Ford Kuga ST Line X Black Package test: a sporty-looking SUV PHEV, label 0 and extensive equipment

The third generation of the Kuga was the first to hit the SUV segment with a wide variety of versions: diesel, diesel with microhybridization, gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid. He did it in 2019, and that’s good, because as the saying goes, “whoever strikes first strikes twice.” But it’s also unfavorable, because while most of its rivals are more up-to-date, the Kuga has to contend with so much competition with a four-year-old exterior and interior design.

For this reason, the European division launches the test version, the Ford Kuga ST Line X Black Package PHEV. And attractive as it is not!

outside and inside

But the truth is that, at least in its exterior design, the passage of time is not appreciated. Even so, this special edition has been able to extract the quintessence with numerous elements painted in black, which combine perfectly with the white of the bodywork.

The most striking are undoubtedly the 20-inch alloy wheels bathed in said color. The roof, the shark fin antenna, the cooling intakes and the front bumper splitter, the exterior mirror housings and the rear spoiler, all also in black, do not go unnoticed either. As well as the ST-Line badges and the Kuga nameplate on the tailgate. The red brake calipers provide a touch of color.

The interior also presents a sporty look with the seats, which have good lateral supports and are upholstered in leatherette and suede with red stitching. Also thanks to the leather steering wheel perforated at its ends and flattened at the bottom. Without forgetting the aluminum bottom bracket, which comes as standard in this Ford Kuga ST Line X Black Package in the test.

And it is in the command post where it is most appreciated that it will soon have its corresponding mid-cycle facelift, as evidenced by the ‘head-up’ display, which is made up of a plastic plate that emerges from the dashboard , or the screen of the infotainment system, which is quite small (8 inches) for what we are used to lately and whose resolution is not up to date in graphics.

What I do appreciate is that it offers physical buttons for all functions, something that I hope will not disappear with the restyling. On the other hand, the instrument panel, which is digital, is the opposite: large, with a 12.3-inch screen, and with a very good resolution. And all this seasoned with plenty of storage holes and rubbery materials in the upper and middle area of ​​the dashboard.

Regarding space, the passengers in the rear seats have a lot of space for their legs and head. With my 1.78 m there are four fingers that separate it from rubbing against the roof, and that is equipped with a panoramic roof, which always remains.

For its part, the trunk holds 411 liters -64 less than the non-hybridized versions-, which is not a bad figure, but it is fair when compared with its rivals. Of course, I liked that the shapes make it a very usable cargo space and, above all, that the mouth is very low, which makes it easier to fit packages.

engine and performance

For the test of the Ford Kuga ST Line X Black Package I have chosen the PHEV because it has been, for the second consecutive year (2021 and 2022), the best-selling plug-in hybrid in all European markets. Surely it occurs in Spain, in Almussafes, Valencia, for 142 countries it has had something to do…

The system is made up of a 2.5 Duratec of 152 CV that works together with an electric one of 132, with which it yields 224 CV. It equips a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 14.4 kWh (useful of 10.6) with which it can move in fully electric mode between 57 and 67 kilometers.

On paper, the Ford Kuga PHEV reaches a top speed of 200 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2”, which is not bad for a 1,844 kg vehicle whose aerodynamics do not favor it.

Behavior

The SUV offers the driver the possibility of choosing between different driving modes: ‘Normal’, ‘Eco’, ‘Sports’, ‘Slippery’ and ‘Snow/Sand Assistance’. To these are added four for electric operation: ‘Automatic’ (hybrid), ‘EV charging’ (engine charging battery), ‘Electric’ and ‘Electric reserve’. And finally, the ‘L’ mode, with which the car retains more gear for greater regeneration.

If the battery is charged, the vehicle usually draws on electrical energy to move, with which the average consumption obtained has been 4.5 l/100 km, and that I have driven a long time with the combustion engine. Also, even if you choose a fully electric or charging mode, if it needs the power, it can put the gasoline one to work if necessary.

As it is the ST-Line version, the suspension has a sportier setting than the other versions. You can see good manners in the curve, like the Ford that it is, but the tires of the test unit do not match. And although it has sports wood, the suspension filters the irregularities of the road quite well.

What I did not like too much is that when you press the accelerator pedal a little more than normal, the sound of the continuous variator becomes evident.

Price

The one in the test, the Ford Kuga ST Line X Black Package, has a starting price of 48,680 euros (without discounts) and, in addition to the much coveted DGT 0 label, it also comes with very complete standard equipment that includes, among other elements: automatic gate, LED light groups, double exhaust pipe, automatic lights and wipers, rear view camera, parking sensors, cruise control with speed limiter, B&O sound system, 20″ wheels, frame 12.3” digital instruments, lane keeping assistant and dual-zone automatic climate control.