The Ford Kuga and Ford Puma (including the all-electric Puma Gen E) are among the most popular crossover SUVs in the UK market. While they share some family DNA, these models cater to slightly different needs and budgets. So let's take a detailed look at how they compare across key areas.
The Kuga is a compact SUV that slots in above the smaller Puma in Ford's lineup. It delivers a blend of practicality, technology, and driving dynamics aimed at family buyers. Meanwhile, the Puma brings funky styling and engaging driving manners to the compact crossover class, with the Gen E variant adding a fully-electric powertrain to the mix from 2025.
Ford Kuga vs Ford Puma and Puma Gen E
Practicality
The larger Kuga has the edge when it comes to outright passenger space, offering generous head and legroom for four or five adults. The versatile rear seats can slide back and forth to prioritise legroom or boot capacity as needed. Speaking of boots, the Kuga's load bay measures 475 litres with the seats slid forward - a competitive but not class-leading figure.
However, the compact Puma punches well above its weight in practicality terms. Despite its supermini underpinnings, it offers enough rear space for kids and shorter adults. More impressively, its 456-litre boot is enormous for this class, rivalling some larger models. The Puma also has a clever 'MegaBox' compartment under the boot floor for storing wet or dirty items. This storage area grows to a whopping 145 litres in the electric Puma Gen E.
Both Fords have plenty of interior cubby spaces and user-friendly cabin layouts. However, the Kuga's interior quality is a touch underwhelming in areas compared to premium rivals. Overall, the Puma is the surprise practicality star here despite being the smaller car.
Driving Impressions
As you'd expect from Ford, both the Kuga and Puma deliver an engaging driving experience that sets them apart from many rivals. The Kuga is surprisingly agile for its size, with direct steering and composed body control that belies its family SUV positioning. It's not quite as nimble as the Puma, but still great fun along a twisty road.
The Puma takes things further still, bringing hot hatch-like verve and adjustability to the compact crossover segment. Based on the excellent Fiesta platform, it revels in tight corners yet retains a composed, comfortable ride. Even the electric Puma Gen E is a hoot, though its aggressive one-pedal driving mode takes some getting used to.
Engine choices for the two models reflect their positioning. The Kuga offers everything from a frugal 1.5 EcoBlue diesel to a punchy 2.5 PHEV powertrain. The Puma sticks to just the excellent 1.0 EcoBoost petrol (in mild hybrid form) or the Gen E's electric motor.
Technology and Equipment
Even base Zetec and Titanium models in the Kuga and Puma ranges come well-equipped with essentials like air conditioning, parking sensors, and Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen. Higher trims add luxuries like heated seats, a digital dash display, and LED lights.
The Kuga offers a few extra tech features like a powered tailgate and more advanced driver aids, reflecting its slightly more premium positioning. But the Puma (and Puma Gen E) certainly aren't lacking, gaining an upgraded 12-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring from 2025.
Both models have a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating and get Ford's latest driver assistance systems as standard kit. So while the Kuga has a small edge in overall equipment levels, the Puma still represents excellent value for money.
Running Costs
With its electrified powertrains, the Kuga range caters well to those prioritising low running costs. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is the standout choice for company car drivers, sitting in the 10% BIK tax band. Its 35-mile electric range and 201mpg combined economy make it very affordable, especially compared to the petrol and diesel models.
Those looking to minimise fuel spend should consider the mild hybrid diesels, which can return up to 56.5mpg. Even the conventional petrol engines achieve respectable 40mpg+ economy.
As for the Puma, its supermini roots and lack of electrification (bar the Gen E) see it lag slightly behind the Kuga on running costs. The regular 1.0 EcoBoost manages around 50mpg, which is good but not outstanding these days. Of course, the pure electric Puma Gen E promises ultra-low running costs once you've covered its higher purchase price.
Insurance costs are very reasonable across both lineups given their affordable pricing. Overall, the Kuga - especially in PHEV form - has the advantage for those prioritising monthly budgets.
Verdict
Choosing between the Ford Kuga and Puma/Puma Gen E comes down to your priorities in a family vehicle. If you need maximum passenger and load-lugging versatility, the larger Kuga is the one to plump for - though the Puma is still impressively practical for its compact footprint.
However, if driving engagement and value are top of your list, it's hard to overlook the brilliant Puma. It brings hot hatch-like thrills to the crossover class, along with a generous kit list and clever interior packaging. The pure electric Gen E only enhances its appeal further for urban-based buyers.
The Kuga counters with a more premium feel, better refinement, and lower running costs from its electrified powertrains. Its plug-in hybrid variant is the standout for company car users seeking affordable taxation.
Although these two Fords excel in different areas, the little Puma is a real star of the compact crossover sector and our favourite here. But both represent appealing all-rounders that inject some much-needed flair and driver appeal into their respective market segments.