The Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid is a stylish, sleek, comfortable, and high-performance plug-in hybrid compact crossover SUV. It also helps users to cut their fuel bills and reduce polluting the environment as it runs on both gas and electricity. With that said, is the Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid a good car?
Yes, the Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid is an excellent car. It comes with a comfortable interior and it is very advanced. However, some people may not like it as it is quite compact with a small trunk space. On top of that, it is sluggish and not so reliable. Overall, it is an excellent car and a good daily driver.
History of the Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid
The Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid is a compact crossover SUV made by Ford. Ford Kuga has been in production since 2008 to date. However, the Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid was introduced in the third generation, which runs from 2019 to the present.
The hybrid line has three options, which include the Kuga plug-in hybrid, Kuga EcoBlue hybrid, and Kuga hybrid. Note that the Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid is sold as Ford escape and it is only available for the European and US markets, but not the Chinese market.
Features of the Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid
Appearance
In terms of appearance, the Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid is a beautifully designed car with a modern look. The interior also looks nice but it is not on par with most of its competitors. Even though it lacks flair inside, Ford made up for the lackluster interior by ensuring it is very advanced and intuitive.
The Ford Kuga PHEV crossover SUV comes with a wheelbase of 105.9-inches, a length of 178.4 to 178.8-inches, a width of 72.4 to 73.1-inches, and a height of 66.7 to 67.0-inches.
Performance
The Kuga plug-in hybrid provides the traditional driving range of a combustion engine alongside the efficiency and refinement of an electric drivetrain. This results in better performance and range. Thanks to the 2.5-liter Duratec inline-4 engine and the 14.4kWh lithium-ion battery that deliver over a combined 222 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque.
Note that the horsepower and torque vary according to the version of the Ford Kuga Plug-in hybrid version. Additionally, the car has a top speed of 124 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 9.2 seconds. The slow speed is because of the sluggish gearbox.
Comfort and cargo space
The Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid is not a very comfortable car as it’s a compact crossover SUV. Nonetheless, it is still comfortable and can accommodate up to five people. The only problem is that it is not spacious enough for tall people and it has constrained trunk space. So, if you want to carry lots of luggage, this car won’t be ideal for you.
However, this car comes with lots of comfortable features that make the car fun to ride in. Some of them include intuitive comfort and driver assistance features, such as wireless charging pad technologies, a FordPass Connect embedded modem, and Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system.
Some of the driver-assistance features are lane-centering technologies, Stop & Go, and sped sign recognition.
Fuel-efficiency
Since the Ford Kuga PHEV runs on both gas and electricity, it is very fuel-efficient. It has an EPA rating of 105 mpg combined. This is outstanding as this car is practical, spacious, and performs at a high level. With its compact design, this is a perfect car for daily driving.
Price
The Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid is neither a cheap nor expensive compact SUV. It has a starting price of about $33,900. Note that the prices vary according to the model year and version. The Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid ST-Line is costlier than the base version.
FAQ
How long does the Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid last?
The Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid is built to last. This battery is constructed to stay durable and capable over the lifespan of the car. Regardless, Ford provides a high voltage battery warranty that lasts for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
How does the Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid work?
This SUV comes with an electric motor and gas engine. It works by switching between the electric motor and gas engine to power the car. Sometimes, it operates using the combination of the two. On top of that, the regenerative braking recharges the battery, and it does not require plugging in. Nonetheless, plugging in recharges faster.
What are some of the common problems with the Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid?
The Ford Kuga PHEV is a highly efficient, fun, and reliable car to have. However, it also has several problems that owners should know about. Some of these problems are burning clutch problems, battery issues, engine overheating, door seal fault, transmission problems, EGR valve issues, and much more.
Does the Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid lose its value fast?
Yes, the Ford Kuga is one of the hybrid cars that hold their value well over a long period. However, the Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid has been in the market for less than 10 years, so it is quite challenging to know how well it holds its value. Nevertheless, so far so good.
What is the difference between a hybrid and plug-in hybrid car?
The main difference between a standard hybrid car and a plug-in hybrid car is that the standard hybrid car depends on its gas engines to keep its batteries charged as the car runs. Additionally, they utilize gas and electric motors conversely to maximize fuel efficiency.
On the contrary, plug-in hybrid cars utilize bigger batteries that are normally charged using a 120-volt or 240-volt outlet. Note that you can use a normal charger or fast charger to charge your plug-in hybrid Kuga SUV.
Summary
The Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid compact crossover SUV is a fun car to drive, fuel-efficient, and practical. However, it has a constrained trunk space and it also has several issues that users should know about. The main problem that this car faces is battery overheating. Aside from the small trunk space and battery overheating, this is a nice car.
The Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid is cheaper to maintain and has an outstanding range. It also emits less C02 and saves cash on fuel. All in all, it is still an excellent car and proper maintenance will ensure that it lasts longer.
