Used Ford Kuga for sale nearSouthend-On-Sea

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.3%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 2,800
Average Price: Around £14,000

Ford Kuga (2012-2019) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Reasonable cabin and boot space	Reliability issues with the Powershift gearbox
Generously equipped	Poor fuel economy if you choose a petrol
Good to drive	Some low-rent materials in the cabin

Quick Summary

The Ford Kuga (2012-2019), known as the mk2 generation, is a reasonably compact SUV designed to rival models such as the Nissan X-Trail, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. This generation offers significant improvements over its predecessor, particularly in space for passengers and boot capacity. The 456-litre boot is well-shaped with minimal intrusions, expanding to 1,653 litres with the rear seats folded. Wide rear doors provide easy access to the rear seats, which feature generous head and legroom, whilst the elevated driving position offers excellent visibility. The Kuga is smartly styled, generously equipped across all trim levels, and handles well with assured handling and a reasonably comfortable ride.

A mid-life refresh in 2016 brought a completely redesigned front end, engine revisions and equipment updates. The Kuga offers a wide range of engines, including frugal diesels and powerful petrol options, though Ford never offered a hybrid powertrain in the UK or Europe. The 2.0-litre TDCi diesel is particularly popular, delivering impressive performance and economy. Running costs vary depending on engine choice, with diesel models offering better fuel economy than petrol alternatives. Servicing costs are reasonable, though the Powershift dual-clutch automatic transmission requires specialist maintenance. Despite trailing some rivals in certain areas, the Kuga provides a sensible, well-equipped family SUV with plenty of secondhand options available.

Best for: Families seeking a spacious, well-equipped SUV with good handling characteristics, and buyers preferring diesel engines for better economy and performance.

Not ideal for: Those prioritising the finest cabin materials, petrol engine efficiency, or seeking to avoid potential Powershift gearbox issues.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Kuga if: You're seeking a spacious, well-equipped SUV with good handling characteristics, and prefer diesel engines for better economy and performance.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise premium cabin materials, petrol engine efficiency, or wish to avoid potential Powershift gearbox issues.

Competitive Position: The Ford Kuga (2012-2019) is a competent mid-range SUV offering reasonable space, generous equipment and engaging handling. Whilst it trails the Volkswagen Tiguan for overall quality and the Honda CR-V for user satisfaction, it remains a sensible choice for families. The Kuga's strength lies in its diesel engine options, which deliver impressive performance and economy. However, prospective buyers should be aware of potential Powershift gearbox reliability concerns and the variable cabin material quality. With plenty of secondhand examples available and competitive pricing, the Kuga represents good value for those prioritising practicality and driving engagement over premium feel.

Read our full Ford Kuga Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.