If there’s a better-looking 4×4 than the Ford Kuga, we haven’t seen it. That counts for little when it comes to towing, however.
Under the bonnet is the same 2.0-litre diesel as in the Focus. It’s a refined and punchy engine, and certainly isn’t overwhelmed by the 1613kg kerbweight. The Kuga pulled from 30-60mph in 19.5 seconds and felt like it would tow at 60mph all day.
With a beefy engine and four-wheel drive, hill-starts were straightforward, although the handbrake needed a firm pull before it would hold.
For such a sporty-looking 4×4, the suspension is surprising soft and compliant. That’s fine driving solo around town or when you’re not in a hurry, but it allowed too much body roll in our lane-change manoeuvre. The Volkswagen Tiguan felt more controlled through the cones.
The back seats are cramped and the boot only managed half our holiday load. In fact, the Kuga was the most disappointing of all the Fords in this year’s tests. Good looks aren’t everything.