By the time Ford launched its first compact SUV, the Kuga, many rivals were on their second or even third-generation models; the Toyota RAV4 that invented this market had arrived 12 years earlier.
When it hit dealers in 2008, the Kuga was one of the best-driving models in its class, typically for Ford, with good build quality and reliability, plus strong value for money.
As with many rivals, the Kuga was mainly designed for road use, despite being related to the contemporary Land Rover Freelander 2. You can now buy a Kuga Mk1 from just £5,000 – but should you take the plunge?
Models covered
- • Ford Kuga Mk1 (2008-2013) - We raved about SUV when new. Is it just as good used?
Ford Kuga Mk1
History
The Kuga reached the UK in June 2008, in 2.0 TDCi form and with a choice of Zetec or Titanium trims. The first cars had intelligent all-wheel drive, but from December 2008 there was a 134bhp front-wheel-drive 2.0 TDCi, with lower CO2 emissions.
At the same time a 197bhp 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol model was introduced, with 4WD and six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions.
For June 2010 there was a new high-spec trim level called Individual, with 19-inch alloys, roof rails, privacy glass and extra bodywork detailing. A new 160bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine also arrived, with the 134bhp unit boosted to 138bhp. Ford’s PowerShift six-speed dual-clutch transmission became an option with the 2.0 TDCi engine.
Ford Kuga Mk1 reviews
Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi review
Ford Kuga 2.5 T review
Which one should I buy?
If you’re not bothered about having four-wheel drive you’ll have to buy a 2.0 TDCi 134/138 which was available in front-wheel-drive form; the 2.5T and 2.0 TDCi 163 came with four-wheel drive only.
While the front-wheel-drive models don’t tend to be cheaper to run than the four-wheel-drive editions, they’re generally more reliable – but they’re not as good for towing or dealing with slippery roads.
Zetec trim features alloy wheels, air-conditioning, MP3 connectivity and keyless go, while Titanium adds automatic lights and wipers, cruise and climate control plus part-leather trim. The Titanium X brings a glass roof and heated front seats, along with electric adjustment of the driver’s seat.
Alternatives to the Ford Kuga Mk1
If you’re buying an older small SUV we’d recommend shortlisting a few Japanese models for their reliability. They’re not the cheapest alternatives, but if you buy a Nissan Qashqai, Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V you’ll be rewarded with a car that should be cheap to run and very practical.
Also more costly is the BMW X3 Mk2, which impresses for its build quality and driving experience – traits that are shared with the Mazda CX-5. The VW Tiguan is worth a look, too, but the best all-rounder according to our Driver Power satisfaction survey results is the Skoda Yeti, which offers a brilliant blend of reliability, versatility, build quality and efficient engines.
What to look for:
Rear lights
The seals for the rear lights tend to perish, allowing moisture in, so condensation forms inside the clusters. Even new light units can be the same.
Rusty wheels
Alloy wheels of all sizes tend to corrode; within less than a year from new they could look unsightly. The machined faces suffer the worst.
Cabin trim
Some interior trim tends to wear quickly, especially the gearlever gaiter. The seat trim can also wear; even if it doesn’t, creaks aren’t unusual.
Window seals
The window seals can squeak where they come into contact with the glass. Buy some rubber care stick, such as Gummi Pflege, to quell the racket.
Interior
Designed with flair and using high-quality materials, the Kuga’s cabin is a great – up front at least. But occupants sitting in the back won’t like the limited head and legroom, while the boot isn’t as spacious as a Focus’s; it’ll hold just 360 litres, or 1,355 litres with the rear seats folded.
Running costs
Kugas need to be serviced every 12 months or 12,500 miles, with the schedule running minor (at £189), intermediate (£209) then major (£259). Dealers offer a Motorcraft oil and filter service with inspection (£149).
All engines have a cambelt that needs replacing every 10 years and 100,000-120,000 miles. Expect to pay £349 for this, but we’d recommend more frequent changes for peace of mind. Expect to pay an extra £150 for a new water pump at the same time. Fresh brake fluid costs £39 every two years and it’s another £39 if the long-life coolant needs to be replaced. The air-con generally needs to be recharged every three years (£50).
Recalls
Two recalls isn’t a bad record for a car that came out nearly a decade ago. The first was in May 2009 because some 2.0 TDCi Kugas built between November 2008 and March 2009 could suffer from problems with the brake servo – although there was no risk of brake failure.
The last was in November 2016 and affected some cars built up to May 2010. These had heated washer jets which could corrode then short circuit, leading to heat build-up or fire damage. New washer jets were fitted.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
The last time the Kuga Mk1 appeared in a Driver Power survey was in 2015, when it came 135th. In-car tech was the highlight for owners (74th), followed by ride (77th) and handling (82nd). But the Ford was awarded poor scores for reliability (164th) and running costs (165th); we’d have expected better.
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