2017 Ford Kuga

If the Ford Kuga looks similar to another Blue Oval model, well it is because it has a twin sister. 2017 Ford Kuga is the identical European version of the American Ford Escape.  Technically, we have already seen how the Kuga looks like because Ford showcased the 2017 Ford Escape in Los Angeles Auto Show in late November last year. Read along to find out more;

2017 Ford Kuga Exterior

For the mid-cycle refresh, the Kuga just like its twin, the Escape gets upgrades borrowed from the Ford Edge.  At the front, the nose is more masculine and features a larger trapezoidal grille. The grille sports a chrome lining with the Ford logo at the center. The grille is flanked on both sides by sleek bi-xenon headlights with LED DRLs.  The front fascia also features a revised bumper which is integrated with revised air intakes and fog lights.

On the sides, the vehicle features a shiny chrome lining that highlights the greenhouse area.  There is a thick character line running almost the entire length of the crossover SUV.  The lower part of the side profile features a thick black cladding. The new wheel arches are also huge.

At the rear, the Kuga features modified tail lamps and a redesigned rear bumper. The rear is also offered with a lively shade dubbed “Copper Pulse”. The vehicle also features a retractable tow bar which automatically hides itself below the rear bumper. There is also a hands-free tailgate. At the bottom is a silver colored diffuser which is integrated with twin round-shaped exhaust tips with a chrome finish.

Other features include a panoramic sunroof and two roof rails. The vehicle will ride on 17-inch alloy wheels but there is an option for either 18- or 19-inchers. Dimension-wise, the Kuga is 4,524 mm long, 1,838 mm wide, 1,702 mm tall and has a 2,690-mm wheelbase.

2017 Ford Kuga Interior

The interior only features a few improvements compared to that of the outgoing model. In fact, it takes a closer look to discover these differences.  First, there is a new 3-spoke steering wheel sourced from the Focus; a heated steering wheel is optional. The steering wheel is also mounted with new climate control switchgear.

The center console has also been reconfigured with a space-saving strategy i.e. the automaker has installed a new space saving parking brake, a modified gear lever, relocated the 12V power socket while its cup-holders have been moved forward next to the gear lever. This has freed up space which has allowed addition of a storage tray just ahead of the armrests. A new USB port has also been added to the set up.

However, the most notable change in the cabin is the new 8.0-inch touch-screen which hosts the new SYNC3 infotainment system. The system supports both Android Auto and Apple CArPlay.  For the first time, the system allows pinch and swipe gestures. The SYNC is free for the first five years. It allows a driver to lock and unlock doors remotely as well as start the engine remotely. The system also monitors tire pressure, fuel and battery levels.

For safety, the Kuga is offered with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with brake support, active park assist, lane-keep assist and a driver alert system for fatigued driving.

Engine Specs and Performance

The 2017 Ford Kuga SUV will be powered by a number of engines.  Ford has introduced a new diesel engine to the drive-train lineup. The new unit is a 1.5 L TDCi which is offered with FWD. The new engine will improve the vehicle’s fuel economy by 5% to 64.2 mpg on combined drives without compromising on power output.  The engine produces 118 hp.

There is also a 2.0 L TDCi diesel mill rated at 148 hp when paired to either a FWD or the automaker’s Intelligent AWD system. This engine returns 60.1 mpg on combined drives. The engine can be tuned to produce 180 hp which is only available with the Intelligent AWD system. This version returns 54.3 mpg.

Switching to petrol engines, the vehicle will also feature a 1.5 L EcoBoost gasoline engine with three different tunes. It will produce 118 hp and 148 hp which are paired with front-wheel drive. This version returns 45. 6 mpg on combined drives. The EcoBoost engine is also tweaked further to produce 180 hp. This version is mated to the Intelligent AWD system and delivers 38.2 mpg on average.

All engines will feature a 6-speed automatic transmission system. A 6-speed manual gearbox will also be availed on an optional basis.

Other engine specs such as acceleration and top speed will be availed on a later date.

Price and release date

The Blue Oval automaker is yet to announce the official prices of the upcoming 2017 Ford Kuga.  Rumor has it that the model will be available in dealer showrooms before the end of the year. As for the price, expect a starting price of around $ 23,500 for the base model. Keep it here for the latest news and updates on this and other upcoming models.