Ford Kuga reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Ford Kuga is a family suv; the latest version we cover is the Mk3 (2019–). In 2024 MOT tests it scored 116 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 166 of 442, and 20.8% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is brake pads (2.9% of tests). Boot space is 412 litres (1,534 with the seats folded).
Ford Kuga key specs (Mk3 (2019–), 5-door SUV)
Price new
£33,335 to £44,330
Boot
412 litres (1,534 seats folded)
Seats
5
Size (L × W × H)
4,604 × 1,882 × 1,679mm
Power
150–243 PS
0–62mph
7.3–9.5 sec
Euro NCAP
5 stars (2019)
2019 on models; figures vary by version. Prices from the September 2026 price list. Sources: ford.co.uk, euroncap.com, en.wikipedia.org, fordpresse.be, ford.at.
Ranked 166 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 18 of 31 family SUVs
In 2024, 282,268 Ford Kugas aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 20.8% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Ford Kuga is 14% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 9.6% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
20.8%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
9.6%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
8,600
Typical age at test: 7 years
Ford Kuga MOT failure rate by age
Most common Ford Kuga MOT faults
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.9% of tests
- Position lamp: not working2.8% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.4% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.9% of tests
- Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.4% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.3% of tests
What the Ford Kuga fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 7.6% | About average |
| Tyres | 5.8% | ▼ 11% less often |
| Brakes | 4.9% | About average |
| Visibility | 4.0% | About average |
| Suspension | 2.8% | ▼ 55% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 1.8% | ▼ 17% less often |
| Body and structure | 1.5% | ▼ 27% less often |
| Steering | 0.9% | ▼ 40% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.4% | ▼ 41% less often |
| Wheels | 0.2% | ▼ 32% less often |
How big is the Ford Kuga's boot?
The Mk3 (2019–) Ford Kuga has 412 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1,534 litres with them folded, according to the manufacturer. That's the 14th biggest of the 14 family SUVs we compare; the Tesla Model Y has the most, at 822 litres. The previous Mk2 (2012–2019) had 406 litres.
What MPG does the Ford Kuga do?
Official economy for the Ford Kuga ranges from 27.4 to 64.2mpg across the 101 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2010–2024). A typical petrol version manages 43.5mpg and a typical diesel 49.6mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Ford Kuga?
Any Ford Kuga first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). Versions with a list price over £40,000 pay an extra £440 a year in years two to six. A Ford Kuga registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £35 to £760 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carFord Kuga specs and running costs
Official figures for 101 versions sold in the UK between 2010 and 2024.
Fuel types
Diesel, Hybrid, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid
Official economy
27.4–64.2 mpg
CO2
21–244 g/km
Power
88–225 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kuga Model Year Pre 2023.25 1.5 EcoBlue88 PS · M6 · listed 2024 | Diesel | 60.1 mpg | 123g | £200 | 30% |
| Kuga Model Year Post 2023.25 1.5 EcoBlue88 PS · M6 · listed 2024 | Diesel | 60.1 mpg | 123g | £200 | 30% |
| Kuga Model Year Pre 2023.25 1.5 EcoBlue88 PS · A8 · listed 2024 | Diesel | 54.3 mpg | 136g | £200 | 33% |
| Kuga Model Year Pre 2023.25 2.0 EcoBlue (mHEV)110 PS · M6 · listed 2024 | Diesel | 58.9 mpg | 127g | £200 | 31% |
| Kuga Model Year Pre 2023.25 2.0 EcoBlue140 PS · A8-AWD · listed 2024 | Diesel | 49.6 mpg | 149g | £200 | 35% |
| Kuga Model Year Pre 2023.25 2.5 Duratec (FHEV)112 PS · CVT · listed 2024 | Hybrid | 52.3 mpg | 124g | £200 | 30% |
| Kuga Model Year Post 2023.25 2.5 Duratec (FHEV)147 PS · CVT · listed 2024 | Hybrid | 52.3 mpg | 124g | £200 | 30% |
| Kuga Model Year Pre 2023.25 1.5 EcoBoost110 PS · M6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 43.5 mpg | 147g | £200 | 35% |
| Kuga Model Year Post 2023.25 1.5 EcoBoost110 PS · M6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 43.5 mpg | 147g | £200 | 35% |
| Kuga Model Year Pre 2023.25 2.5 Duratec (PHEV)165 PS · CVT · listed 2024 | Plug-in hybrid | 217 mpg | 29g | £200 | 14% |
| Kuga Model Year Post 2023.25 2.5 Duratec (PHEV)165 PS · CVT · listed 2024 | Plug-in hybrid | 47.1 mpg | 30g | £200 | 14% |
| Kuga Model Year Post 2022 1.5 EcoBlue120 PS · M6 · listed 2021 | Diesel | 60.1 mpg | 123g | £200 | – |
| Kuga Model Year Post 2022 1.5 EcoBlue120 PS · A8 · listed 2021 | Diesel | 54.3 mpg | 136g | £200 | – |
| Kuga Model Year Pre 2022 1.5 EcoBlue120 PS · M6 · listed 2021 | Diesel | 60.1 mpg | 123g | £200 | – |
| Kuga Model Year Pre 2022 1.5 EcoBlue120 PS · A8 · listed 2021 | Diesel | 54.3 mpg | 136g | £200 | – |
Economy and CO2 are official WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 101 versions.
What a Ford Kuga costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 43.5mpg…
- diesel, typical official 49.6mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Ford KugaPrevious Ford Kuga generations
Ford Kuga Mk2 (2012–2019, 5-door SUV)
boot 406 litres · 120–182 PS · 0–62mph 9.2–13.4 sec · Euro NCAP 5 stars (2012)
20.7% of Ford Kugas built 2012–2019 failed their 2024 MOT first time (all cars that age: 23.5%).
Buying a used Ford Kuga?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Ford Kuga with other family SUVs
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Ford models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Ford Kuga reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Ford Kuga is 14% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 116 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Ford Kuga?
The most common MOT fault is “Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick”, found in 2.9% of tests.
›How big is the Ford Kuga's boot?
The Mk3 (2019–) Ford Kuga has 412 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1,534 litres with them folded, according to the manufacturer. That's the 14th biggest of the 14 family SUVs we compare; the Tesla Model Y has the most, at 822 litres. The previous Mk2 (2012–2019) had 406 litres.
›What MPG does the Ford Kuga do?
Official economy for the Ford Kuga ranges from 27.4 to 64.2mpg across the 101 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2010–2024). A typical petrol version manages 43.5mpg and a typical diesel 49.6mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Ford Kuga?
Any Ford Kuga first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). Versions with a list price over £40,000 pay an extra £440 a year in years two to six. A Ford Kuga registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £35 to £760 a year.
›How many Ford Kugas fail their MOT?
20.8% of Ford Kugas aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 9.6% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Ford Kuga combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.