The Kuga is a compact crossover which has been around for quite some time now and while the current model has been released back in 2012, the car has not changed all that much since 2008. The upcoming 2016 Ford Kuga is expected to offer quite a bit more kit both inside and out and it should be a more refined car, especially now when there are more offerings in its class. Just like before, it will only be available in Europe while in the US it comes under the Escape name. The new Ford Kuga 2016 should be competitive in its segment where future buyers will be able to choose between Volkswagen Tiguan, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4.
2016 Ford Kuga price and changes
The 2016 Ford Kuga release date should be in the fall of 2015 while this midsize SUV will likely come with similar price levels to the current model. There is going to be an all new addition to the range though with a range topping trim level which will likely cost well over the equivalent of $45,000 which is already quite a lot of money.
Changes
Its platform will remain unchanged which is to be expected while the engines will also be carried over pretty much unchanged. However, the exterior design will be updated while inside the cabin it should receive new equipment, better materials across the range as well as a better driving experience. This will be made possible thanks to a new pair of seats for the front row which will come with better lumbar support as well as softer cushions.
New Ford Kuga 2016 specs
Let’s start our small preview of the new Ford Kuga 2016 with what it will have under the hood. Firstly, the base model will continue to be offered with the same 1.6 liter turbocharged EcoBoost inline 4 which will offer 150 horsepower in the front wheel drive model and up to 182 horsepower in the all wheel drive car. The latter will use around 1 liter of fuel more for each 100 km traveled. Further up the range the car will come with the already usual 2.0 liter turbocharged diesel which comes with 140 horsepower in the front wheel drive model and 163 horsepower in the all wheel drive one. In any case, it will use around 5.5 liters/100km which is very good for a car its size. Unfortunately, the great 2.0 liter EcoBoost with 240 horsepower from the US market will not find its way on the new 2016 Ford Kuga which lets the European buyers without much choice when it comes to the power level of the car. All engines come as standard with a 6 speed manual while a 6 speed automatic will also be available as an option.
2016 Ford Kuga redesign
Just as we previously said, the design of the 2016 Ford Kuga is likely going to be the biggest change which will certainly make quite a few people happy about it. This is also expected to be carried over to the US on the 2017 model of the Escape. While Ford has not released anything official about the car just yet, a model was actually caught testing with little camouflage on it. The front end seems to get the a very similar design to that of the new Edge with the hexagonal grille with three think horizontal bars which do make the car look a lot nicer than before. On top of that it will also get a new pair of headlights similar to those of the Edge while in the back it seems to receive new led clusters for the tail lights.
Inside the cabin nothing will really change but there will be a new top-end trim with the 2016 Ford Kuga Vignale model. This will be a luxury edition which will come as standard with a surround premium audio system, satellite navigation and an infotainment unit, leather upholstery, electric heated and ventilated seats and aluminum or even wood inserts throughout the interior.
