Which is the best Kuga engine?
For most buyers, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version offers the best balance of fuel efficiency, practicality for daily use, and the ability to drive on electric power—provided you can recharge regularly.
The Ford Kuga lineup spans plug-in hybrid, full hybrid (HEV), mild-hybrid petrol, and diesel options, each tailored to different driving patterns. This article examines the options, how they perform in real-world conditions, and which engine stands out as the best overall as of 2025.
Understanding the current Kuga engine lineup
Below is a quick guide to the main engines you’ll find in most markets, with notes on when they shine and what to watch for.
- Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): A 2.5-litre petrol engine combined with an electric motor and a substantial battery. System power around 225 horsepower, electric-only range about 35 miles WLTP, all-wheel drive available in some trims. Best for urban and suburban drivers who can charge regularly.
- Hybrid (HEV): A 2.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor, but without a plug-in battery. Built for efficiency when driven in town and on mixed routes; no external charging required. Typical system output around 180–190 horsepower, smooth and quiet in many commuting scenarios.
- Mild-hybrid Petrol (48V MHEV): A 1.5-litre EcoBoost (or similar) petrol engine with a 48-volt starter-generator to recover energy during braking and assist acceleration. No electric-only driving; modest improvements in real-world economy and smoother stops.
- Diesel (EcoBlue): 2.0-litre diesel available in multiple power outputs, offering strong torque for highway cruising and towing. Excellent long-distance economy, but subject to diesel-related taxes and emissions scrutiny in some markets.
The above options are common in Europe and other markets; availability can vary by country and trim level. It’s also worth noting that Ford updates tuning and power outputs periodically, so check current specs for your region.
In short, the PHEV stands out for most buyers who can exploit electric-range daily driving, while HEV is a good fallback if charging isn’t reliable. Diesel remains the top choice for high-mileage drivers and those who tow heavy loads, and mild-hybrid petrol fills a value-focused niche with modest efficiency gains.
Which Kuga engine fits your life? A quick guide
Consider your daily driving pattern before choosing. The following list outlines typical scenarios and the engine choices that best match them. Note that charge availability and local fuel prices will shape real-world costs.
- Urban commuter with access to home charging: PHEV offers clean electric-mode trips, low running costs, and potential tax benefits in some regions.
- City-to-highway mixed usage, with occasional charging: Hybrid (HEV) provides good efficiency without needing to plug in.
- Frequent long-distance driving or limited charging: Diesel EcoBlue delivers strong torque and fuel economy on motorways; best for high-mileage workloads.
- Budget-conscious buyer seeking simple ownership: Mild-hybrid petrol gives modest efficiency gains and lower upfront cost, with no plug-in requirement.
In practice, most buyers who drive in urban areas and can charge will find the PHEV to be the best overall choice; those who do most of their miles on highways may prefer the diesel; if charging is unreliable, HEV is usually the most realistic compromise.
Reliability and maintenance considerations
All Kuga engines share Ford's modern engineering, but there are nuances to consider. PHEVs add battery-system maintenance and potential costs related to charging hardware. HEVs and mild-hybrids have fewer charging components and can be cheaper to service in some regions. Diesel variants may incur higher fuel-system maintenance costs and stricter emissions-related considerations in certain markets. Always review local warranty details and the latest service bulletins with a dealer before purchase.
Summary
The Ford Kuga’s engine lineup—PHEV, HEV, mild-hybrid petrol, and diesel—provides a broad choice for different lifestyles. For most buyers, the plug-in hybrid represents the best overall option due to electric-range efficiency and urban practicality, assuming reliable access to charging. If charging is limited, the HEV offers a strong, no-plug-in alternative. High-mileage drivers and those who tow may prefer the diesel, while budget-focused buyers might opt for the mild-hybrid for modest gains with lower upfront costs. Always verify local specifications, incentives, and your own driving patterns to determine the best engine for your needs.
What is the most powerful Kuga?
Kuga PHEV
Powertrain: The Kuga PHEV is equipped with a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor and a 14.4 kWh lithium-ion battery. Total power: This combination produces a total output of up to 243 bhp, making it the most powerful model in the Kuga range.
Are Ford Kuga engines reliable?
The Kuga finished in 19th place out of 24 cars in the large SUV class in our most recent What Car? Reliability Survey with a score of 89.6%. That put it above the Audi Q5 and the Range Rover Velar, but below the BMW X3 and the Volvo XC60.
What is Ford's most reliable engine?
Ford's most reliable engines are often cited as the 5.0L Coyote V8 and the 7.3L Godzilla V8, known for their durability, while the 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 is also highly reliable due to its simpler design. The 5.0L Coyote is praised for its blend of modern technology and proven toughness, and the Godzilla is a workhorse engine built for extreme durability in heavy-duty trucks. The 3.3L V6 is a solid, simple choice for everyday use, avoiding the complexities of turbocharged or hybrid systems.
Modern, high-performance options
- 5.0L Coyote V8: This engine is widely considered one of Ford's most reliable modern engines, praised for its high-revving, durable design.
- It is used in vehicles like the Mustang and F-150.
- Owners report high mileage with basic maintenance, and it handles modifications well due to its strong internal components.
Heavy-duty, built-to-last option
- 7.3L Godzilla V8: This engine is a modern equivalent to traditional, long-lasting V8s.
- It's found in Ford's heavy-duty trucks and is built for durability and strength, with a simpler, less complex valve train.
- It avoids modern complexities like cylinder deactivation and direct injection, which can be sources of failure in other engines.
Simpler, no-frills option
- 3.3L Ti-VCT V6: This is often cited as the most reliable engine in the F-150 lineup because it lacks the stress of turbocharging or supercharging.
- It's a straightforward, naturally aspirated engine that is less complex and therefore less prone to certain types of failures.
What is the best version of the Ford Kuga?
The third-generation Ford Kuga is easily the best iteration of this family SUV that the brand has produced so far. While it provides essential touches such as useful on-board tech, good safety kit and plenty of practicality, it also boasts genuinely impressive driving dynamics — a typical Ford party piece.
