Ford Puma vs. Ford Kuga: which is better?

Can't decide between the Ford Puma and Ford Kuga? Read our comparison guide to find which is better for you

How do the Ford Puma and Ford Kuga compare?

Small SUVs such as the BMW X1 and X2 are very popular because they offer a higher driving position and more practicality than a hatchback but aren’t as daunting to drive as a full-sized SUV.

Ford saw this and jumped at the opportunity to make two of the best you can buy: the Puma and the Kuga.

They may be named after wild cats, but we can assure you these used Ford models are both much more sensible to own and live with – and probably cheaper to maintain too.

But which one should you buy? Read our guide to find out.

Styling

on the left is a blue ford puma that's driving away from the camera on a road, and on the right is a dark red ford kuga's rear

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so we can’t tell you to like the design of these two cars, but we can explain their features.

Unlike the VW T-Cross and T-Roc, these two Ford models don’t look that much alike, making them easy to distinguish from one another.

The Kuga is a more grown-up SUV that has sharp lines and feels a bit like the Focus on which it’s based, whereas the Puma is instantly more fun to look at, featuring quirky ‘frog-eye’ headlights and a rounded design.

This may be partly because it’s based on the Fiesta, but it also harks back to the first-generation Puma, which was a sports coupé for the masses.

What are they like to drive?

on the left is a top view of a blue ford puma with a large sunroof and on the right is a dark red ford kuga drivingin a city

When it comes to driving, the Kuga and Puma offer very different experiences despite being so similar.

The Kuga takes things more seriously and is better suited to families who can make the most of its great fuel efficiency from its 1.5-litre EcoBoost petrol or diesel engine and optional 2.5-litre hybrid or plug-in hybrid.

What makes the Puma different is that it’s only available as a hybrid, which comes with a 1.0-litre petrol engine that produces either 124hp or 169hp.

This grows to 200hp if you opt for the sporty Puma ST model, however, which has great handling as well as a punchier engine.

Interior and technology

two images side by side of a ford puma and ford kuga interior

Inside, these two cars are very similar, featuring the traditional simplistic Ford styling and Ford Sync infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The Puma gets a decent-sized 8.0-inch touchscreen, whereas the Kuga gets a larger 13.2-inch screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster – if that’s something that could sway you.

Aside from the tech, both cars are comfortable to sit in, have plenty of well-placed buttons, and have enough headroom and rear legroom for most passengers.

The best car tech

Bootspace and practicality

on the left is a blue ford puma with two people loading bags into the boot and on the right is a lady adjusting the rear seats of a ford kuga

As you move to the rear of both cars, you’re greeted with well-sized boots that are plenty for most families or a bunch of suitcases.

The Puma bootspace is 456 litres that grows to 1,216 litres when the rear seats are folded flat, and the larger Kuga gets 475 litres of bootspace, expanding to 1,534 litres.

Safety and reliability

on the left is a ford puma's instrument cluster showing an eco sign and on the right is a Kuga PHEV charging outside a modern wooden house

When it comes to safety, both are very safe cars, with the Kuga scoring a full five stars in its most recent Euro NCAP crash testing, and the Puma scoring four out of five, which is due to the stricter testing that was introduced after the Kuga’s most recent testing.

Reliability shouldn’t be an issue either because both cars share so many tried-and-tested components from across Ford’s range of cars, from engines to seats.

However, if something were to go wrong – because cars do from time to time – then you don’t need to worry because parts are readily available, and your local Ford dealer will be able to help you out.

Dimensions

Ford Puma

Length: 4,207mm

Width: 1,805mm

Height: 1,537mm

Boot space: 456 litres

Ford Kuga

Length: 4,614mm

Width: 1,883mm

Height: 1,666mm

Boot space: 475 litres

Verdict: Ford Kuga vs Puma: which should you buy?

If you’ve read our comparison but are still unsure which Ford crossover is best for you, our short verdict will help guide you in the right direction.

You should be considering the Puma if you want something funky that’s also practical enough for up to five people. And if you’re a driving fanatic, then the Puma ST is a model you need to take considerable notice of.

On the other hand, the Kuga is better for larger families who need that added practicality and sensible driving capabilities. It’s also great as a four-wheel drive should you want to tow anything.

But in short, both are great and offer great styling, practicality, and low prices.