By Staff Reporter

Ford has revealed its third generation Kuga (or Escape compact crossover as it’s known in other markets) and it boasts a new look plus a few other changes.

The 2020 Ford Kuga is available with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and a pair of turbocharged engine choices.  

Weighing 91 kg lighter than the model is set to replace, the new Kuga boasts a larger footprint and high ride height.  Judging from the pictures, it looks less rugged and more like a hatchback.

Inside, all trims get an eight-inch infotainment display except for the base S trim. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is offered as an option. There are multiple driving modes depending on the type of terrain, Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, Snow, and Sand.

Powering the new Ford Kuga is a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-pot producing 134 kW of power and 240 Nm of torque and a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder making 186 kW of power and 373 Nm of torque. Both engine variants get an eight-speed automatic that sends power to the front wheels – AWD is available as an option.

For better efficiency, there is a hybrid derivative that features a 2.5-litre four-cylinder running on the Atkinson cycle with a total system output of 148 kW of power. The powertrain runs through a CVT transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available.

There isn’t much information about the plug-in hybrid except that it will churn out 156 kW of power while giving a full-electric driving range of about 48 km.