The new Kuga is safer and roomier than before. Less fun, but a better family car
Pros Safer, more affordable, more spacious and more convenient than before
Cons Not as fun as it used to be. It's grown up and got some proper trousers...
The Ford Kuga has recently been facelifted to keep it competitive, but its dashboard still lags behind some rivals.With attractive styling, decent practicality and an impressive safety record, the Kuga is a convincing family SUV. It can't quite match the extremely high all-round standards of some of its latest rivals – the SEAT Ateca in particular – but for the right deal it's worth considering.
PROS Good value and well equipped Economical diesel engines Spacious interior
CONS Too many buttons inside Outshone by several rivals Inferior automatic gearboxes
Amongst other family SUVs, the previous Ford Kuga was a good looking car. Now, though, it’s even more distinctive to look at and its engine choices are bang up to date.
Pros Good fun to drive for an SUV Keen price and generous equipment Plug-in hybrid has a decent electric range
Cons Alternatives have plusher interiors Smaller boot than alternatives Poor tow rating for plug-in hybrid
Pros More convincing than a petrol X1 New curved display is very appealing Bigger and more practical than older X1s
Cons Could there be a more affordable, less powerful version? It’s a heavy blighter (but then so are most electric SUVs) Lacks the pioneering feel of previous BMW i products
Pros Impressive performance Good rear seat space Decent range on a full charge
Cons Firmer ride than rivals No physical infotainment controls Currently only one very expensive version available
Pros Feels premium Easy to drive Lots of kit as standard
Cons No full one-pedal drive available Pricey for a family SUV Fiddly infotainment controls
