Ford is a renowned automotive manufacturer, is known for producing durable, reliable vehicles with advanced technology, including hatchbacks, SUVs, sedans, and pick-up trucks. The Ford Kuga and Ford Escape are essentially the same compact SUV with different names depending on the market—Kuga in Europe and Escape in North America—with slight variations in styling, features, and engine options to suit regional preferences. This review examines the Ford Escape and Kuga, both resembling the 2000-released Escape, but differing in interior space, performance, style, and engine capacity. It focuses on the Kuga's 2013 introduction as the successor to the Escape.
Interior and Exterior
Ford Kuga
The Kuga's interior is spacious and features an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with smartphone connectivity and climate control. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with lumbar support and adjustable height and reach steering. Top trims feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, unlike the standard analog one. The car offers ample legroom and headroom, with the rear bench adjustable. The 2023 Kuga's curvy exterior features a large grille, LED headlights, parking sensors, privacy glass, heated windscreen, 17-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and ST-Line Edition with stiffer suspension and sportier styling.
Ford Escape
The 2023 Escape boasts a spacious cabin with an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, with a larger 12.3-inch option available on top trims. Standard upholstery is cloth, while top-spec models feature faux leather. Cargo space can be adjusted by sliding the rear seat. The Ford Escape features a curvy exterior with LED headlights and DRLs, and a wide grille. The high-end ST-Line trim offers a sportier look with a red interior kit, matt black grille, body color kit, and revised suspensions.
Engine and Fuel efficiency
Ford Kuga
The 2023 Kuga comes with a 1.5-liter Ecoboost petrol or diesel engine, six-speed manual transmission, or a hybrid system with two motors, CVT transmission. The standard turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, has an average fuel rating of 15km/L. While the hybrid model, features a 2.5-liter engine and two motors, has an average rating of 22km/L and is equipped with a CVT transmission.
Ford Escape
The Escape offers various powertrains, including a base turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, two hybrids (PHEV and FHEV), and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, all paired with an eight-speed automatic or CVT transmission. The PHEV model, powered by a 10.7-kWh battery pack, can cover 60 kilometers and has an average fuel rating of 70km/L. The turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder model has an average rating of 48 km/L and 45 km/L. While the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with AWD has an average rating of 42km/L.
Finally
Ford's reputation in car manufacturing is known for reliability, durability, and good resale value. The Ford Escape and Kuga are numerous models with similar features, but there are minor differences. The Kuga latest model offers more comfort, high performance, and space, while both have similar fuel economies. You can now check the Ford stocklist for more available models.