
The new Ford Kuga 2020 model has arrived in Ireland. In this article we are going to take a closer look at what’s new for the latest generation of Ford’s popular family SUV. We will also share Irish market specific information such as pricing, engines and equipment.
The new Kuga continues the Ford brand’s journey towards electrification, and will feature a plug-in hybrid for the first time! An all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-e is expected in Ireland before the end of the year. While earlier in 2020, we had an opportunity to drive the new Ford Puma and experience the brand’s mild hybrid technology for the first time.
Ford is committed to offering an electrified version of every passenger vehicle it brings to market in Europe and will grow its range of electrified vehicles in Europe to 18 on sale before the end of 2021. The all-new Kuga is the first Ford vehicle to be offered with plug-in hybrid, mild hybrid and full hybrid powertrain technology.
Engines for the new Ford Kuga
Ford has developed a number of powertrains for the new Kuga including 3 hybrids – the Kuga EcoBlue mild hybrid, Kuga Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) and by the end of 2020, the Kuga Hybrid. The brand also fits the Kuga with 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engines, and the 1.5‑litre EcoBoost petrol engine. Transmissions include a six-speed manual and new eight-speed automatic.
At launch in Ireland, the range is based around the 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel with 120 hp and the new 2.5-litre petrol electric plug-in hybrid with 225 hp.
The Kuga PHEV can be plugged in and charged like an electric vehicle. On pure electric power it can be driven up to 56 km (WLTP) and CO2 emissions are from 32 g/km. Ford says it will take less than 6 hours to fully charge. Drivers can choose when and how to deploy battery power using EV Auto, EV Now, EV Later and EV Charge modes. When the battery reaches its lowest state-of-charge, the Kuga automatically reverts to EV Auto mode. This supplements petrol engine power with electric motor assistance to reduce fuel consumption.
Ford’s 1.5-litre EcoBlue engine quotes fuel efficiency from 5.1 l/100 km and CO2 emissions from 133 g/km (WLTP).

How much will it cost?
In Ireland the new Ford Kuga range kicks off from €33,357 for the Titanium model, from €35,985 for the ST-Line, from €38,320 for the ST-Line X and from €42,016 for the Vignale. Those prices are quoted for the 1.5-litre diesel model. The Kuga plug-in hybrid range starts from €35,432, including €7,500 in grants and VRT relief.
Series | Model | Engine | Fuel | Transmission | CO2 | Priced from |
Titanium | 5 Door | 1.5TD EcoBlue 120PS | Diesel | 6 Speed FWD | 134 | €33,357 |
Titanium | 5 Door | 2.5 Duratec 225PS PHEV | Petrol Hybrid | Automatic | 32 | €35,432 |
ST-Line | 5 Door | 1.5TD EcoBlue 120PS | Diesel | 6 Speed FWD | 136 | €35,985 |
ST-Line | 5 Door | 2.5 Duratec 225PS PHEV | Petrol Hybrid | Automatic | 32 | €37,425 |
ST-Line X | 5 Door | 1.5TD EcoBlue 120PS | Diesel | 6 Speed FWD | 137 | €38,320 |
ST-Line X | 5 Door | 2.5 Duratec 225PS PHEV | Petrol Hybrid | Automatic | 32 | €39,762 |
Vignale | 5 Door | 1.5TD EcoBlue 120PS | Diesel | 6 Speed FWD | 137 | €42,016 |
Vignale | 5 Door | 2.5 Duratec 225PS PHEV | Petrol Hybrid | Automatic | 32 | €50,957 |
What’s new for the 2020 Ford Kuga?
The new Kuga is based on Ford’s new global front-wheel drive vehicle architecture that is more aerodynamic for better fuel efficiency. Weight compared to the outgoing model has been reduced by up to 80 kg when comparing equivalent powertrain variants. Crash performance has also been improved and contributes to Kuga’s Euro NCAP 5-star safety rating. 10 per cent more torsional stiffness is said to improve driving dynamics.
Visually the car has a much sleeker and more sculpted appearance. The longer wheelbase creates a larger footprint on the road and improves ride and stability.
The Ford Kuga 2020 model is 44 mm wider and 89 mm longer than the outgoing model. Ford says that there is more shoulder room, hip room and headroom inside for front and rear seat passengers. This is despite an overall height that is 6 mm lower than the outgoing model. The second row of seats can be moved backwards to improve legroom or forwards to increase boot space (maximum 645 litres). A handsfree tailgate is also available.

New equipment for Ford Kuga 2020
For the first time, Kuga is offered with FordPass Connect modem technology. This allows customers to remotely control a selection of vehicle features from any location with a mobile data signal. Other modern technologies include a wireless charging pad and Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system supported by an 8‑inch central touchscreen. Ford’s impressive 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster also debuts for the first time in the Kuga, as does a head-up display.
Safety equipment includes a new BLIS Assist that combines Ford’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and Lane-Keeping Aid to monitor the driver’s blind spot for vehicles approaching from behind. Counter-steering is applied to warn the driver the control system senses a lane change or the driver signals one and there’s a car approaching in the blind spot. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go, Speed Sign Recognition and Lane Centring helps the vehicle maintain a comfortable driving distance from vehicles ahead.
Kuga also offers for the first time selectable Drive Mode technology. Each mode adjusts throttle response, steering weight and traction control and gearshift timings for automatic models. Modes for Kuga include Normal, Sport, Eco, Slippery and Deep Snow/Sand.
What are my options?
The new Ford Kuga in Ireland is available in four series: Titanium, ST-Line, ST-Line X and Vignale.
Kuga Titanium comes with 17” alloy wheels (18” for PHEV); LED daytime running lamps; halogen projector headlamps; heated and power-fold mirrors with puddle lamps; rear spoiler; twin exhausts; keyless start and entry; leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob; auto dimming rear view mirror; front scuff plates; 4.2” TFT coloured instrument cluster; SYNC with DAB audio system, 6 speakers and Navigation; FordPass Connect embedded modem; pre-collision assist and AEB; lane keeping aid with lane departure warning; and intelligent speed assist.
ST-Line adds 18” rock metallic alloy wheels; front LED fog lights with front cornering; black roof rails; ST-Line full body styling kit – (front and rear fascia and bumper design; rear painted diffuser; front painted skid plate; dark mesh upper grille); large rear spoiler; red brake calipers; flat-bottomed steering wheel with red stitching; alloy pedals; ST-Line sport seats in cloth; and full digital 12.3” instrument cluster.
ST-Line X adds full HED headlamps; headlamp control, automatic high/low beam; B&O premium audio system (10 speakers and subwoofer); and driver impairment warning.
Vignale adds 19” liquid aluminium alloy wheels; full LED quad projector headlamps with glare-free; Vignale body styling kit; Vignale rear diffuser; memory functionality with door mirrors; hands-free tailgate; Vignale premium leather steering wheel and gear knob; leather-wrapped instrument panel; Vignale scuff plates; full Vignale leather seat trim; heated passenger and driver seats; active park assist; and heads up display.
