The Ford Kuga has been trekking the globe since 2007 in markets from Europe and South Africa to South America and Japan. But for 2012, the second generation Kuga->ke2812 rolled out for the world market. If you’re reading this in the U.S., the Kuga should look very familiar. The 2013 to present Escape is based on the Kuga. Its underpinnings and design are identical, while things like powertrain and option packaging have some differences.

The Kuga shares many of the updates the U.S.-spec Escape->ke233 enjoys, including the hands-free automatic tailgate, the Microsoft SYNC system, and a power-release feature on the folding second-row seats.

Ford knew in development the Kuga and Escape would be sold the world over, so special attention was paid to the styling. Chris Bird, Ford->ke31 of Europe’s design director, said the Kuga was meant to appeal to the wide variety of markets it would be sold in. “Great design can turn an object that you need to have, into an object you love,” he said. “That is why we put so much thought and feeling into cars like Kuga, making them appealing and relevant no matter where our customers are.”

He goes on to say size perception differs from region to region. “More customers in Europe and Asia now choose compact SUVs->ke145 as an alternative to conventional niche products like coupes.->ke141 In North America there is a growing trend to downsize, but our customers there still want to combine style and space, so it’s important to get that balance.”

So let’s check out how the second-generation Kuga stacks up.

Continue reading to learn more about the Ford Kuga.

ford-kuga

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: ford-kuga
Pros
Cons

2012 Ford Kuga

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Ford Kuga
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 147 @ 3500
  • Torque: 258 @ 2000
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The 2012 Kuga is basically identical to the Escape, right down to bodylines, wheel sizes, and trim. The Kuga certainly fits in the crossover category. Its tall beltline and sloping roofline give it a coupe-like shape popular with customers these days. The sloping hood falls nicely on the large grille openings and HID headlights with LED accents. Lower fog lights and turn signals help brighten up the bottom third of the front end.

Utility is not lost on the Kuga. The crossover has a roof rack that allows for overhead storage of items like kayaks, bikes, or even a cargo basket. Relatively good approach, breakover, and departure angles allow the Kuga to trek over moderately rough ground without worry of body damage.

Despite its sloping roofline, the Kuga offers a generous amount of cargo storage -- 82 liters to be exact. The foot-activated power tailgate helps owners with full hands. While the feature is catching on with other automakers, it still gives Ford a leg up on others that don’t (pun intended). And it was Ford that pioneered the technology.

Exterior Dimensions

Length

4,524 MM (178.11 Inches)

Width with/without mirrors

2,077/1,838 MM (81.77/72.36 Inches)

Height with/without roof rails

1,689 / 1,703 MM (66.49/67.04 Inches)

Wheelbase

2,690 MM (105.90 Inches)


Interior

The Kuga also shares its interior design with the Escape. The multi-tiered dashboard layout offers plenty of room controls by separating HVAC knobs, radio buttons, and the infotainment screen into their own sections. Analog gauges for speed and engine rpm are complemented by a TFT display for more detailed vehicle stats. Seating for five is the only configuration and like most crossover, the second row seats fold flat for hauling large cargo. As mentioned before, the cargo area is expanded to 82 liters over the outgoing model.

Drivetrain

Four engines debuted in the 2012 Kuga and included two turbodiesel and two EcoBoost options. Both the turbodiesel engines displace 2.0 liters, but offer different power outputs. The base engine made 147 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque while the more powerful version made 177 horses and 295 pound-feet of torque.

Opt for either of the EcoBoosts, and you’d get a 1.5-liter four-cylinder in both cases. Like the diesels, they offer different power outputs. The standard output is 147 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque while the peppier version gets 179 horsepower. Interestingly, torque remains the same between both EcoBoost options.

If speed is what you want, the quickest engine option was the 177-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbodiesel. It sprinted to 62 mph in 9.2 seconds.

Drivetrain Specifications

2.0-litre TDCi (150 PS)

2.0-litre TDCi (180 PS)

1.5-litre EcoBoost (150 PS)

1.5-litre EcoBoost (182 PS)

Type

Inline four cylinder turbo diesel, transverse

Inline four cylinder turbo diesel, transverse

Inline four cylinder turbo petrol, transverse

Inline four cylinder turbo petrol, transverse

Displacement cm³

1,997

1,997

1,498

1,498

Bore mm

85

85

79.015 ± 0.001

79.015 ± 0.001

Stroke mm

88

88

76.4 ± 0.1

76.4 ± 0.1

Compression ratio

16:1

16:1

10.0:1

10.0:1

Max power

147 HP @ 3,500 RPM

177 HP @ 3,500 RPM

147 HP @ 6,000 RPM

179 HP @ 6,000 RPM

Max torque

258 LB-FT @ 2,000 - 2,500 RPM

295 LB-FT @ 2,000 - 2,500 RPM

177 LB-FT @ 1,600 - 4,000 RPM

177 LB-FT @ 1,600 - 4,000 RPM

Top Speed

195 KM/H (121 MPH)

200 KM/H (124 MPH)

195 KM/H (121 MPH)

200 KM/H (124 MPH)

0-100 km/h (0-62 mph)

10.1 seconds

9.2 seconds

9.7 seconds

10.1 seconds


Safety

The Kuga meets all the current NCAP regulations, along with the IIHS and NHTSA standards in the U.S. For 2012, the Kuga earned a five star rating from the Euro NCAP testing agency while the 2013 Escape received the IIHS’ best score of “Good” in all areas besides the newly implemented small-overlap crash test in which it scored a “Poor.” Front, side, head curtain, and a driver’s knee airbag were present, along with electronic stability control, traction control, ABS, daytime running lights, and of course seat belts.

Prices

The 2012 Kuga was competitively priced in each market it was sold. Here in the U.S. the 2013 Escape (the first year for the refreshed model) carried base price of $22,470 and rose into the lower $30,000 range. Prices have held steady in the U.S., with the current 2016 Escape starting at $23,100.

Competition

Volkswagen Tiguan

The Volkswagen Tiguan is another world traveler as it is sold in various parts of the world, including the U.S. Diesel and gasoline engine choices, along with both automatic and manual transmissions offer customers a wide selection of options with the Tiguan.

Read more about the Volkswagen Tiguan here.

Mazda CX-5

The Mazds CX-5 appeals to the sporty side of the crossover segment. With Mazda’s typical “zoom-zoom” approach to building cars, the CX-5 responds well in corners and does a good job at running down the highway. A simple yet effective interior is attractive and comfortable for five, while cargo room is on par with the segment.

Read more about the Mazda CX-5 here.

Conclusion

The updates to the Kuga have made Ford’s compact crossover a worldwide success. Thanks for the brand’s global focus and “one Ford” mindset, the automaker is saving money in both design and manufacturing, along with a global take on replacement part distribution.

Though the design is a few years old, the Kuga and Escape still look fresh. Their EcoBoost and turbodiesel powertrains are both solid choices and its optional AWD system offers those in snowy climates some extra traction. So whether it’s called the Kuga or the Escape, Ford’s small crossover has positioned itself in a commanding place in its class.