For today’s review, we are behind the wheel of the Ford Kuga ST-Line X, an SUV from the American company that manages to combine sportiness, technology, and comfort in one package. The engine fitted to this Kuga is undoubtedly one of the most interesting, as we are driving the plug-in hybrid powertrain consisting of a 2.5-liter gasoline engine combined with an electric unit. The exterior look of the Ford Kuga is very striking, especially in this ST-Line X version.
Sleek and sporty, it’s perfect for those who want an SUV that doesn’t go unnoticed. The already aggressive appearance of the car is enhanced by exclusive details for this trim, such as body-colored side skirts and unique bumpers with more aggressive lines. The 18-inch dark alloy wheels, the complete absence of chrome, and the black honeycomb front grille complete this bold and sporty look.
The interior has a very classic layout, albeit with modern and stylish touches here and there. Overall quality, despite the extensive use of hard plastics, is very good. The assembly is excellent, and there are no noises caused by squeaks or anything else. The seats are upholstered in eco-leather on the outer sides with a velvety material covering the central part of the seat, finished with contrasting red stitching that emphasizes the sporty character of the trim.
The interior is also well-designed in terms of practicality, successfully combining aesthetics and functionality. The cabin features many physical controls, including those for the climate control, arranged simply and intuitively. There is also plenty of storage space, which is optimally distributed. The rear passengers enjoy plenty of comfort, especially thanks to the sliding bench seat, which, by sacrificing a bit of trunk space, offers much more legroom.
The rear area is further enhanced by air vents and two convenient USB ports. At night, the cabin of the Ford Kuga ST-Line X transforms thanks to ambient LED lighting, which adds a touch of modernity and personalization to the driving experience. The strategically placed LED lights in various parts of the cabin can be customized in color, allowing you to choose from different shades based on your mood or the desired atmosphere. The ST-Line X trim includes cutting-edge technology features designed to make the driving experience comfortable and satisfying. There’s a digital dashboard (slightly limited in customization), a B&O sound system, and the Ford Sync 3 multimedia system equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also a handy head-up display with the main driving information. The level 2 driver assistance systems are also good, always responsive and smooth in their reactions.
But how does this Kuga plug-in hybrid perform on the road? The driving experience of the Ford Kuga is pleasantly balanced; despite its height, thanks to a well-engineered suspension setup, body roll is limited, and stability is always excellent. Fuel consumption is also very good, falling well within the average for PHEV SUVs in this category. Thanks to a generously sized battery, it’s possible to drive 50 km in electric-only mode, after which it switches to hybrid mode, which, thanks to its high efficiency, allows city fuel consumption of around 20 km/l.
Of course, on the highway, consumption increases significantly, reaching about 14 km/l. The 2.5-liter gasoline engine is also a pleasant surprise. In most conditions, the Kuga PHEV starts in electric mode, and on the rare occasions when the internal combustion engine kicks in at low revs, it emits a truly interesting, unexpected growl. When driving in full-hybrid mode (with the battery depleted), the ride is always smooth. The transmission is handled by an epicyclic gear system, essentially a CVT. A typical feature of this type of transmission is the so-called “scooter effect,” which occurs due to the lack of direct proportionality between engine revs and vehicle speed increase. This phenomenon is typical of CVTs and may feel unusual for those accustomed to traditional automatic or manual transmissions.
However, in normal use, the Ford Kuga minimizes this effect, which becomes more noticeable when more sportiness is demanded. It’s a technical aspect worth highlighting, but it doesn’t compromise the overall driving experience, especially considering the overall efficiency of the hybrid system. In conclusion, the Ford Kuga offers a pleasant driving experience with relatively low fuel consumption thanks to the hybrid system. Considering the on-board comfort as well, this SUV becomes a compelling choice for those looking for ample space and a powerful engine.
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