Ford EcoSport vs Kuga: which is better?
Not sure whether to buy the Ford EcoSport or Kuga? Read our comparison guide to see which is better for you in 2024
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EcoSport vs. Kuga is the battle of Ford’s SUVs, and they’re both a top choice for economical and comfortable driving.
If you’re looking to get in on the SUV trend, the EcoSport and Kuga are two superb options. They’re spacious, modern, and don’t break the bank.
Take a look at our EcoSport vs. Kuga review to see which SUV is the right fit for you.
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EcoSport vs Kuga
Our guide will answer:
Which Ford SUV has the better styling?
Is the Kuga or EcoSport better to drive?
Does the EcoSport or Kuga have better tech?
Is the Kuga or EcoSport more reliable?
EcoSport vs Kuga: styling
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The Ford EcoSport and Kuga are pretty far apart when it comes to styling, despite being related under the metal. Where the Kuga is sharp and almost aggressive, the EcoSport is bubbly and a bit cutesy.
They’re both very good-looking cars, let’s be clear, and also tick all the boxes for the SUV trend: high-riding, chunky, and sleek for the school run.
You might prefer the Kuga if you’re fond of Range Rover-esque designs and want something with more presence. The EcoSport looks friendlier in comparison, but still plenty sporty. It’s like an inflated hot hatchback.
EcoSport vs Kuga: what are they like to drive?
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These SUVs do feel a little different on the road, but both definitely favour a frugal drive, so some promising fuel economy figures are on offer.
The Kuga is available in hybrid options that are typically bigger than the EcoSport engine offerings. There’s a line-up of 2.5-litre petrols and hybrids, plus a smaller 1.5-litre for an entry level option.
In the EcoSport, all petrol engines are based on the same 1.0-litre unit. There’s also a 1.5-litre diesel that Ford claims can achieve up to 53.3mpg.
If you want a Kuga engine to rival that figure, the plug-in hybrid model makes massive claims that it can achieve up to 300mpg on the WLTP cycle – but real-world driving is likely to cut that down to around 65mpg, depending on how often you charge up.
EcoSport vs Kuga: interior and technology
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Inside both SUVs is a nice space to be. They’re both modern and comfortable, with plenty of tech to create a smooth driving experience.
The EcoSport interior is laidback and not as decked out as other SUVs on the market, but that’s sometimes what you want. It’s got everything you need and it’s all easy to use, including an eight-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Kuga feels slightly techier, with the latest models getting a massive 13.0-inch touchscreen that spans across the dashboard. It also gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but that touchscreen can be tricky to use at times.
EcoSport vs Kuga: bootspace and practicality
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Despite what you might think, SUVs aren't always the most practical choice. They’re big and look spacious, but sometimes they’re little more than hatchbacks on stilts.
The EcoSport does sort of fit that bill. It is roomy, but there’s a 334-litre boot at the rear that’s only the same size as the Audi A1’s.
In this case, the Kuga comes in with 412-litre boot that could be more appealing.
Of course, put the rear seats down in both SUVs and you get more space – up to 1,534 litres in the Kuga and EcoSport1,240 litres in the smaller EcoSport.
Passengers won’t need to worry about leg or headroom in either, though. And there’s plenty of storage spaces throughout the cars as well.
EcoSport vs Kuga: safety and reliability
Ford generally scores pretty average for reliability, but drivers of the EcoSport and the Kuga seem satisfied. The forums and reviews are positive, with motorists praising both cars.
They’re both safe picks for a family car, as well. The Kuga gets tech like blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alert and a lane keeping system that all contributed to its full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2019.
It’s been a while since the EcoSport was tested by Euro NCAP (2013, to be specific), but it did receive a four-star rating on its last run. EcoSport models can get safety tech like pre-collision assist, lane keeping system and blind spot systems.
EcoSport vs. Kuga: dimensions
EcoSport
Length – 4,096mm
Height – 1,653mm
Width – 1,765mm
Boot – 334 litres
Kuga
Length – 4,604mm
Height – 1,679mm
Width – 1,882mm
Boot – 412 litres
Verdict: Ford EcoSport vs Kuga: which should you buy?
The best SUV for you will depend on what you need from your car – the EcoSport vs. Kuga decision will likely come down to styling and space.
To us, the Kuga does feel the more stylish car. The EcoSport is still easy on the eye, but the Kuga does have a modern edge and also has hybrid engine options.
The EcoSport is also typically the cheaper of the two, bringing plenty of space and some efficient options. If you’re not tempted by the fat screen set-up in the Kuga or those hybrid engines, the EcoSport is an affordable family runner.
Take a look at our range of used EcoSport and used Kuga options to compare cars further.