2024 Ford Kuga New vs Old Kuga/Escape.
Ford presented the updated Kuga crossover.
The 2024 Ford Kuga crossover received a mid-generation update and will have a more powerful PHEV plug-in hybrid version.
The restyling of the equivalent American version of Ford Escape took place back in 2022, and now the European version of the crossover called Kuga has made its official debut. At the same time, some significant differences are noticeable.
For the first time, the 2024 Kuga received the Active off-road trim, with additional plastic body cladding and silver skid plates to make it tougher.
The spirit of adventure increased ground clearance 10 millimeters higher on the front axle and 5 mm on the rear. Ford has also introduced a Trail driving mode that adjusts throttle response and traction control to provide extra traction on mud, sand and other soft surfaces.
Interior.
Inside, the Kuga Active received the decoration of the instrument panel and doors of dark wood, as well as exclusive upholstery of the seats, which are adjustable in 18 directions.
The 2024 Kuga will also be available in Titanium and ST-Line trims, each with subtle styling changes compared to the pre-facelift versions.
As expected, the 2024 Kuga will get Ford's SYNC4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The center console has been simplified by eliminating most of the usual controls after integrating the relevant functions into the enlarged display.
Under the hood.
The engine lineup no longer includes a diesel engine. The base version has a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged engine with a capacity of 148 hp, which is sent to the front axle through a six-speed manual transmission.
You can also choose a self-charging hybrid based on a 2.5-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor, which create a combined power of 177 hp. in the version with front-wheel drive and a slightly higher power of 180 hp. in the all-wheel drive model.
The highlight is the updated plug-in hybrid, also with a 2.5-liter engine. Now it produces 240 hp, which is a 30 hp increase. more than the Escape PHEV. It also has an extra 18bhp over the outgoing Kuga PHEV and uses an "upgraded power-split automatic transmission" like the Kuga Hybrid AWD.
The Kuga PHEV now accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, which is almost two seconds faster. In addition, towing capacity has jumped by more than 30 percent to 2,100 kilograms. Thanks to the lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 14.4 kWh, the hybrid provides a maximum electric range of 69 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle.
Ford is already taking orders in some European countries for the 2024 Kuga. Meanwhile, the American Ford Escape is rumored to be discontinued in the US in 2025.
