Ford Puma vs Ford Kuga SUV Comparison: Choosing The Right Used SUV
In the market for a used SUV? Chances are that you’ve come across the Ford Puma and Ford Kuga. They are both hugely popular models, with the Ford Puma being named the UK’s best-selling vehicle in 2023.
If you are looking for a more affordable way to drive away in one of these cars, choosing a used Ford SUV is a great option. With no build times, delivery can also be a lot quicker than buying new.
But you might not be sure which one is right for you and that’s where we can help. We’re taking a closer look by pitting them against each other.
History of the Ford Puma and Ford Kuga
The Ford Puma was first introduced back in 1997 as a compact three-door coupe. Over the years, it has undergone several facelifts and is now in its third generation. After being reinvented as a compact crossover SUV in 2019, it’s now a far cry from the first-generation model.
Going on sale 11 years later, the Ford Kuga was introduced to the European market in 2008. Like the Ford Puma, the Kuga SUV has undergone numerous facelifts and is now also in its third generation.
You might be wondering what exactly sets the Ford Puma and Ford Kuga apart. The answer? Size. The Ford Puma is a compact crossover SUV that is designed to fit into city life. Whereas the Ford Kuga is slightly larger and resembles your typical SUV.
Ford Puma vs Ford Kuga – features
Choose from six different trim levels on the Ford Puma – Titanium, ST-Line, ST-Line X, Vivid Ruby Edition, ST-Line Vignale, and ST.
While the Ford Kuga offers slightly fewer options with four trim levels - Active, ST-Line, ST-Line X, and Titanium.
Standard features on the Ford Puma include:
- Ford Co-Pilot360 – Ford’s range of driver assistance technology creates an easy and safe drive.
- Adaptive Cruise Control – automatically adjusts speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
- Emergency Steering Assist – helps you to steer around stationary or slow-moving vehicles to prevent a collision.
- LED headlights
- Rear-view camera – the camera will automatically be used when you start to reverse for effortless parking.
Whereas standard Ford Kuga features include:
- LED headlights
- Lane Keeping System – stay centered in the middle of your lane with steering wheel vibrations.
- Ford SYNC 3 – access a range of infotainment features to stay connected on every journey.
- Rear-view camera
- Traffic Sign Recognition – make sure you aren’t caught out by any sudden speed limit changes.
- Blind Spot Information System – get an alert if a vehicle enters your blind spot to help you safely change lines.
Boot space in both models is decent, with up to 456 litres in the Ford Puma with the rear seats in place. Folded down, this increases to up to 1,216 litres.
The Ford Kuga offers slightly more space with up to 475 litres when the rear seats are in place, and up to 1,534 litres when folded down.
Fuel economy for the Ford Puma ranges from 42.8mpg to 52.3mpg. We’ve broken down the fuel economy for each Puma engine type below.
| Engine | Fuel economy |
|---|---|
| 1.0L EcoBoost Hybrid (125PS) | 51.4 - 52.3mpg |
| 1.0L EcoBoost Hybrid Auto (125PS) | 48.7 - 49.6mpg |
| 1.0L EcoBoost Hybrid (155PS) | 50.4 - 51.4mpg |
| 1.0L EcoBoost Hybrid Auto (155PS) | 48.7 - 49.6mpg |
| 1.5L EcoBoost (200PS) | 42.8mpg |
The Ford Kuga SUV offers slightly improved fuel economy, with more engine options including a petrol plug-in hybrid. View a fuel breakdown of fuel figures for each engine type below.
| Engine | Fuel economy |
|---|---|
| 1.5L Ford EcoBlue 150PS (110kW) with auto start-stop | 41.5 - 42.8mpg |
| 1.5L Ford EcoBlue 120PS (88kW) with auto start-stop | 56.5 - 60.1mpg |
| 2.0L Ford EcoBlue Mild Hybrid (mHEV) 150PS (110kW) with auto start-stop | 55.3 - 57.6mpg |
| 2.0L Ford EcoBlue 190PS (140kW) with auto start-stop | 47.1 - 49.6mpg |
| 2.5L Ford Full-Hybrid engine (FHEV) 190PS (140kW) | 48.7 - 51.4mpg |
| 2.5L Ford Plug-in Petrol Hybrid engine (PHEV) 225PS (165kW) | 251.8 - 282.5mpg |
Ford Puma vs Ford Kuga – dimensions
In terms of size, the Ford Puma is slightly more compact than the Ford Kuga. View a full breakdown of sizes for each model below.
| Model | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Height (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Puma | 4,207 | 1,805 | 1,537 |
| Ford Kuga | 4,614 | 1,883 | 1,666 |
Ford Puma vs Ford Kuga – performance
Both the Ford Puma and Ford Kuga recently introduced an EcoBoost Mild Hybrid Engine.
As well as an EcoBoost Mild Hybrid engine, the Ford Kuga also offers the choice of a Plug-in Hybrid engine. If you are looking to stick to an internal combustion engine, you can also choose a 1.5 litre petrol engine with a manual transmission.
The Ford Puma offers up to 155 PS and is equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0-60mph takes between 7.2 - 9.9 seconds, or 6.5 seconds with the ST trim.
Used Ford Puma or used Ford Kuga: Which is better?
If you are looking for a compact crossover SUV then a used Ford Puma is the ideal choice. It also offers the sporty ST trim if you are looking for punchy performance in your day-to-day drives.
The Ford Puma ST lets you fine-tune your drive with four selectable drive modes and a turbocharged 1.5-litre Ford EcoBoost engine.
Whereas the Ford Kuga is more suited to families looking for a practical family SUV with plenty of space. The interior has ample rear and headroom space for everyone, along with handy storage compartments.
Depending on whether you need more legroom or more luggage space, you can slide the flexible rear seats forwards or backwards.
Ultimately, both the Ford Puma and Ford Kuga are great used Ford SUVs. Deciding which one is right for you is down to personal preference and your budget.
Whichever model you choose, we have a range of car finance options to make buying a used car more affordable.
Used Ford Puma and Ford Kuga cars at Bristol Street Motors
Ready to start the search for a used Ford Puma or used Ford Kuga? Browse our wide range of used and approved Ford cars, including Ford SUVs.
All our used cars are prepared to the highest standards before reaching our forecourts to give you extra peace of mind. If you find a car online that ticks all your boxes, you can reserve it for just £99.
As well as this, we also offer a 14-day money-back guarantee to make sure you are completely satisfied with your used car.
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