The new Kuga is built on an extended Focus platform, which has made the crossover about 100 kg lighter, but at the same time stronger than its predecessor. The model's length has increased by 44 mm, and the wheelbase has grown by 20 mm.
The crossover's design is done in the style of the new Focus and Fiesta, and the resemblance to these models is also visible in the interior. The Kuga has lost many analog buttons — control of most functions is delegated to the touchscreen of the media center.
The crossover is equipped with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbo engine, available in two tuning options: 120 and 150 hp. Diesels are represented by 120- and 180-horsepower units with a displacement of 1.5 and 2.0 liters, respectively. Transmissions — a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic.
In addition, the new Kuga is available with a 2.0-liter 150-horsepower diesel engine operating on a "mild hybrid" scheme based on a 48-volt onboard system. The internal combustion engine works in conjunction with a starter-generator that can accumulate energy during braking.
Furthermore, a modification with a full hybrid powertrain is offered, consisting of a 2.5-liter gasoline engine, a small electric motor, and a small lithium-ion battery.
The top version is equipped with a plug-in hybrid system that can be recharged from a household outlet. In this variant, the crossover is fitted with batteries of 10.3 kWh, as well as a 2.5-liter engine and an electric motor that together produce 225 hp.
The new Ford Kuga is available with a front collision and pedestrian avoidance system based on radar and video cameras that monitor other objects in the path. In addition, among the electronic "assistants": an automatic parking assistant, a head-up display, and a function to assist when reversing out of a parking spot. Furthermore, the crossover can be ordered with a Wi-Fi hotspot capable of connecting up to 10 mobile devices, as well as wireless charging for a smartphone.
