Ford Kuga hybrid Flexifuel (2022): hybrid and E85: the winning duo

Customers who want to buy an SUV and are interested in a Kuga may be seduced by its looks, dynamic qualities or well-thought-out practical aspects. It has a new argument today and it could be decisive, namely that it can run on bioethanol, the cheapest fuel in France today. Ford is no exception, as it is the fourth model to adopt it, with the Kuga, Fiesta, Puma and Focus not to mention the line dedicated to professionals. The American manufacturer fully relies on this fuel; it is the only choice that can be made on the market today and one that can prove to be economically profitable. Fuel prices remain as high as ever, even if they are trending down a bit. That’s why it’s worth counting around €1.74/l for the SP95 E10, €1.81 for the diesel and only €0.76/l for the E85. Just unbeatable.

So yes, E85 is a fuel that is less efficient than others and causes excessive consumption. But this is – estimated to be around 20-25% – offset by its low price. While other models use micro-hybrid engines, the Kuga goes even further with a complete hybridization system that has already proven to be particularly convincing and frugal in our first test.

This hybrid Kuga shares its engine with a plug-in hybrid version. It is a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 152 hp on the Atkinson cycle, associated with a 14.4 kWh battery on one side, allowing it to run on 100% electricity for approximately sixty kilometers, compared to 1.1 kWh for the simple hybrid. battery that is only renewed at deceleration and can be used up to a maximum of 50 km/h in a few hundred metres. This is the same technology that has been used by Toyota for years and as a result we know it.

The start is completely electric. Then, thermal takes over. It is handled with great care and the operating speeds are never too high, which guarantees very pleasant acoustic comfort, except for heavy loads, where the engine is a little more audible. Switching to E85 has no performance impact; this is exactly the same as that of the petrol version, for example, with a throw from 0 to 100 km in 9.1 seconds. The same is true for consumption. We recorded a consumption of 6 l/100 km in the hybrid/petrol version. We went up to 7.5 l/100 km with this version. The difference is certainly significant, but is largely compensated for by its full cost. And if you drive very often in the city, your consumption will decrease even more, because in these conditions hybridization is the highlight. Thus, to fill the 54-liter tank of our Kuga you will have to pay 41 €, the same operation will cost 94 € on the SP95 E10, more than double. Are you very convinced?

Question behavior is always fun to use Kuga. Despite the suspensions being dry at low speed, it remains one of the nicest in the category with good overall comfort. The steering is precise and informative, but somewhat lacking in consistency. Despite the road characteristics, calm driving is recommended despite the risk that some body movements may occur. We must not forget that Kuga still weighs 1,700 kg on the scale.

This delight in Kuga is definitely classical in terms of organization but also includes a modern interior atmosphere. We regret the lack of fantasy because it’s all dark. The digital instrumentation measures 12 inches, and the center console-facing multimedia screen is touch-sensitive. The instrument panel has good ergonomics and the material quality is good.

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It is also positive for practical aspects. It is possible to modulate thanks to the generous rear width and 15 cm sliding rear seat. Cargo volume ranges from the category average of 581 to 1,481 liters.