice, similar to what Mazda or BMW are doing at present.

Unlike yours truly however, potential owners will have more than a week to get used to the layout.

In its defence, all the Kuga's tech gadgetry works. Voice control is very useful, autonomous emergency braking is effective (carpark roller door quarrel, don't ask), the radar cruise control is effective and Bluetooth streaming for phone calls and music is seamless.

But where the Kuga sets itself apart from many of its similarly-priced Asian rivals is in the powertrain department. As one of the more powerful vehicles in this segment, offering the sort of thump more often found on prestige European SUVs, the Kuga is instantly likeable.

Drivability is very good thanks to the engine's ample torque – the force you feel when accelerating – which is delivered in a smooth manner, facilitated by the smooth six-speed auto.

The engine is similar to the engine in the razzle-dazzle Focus ST hot hatch and although it punches out 178kW and 345Nm, slightly less than the Focus ST, it's been tuned for ease of use rather than redline thrills and this works in its favour.

It's very quick off the mark and accelerates to 100km/h rapidly under full throttle and is likewise receptive to "go faster!" commands at 60km/h and above when overtaking is required. In terms of rivals, only the Subaru Forester XT offers an alternative with similar power and it's significantly more expensive, by about $5000.

Although the Kuga will appeal to drivers who are always in a hurry, it's not impossible to operate it in a leisurely manner. When used thusly a refined, quiet and diligent nature is revealed, and decent fuel economy too, dipping under 9.0L/100km.

The turbo engine works well with the six-speed auto at lower speeds too offering smooth, quiet shifts. The powertrain well sorted.

Handling dynamics are very impressive for a car of this size and weight, so even if you find yourself on a winding ribbon of road the Kuga will eat up the corners at speed without feeling nervous or unsettled. The suspension is perhaps a touch firm for an everyday SUV – if only they'd used the Territory's plush ride settings – but it's certainly not going to rattle your fillings out and isn't a deal breaking issue.

With impressive interior space, a good sized boot, lots of whiz-bang technology and a five-star ANCAP safety rating with things like stability control and seven airbags as standard, the Kuga gets the basic things right too.

There's also an optional safety pack for $1600, which was fitted to this test vehicle, adding adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, auto high-beams, autonomous emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.

The Ford Kuga is not yet a class-leading medium SUV but it does a lot of things well. It's practical and comfortable and delivers an engaging driving experience.

2015 Ford Kuga Trend EcoBoost pricing and specifications:
Price: $36,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Output: 178kW/345Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.8L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 204g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

Also consider:
>> Mazda CX-5 (from $27,190 plus ORCs)

>> Subaru Forester (from $28,990 plus ORCs)

>> Toyota RAV4 (from $27,490 plus ORCs)