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FordKuga Plug-in Hybrid (2020-)

Available new
Medium/Large SUV
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
2020 model and 2024 update tested

£36,795Typical price

Test score

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Ford’s third-generation Kuga, launched in 2020 and facelifted in 2024, is available with a variety of engine options, including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). A 2.5-litre petrol engine is coupled with a battery-powered motor to provide power aplenty. But can this medium crossover SUV beat plug-in rivals like the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage? Read our full Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid review to find out.

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What's included?

What is it?
What’s it like to drive?
What’s the performance like?
How reliable is the Ford Kuga Plug-in Hybrid (2020-)?
How comfortable and spacious is it?
How economical is it to run?
How safe is it?
Should I buy it?

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KEY TEST RESULTS
Comfort and practicality
Model reliability 0-4 years
Brand reliability 0-4 years

Jan 2026Last checked by Which?
Jan 2023First reviewed by Which?
Nov 2020Released

The overall Which? test score is made up of the following star ratings, all determined by our rigorous lab tests.

A blue Volkswagen ID.4 maneuvering around orange traffic cones on a test track, with a grassy hill in the background.

How we test cars

22 Jan 2026

Ease of driving

Overall
Visibility
Smoothness of power delivery
Driving stability
Cabin layout

Driving performance

Overall
Acceleration
Gearbox and transmission
Brakes

Comfort and practicality

Overall
Entry and exit
Seat comfort
Ride quality
Quietness
Build quality
Seat space
Boot space (large cars, SUVs and MPVs)

Euro NCAP

Safety kit

Model reliability 0-4 years

How we test model reliability 0-4 years

How reliable this car is, based on the real life feedback of current owners as collected in our annual Which? car survey. We divide all reliability feedback into three age groups: cars aged up to four years, five to nine years, and 10 to 15 years. A car cannot be a Best Buy if: It's available to buy new and has a 0-4-year model reliability score of two stars or less; or it's only available on the used market and has a 5-9-year model reliability score of two stars or less; or it's only available on the used market and launched less than five years ago and has a 0-4-year model reliability score of two stars of less.

Brand reliability 0-4 years

Overall
Electric car reliability
Full hybrid reliability
Petrol reliability
Diesel reliability

How we test brand reliability 0-4 years

Our reliability ratings are based on the feedback from tens of thousands of UK motorists, as collected in our annual Which? car survey. We divide all reliability feedback into three age groups: cars aged up to four years, five to nine years, and 10 to 15 years.

Brand reliability 5-9 years

Overall
Diesel reliability

Brand reliability 10-15 years

Overall
Petrol reliability
Diesel reliability

General
Class	Medium/Large SUV
Luxury	No
Convertible	No
Availability	Available new
New price	£36,795 - £39,295
Fuel type	Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
Tested fuel efficiency	72.1 to 101.2mpg
Length	4,629 to 4,645mm
Width (excluding wing mirrors)	1,882 to 1,883mm
Width (including wing mirrors)	2,180 to 2,185mm
Height	1,658 to 1,681mm
Driver max height
Second-row passenger max height
Boot space with seats up
Boot space with seats down
Number of seats	5
Folding rear seats	Yes
Isofix attachments	Yes
Turning circle	11.4 m
On sale date	17 November 2020
Model years tested	2020 model and 2024 update tested
Lowest pence-per-mile cost	£16.29

Latest tested engine
Engine and trim name	2.5 Plugin-Hybrid Active CVT
Fuel type	Plug-in-Petrol-Hybrid
Capacity and power	2.5-litre (243hp)
Transmission	CVT (Continuously variable transmission)
Driven wheels	Front-wheel-drive (FWD)
Fuel tank capacity	43 litres
Tested fuel economy: City / Out of town / Motorway (mpg)
Tested fuel efficiency (mi/kWh)
Tested fuel economy: Combined (mpg)
Cost per mile	16.29p per mile
Cost of filling tank	£59
Monthly fuel cost
Annual fuel cost
NOx level	Extremely Low (trace)
CO level	Low
CO2 at tailpipe/tank-to-wheel (TTW) (g/km)	64
Tested electric-only range (miles)
Official fuel economy: WLTP	282.5 to 313.9
Braked tow load (KG)	2100kg
Unbraked tow load (KG)	750kg
Engine test date	17 December 2025
Test programme	2017

Engine two
Engine and trim name	2.5 Plugin-Hybrid Vignale CVT
Fuel	Plug-in-Petrol-Hybrid
Capacity and power	2.5-litre (225hp)
Transmission	CVT (Continuously variable transmission)
Driven wheels	Front-wheel-drive (FWD)
Fuel tank capacity	45 litres
Tested fuel economy: City / Out of town / Motorway
Tested fuel economy: combined mpg
Tested fuel efficiency (mi/kWh)
Cost per mile	20.66p per mile
Cost of filling tank	£62
Monthly fuel cost
Annual fuel cost
NOx level	Extremely Low (trace)
CO level	Medium
CO2 at tailpipe/tank-to-wheel (TTW) (g/km)	92
Official fuel economy: WLTP	256.8 to 282.5
Official Euro emission level	Euro 6d
Braked tow load (KG)	1500kg
Unbraked tow load (KG)	750kg
Engine test date	12 May 2022
Car test programme	2017

Suggested Alternatives

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Tucson Plug-in Hybrid (2021-)

Available new
Medium/Large SUV
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)

£36,652Typical price

Test score

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Sportage Plug-in Hybrid (2022-)

Available new
Medium/Large SUV
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)

£39,044Typical price

Test score

Cupra

Formentor PHEV (2021-)

Available new
Medium/Large SUV
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)

£36,299Typical price

Test score

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FordKuga Plug-in Hybrid (2020-)

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