The Ford Kuga and Kia Sportage are two eye-catching options in the ever-competitive family SUV segment. Both offer a blend of practicality, technology, and driving engagement that should appeal to a wide range of buyers. However, there are some key differences that are worth exploring.
The Kuga arrived in 2020 as Ford's latest offering in this class, while the Sportage Mk5 represents Kia's newest generation for 2022. As two of the newer entrants, they pack the latest tech, efficient powertrains, and on-trend styling that gives them an edge over older rivals. Let's dive into how they stack up across the key areas buyers will care about.
Ford Kuga vs Kia Sportage
Practicality
When it comes to interior space and versatility, both the Kuga and Sportage impress but the Kia just about has the edge. The Sportage's boot ranges from 526-591 litres, giving it a slight advantage over the Kuga's 411-475 litres. Both feature split-folding rear seats and useful adjustable boot floors.
Rear legroom is generous in both, with the Sportage's rear seats able to recline for added comfort. The Kia's boxy shape maximises cabin space, while the Kuga's sleeker styling compromises headroom very slightly. Up front, both offer plenty of useable storage cubbies.
In terms of cabin quality, the Kuga's dashboard looks a touch low-rent compared to the more upscale design and materials in the Sportage. But Ford's build quality is sound. It's really a matter of prioritising space over perceived quality.
Driving Impressions
One of Ford's key strengths is making even mainstream models engaging to drive, and the Kuga upholds that tradition. With direct steering, eager handling and a composed ride, it's one of the more rewarding family SUVs from behind the wheel.
However, the latest Sportage is no slouch either. Kia has imbued it with a reassuringly weighty steering feel and enough agility to satisfy keener drivers. The ride strikes a nice balance between comfort and body control.
While the Kuga retains a slight dynamic edge, the Sportage closes the gap more than ever before. And its excellent refinement makes it a great motorway cruiser. Both are easy to manoeuvre around town thanks to light controls and decent visibility.
When it comes to engine choices, the Kuga offers plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid diesels, while the Sportage has a self-charging full hybrid. The Kuga PHEV promises exceptional economy for the right user.
Technology and Equipment
Both the Kuga and Sportage come generously equipped across the range, with even entry-level versions getting essentials like parking sensors and touchscreen infotainment. Higher trims add luxuries like heated seats, powered tailgates and digital instrument displays.
However, the Sportage does gain an advantage with its curved 12.3-inch dual screens for instruments and infotainment - an impressive tech showcase. The Kuga's 8-inch touchscreen looks a bit dated by comparison.
Both get the latest active safety systems too, so you can relax knowing your family is well protected in either SUV. Smartphone mirroring is standard fit as well.
Running Costs
With its plug-in hybrid option, the Kuga has the potential for very low running costs if your driving patterns suit it. Official figures of over 200mpg put it ahead of the regular hybrid Sportage.
However, in mixed real-world use the gap will be smaller. Expect high 40s mpg from the Sportage hybrid, while the Kuga's diesel and petrol engines should return 40-55mpg depending on the version.
Private buyers may struggle to recoup the PHEV Kuga's higher purchase price unless they do lots of short journeys. For company car drivers, its low CO2 emissions make it very attractive from a tax perspective.
Insurance groups and servicing costs should be similar across the range. Kia's 7-year warranty does give the Sportage an advantage for longer-term ownership.
Verdict
The Ford Kuga and Kia Sportage are both excellent family SUV choices that do many things very well. The Kuga impresses with its driver engagement and frugal plug-in hybrid model, while the Sportage counters with slightly more interior space, bolder styling and an advantage in perceived cabin quality.
For those who value driving dynamics above all else, the Kuga gets the nod. But the Sportage's blend of comfort, practicality and impressive in-car tech means it will likely prove the more compelling all-rounder for most buyers in this class. Factor in Kia's excellent warranty and it represents a smart, if not quite class-leading, choice.
Whichever you choose, you'll be getting a thoroughly modern and competitive family SUV that does the fundamentals very well indeed.