Review – Ford Kuga Active X (2024), a Kuga with mud boots!

Fresh design for Ford Kuga 2024

The updated 2024 Ford Kuga features a fresh design both inside and out, with each trim offering distinctive looks and its own design features.
Inside, the Kuga features improved functionality and a tighter layout.
Driver and passengers benefit from increased comfort and an advanced infotainment system.
Completely new is the Kuga Active X – say a Kuga with a set of mud boots.
In this review, we not only cover the novelties of the Kuga in general, but also delve deeper into the new Kuga Active X.

SYNC 4

The updated Ford Kuga comes standard with the new SYNC 4 infotainment system with cloud-connected navigation, voice controls and a 13.2-inch touchscreen.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are of course off the price.
The car also has 5G FordPass connectivity for fast data transfer and support for Ford software updates.
The Kuga also comes standard with a new 12.3-inch digital instrument panel.
This digital instrument cluster has unique themes to match the selected driving mode.

Voice recognition allows occupants to use natural speech in 15 European languages, using the simple phrase “OK SYNC” or “Hey Ford” to activate the system. 

Fewer buttons in interior

The number of physical buttons in the interior has been further reduced.
The dashboard and door trim now feature a larger decorative element with a specific finish unique to each version, with new matching seat covers and stitching depending on the version.

Above all, the Kuga is still nice and practical.
For example, the seats in the second row can be slid over a distance of 150 mm, creating over a meter of legroom in the rear or up to 553 liters of luggage space.
If you choose a Kuga X trim, you also get 18-way adjustable comfort seats for driver and front passenger.

FORD KUGA (2024) – Also as Active and ST-Line – REVIEW – AutoRAI TV

Ford Kuga Active X

Then that Ford Kuga Active X, because why is this version so popular?
Probably because of its rugged appearance.
Like the regular Kuga, it has received a new grille, prominently featuring the Blue Oval in the center.
A new inverted “field hockey stick” taillight design complements the new headlights.
The rear of the Kuga looks tidy, thanks to a new diffuser and the removal of the tailgate handle.
Exterior color options have also been updated.
Completely new are Desert Island Blue and Bursting Green.
Other colors include Agate Black, Solar Silver, Frozen White and Lucid Red.
Ford also provides all-new alloy wheel designs.

With the Active X trim, buyers get an extra bold design.
The more pronounced front grille features wide vertical bars with a gloss black finish, complemented by a distinctive lower grille, trim panel and guard plate.

The new Ford Kuga Active X can also be identified by Active logos on the front fenders and silver lower door trims, as well as the lower bumper and rear guard plate.
The Active X trim also offers 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels.
The Ford Kuga Active X is characterized by a black roof, exterior mirror caps finished in black, and door trims.

Inside, the 1,859-kilogram Kuga Active X is distinguished by the Active logo on the specific seat upholstery, floor mats and with a dark matte wood effect finish on the dashboard and door trim.
The Active X further features Sensico and neo-suede seat upholstery.

Suspension raised

Ford also makes technical modifications to the Kuga Active X. For example, the front suspension has been increased by 10 mm and the rear by 5 mm, resulting in additional ground clearance to go further off the beaten track.
The additional Trail Drive mode changes the operation of the traction control and throttle response to maintain sufficient grip even on soft surfaces – such as sand or mud.
So you get more than just looks.

Powertrain Ford Kuga 2024

Did you know that the Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid is Europe’s best-selling PHEV?
Ford is seizing the moment of the facelift to make some technical improvements.
For example, the Kuga Plug-In Hybrid gets a larger electric motor and an upgraded automatic transmission with powersplit, bringing significant benefits in terms of performance and towing capacity.

Towing weight Ford Kuga Plug-in Hybrid

The Kuga Plug-In Hybrid accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds – almost two seconds faster than before thanks to a new CVT automatic transmission – while having a braked towing capacity of 2,100 kilograms, an increase of more than 30 percent.
That was 1,500 kilograms.

The Kuga Plug-In Hybrid uses a 200 Nm 2.5-liter gasoline engine with Atkinson cycle, a 320 Nm electric motor, a generator and a 14.4 kWh lithium-ion battery (10.7 kWh usable capacity).
Together they account for a system output of 178 kW (243 hp).
Average fuel consumption (WLTP homologated) is at least 0.9 l/100 km with CO2 emissions from 20 g/km and an all-electric range of up to 69 kilometers.

Smart lighting!

Another highlight is the Ford Kuga’s smart lighting.
Ford provides optional Dynamic Pixel LED headlights with advanced features such as a Tourist Mode, which allows the driver to change the beam for left- or right-hand traffic when traveling to the United Kingdom, for example.
Another feature is Predictive Dynamic Bending Light.
This feature uses navigation data and the camera behind the windshield to illuminate the inside of bends in the road even before the driver enters the turn.  

Driving assistance systems abound, but most have to come off the option list.
Among other things, the Kuga is available with adaptive cruise control, intersection assist, a 360-degree camera system and a rear cross-traffic alert system.
It also recognizes cyclists, pedestrians, boxes and other vehicles.

Driving the Ford Kuga

In terms of dynamics, the Ford Kuga is still a very fine mid-size family SUV.
It steers with a lot of feeling and also manages to surprise at higher speeds with a fine balance in the suspension.
The improved powertrain delivers more power and you notice it, because both the gasoline engine and electric motor are extra eager.
There is noticeable extra push at lower revs.
That drives extra nicely.
The fine seating position, steering and ease of operation have remained.
One point for improvement: the driver’s seat could be a bit lower for an even better seat.

Price and production

The Kuga can be ordered immediately at a price starting at 43,350 euros for the Titanium PHEV.
The Ford Kuga Active X starts at 48,995 euros.
Production takes place at Ford’s Valencia plant in Spain.