2019 Ford Kuga Price, Dimensions, Specs, and Release Date. The Kuga is one of Ford’s best-selling models. The car is available in Europe as well as in the US under a different name. The ongoing generation has been around since 2012. This is actually a heavy update of the first generation which was released back in 2008. Since then it didn’t change as much as it should have.
During the updates, the Kuga became a rather dull crossover which is a heavy contrast in comparison to the first model that was one of the best-driving crossovers around. For the upcoming 2019 Ford Kuga it seems that things could change for the better once again.
Far Ford hasn’t released any official details about it. Despite that, industry experts, as well as inside sources, did say a few things about it. For starters, the new model could be based on the same platform as the Fusion or at least an evolution of it. The same chassis will also underpin the new Focus. Thanks to it, the new Kuga’s weight is set to decrease, its structural rigidity will be greatly improved while the space inside the cabin should increase.
New Design
The 2019 Ford Kuga is definitely going to share its design scheme with the revamped Edge. While the wide hexagonal two-slats grille could stay, the bulky headlights and V-shaped hood are expected to be gone. In their place, we expect to see something a lot more similar to its larger sibling. The headlights are likely going to become smaller, the grille could too while the bumper will definitely get more aggressive. Its trademark massive windshield, as well as the hatchback-like roof-line, are most likely going to stay. Thanks to them the Kuga will remain as good to drive as its predecessor.
A 7 seat model is still very unlikely, especially since the Edge doesn’t offer such an option. The Kuga will likely get sliding rear seats, optional ventilated front and rear seats and possibly an electric panoramic roof. There will be more trunk space than before while the rear passengers will benefit from considerably more legroom than before. The Kuga’s odd dashboard is also going to be gone. Here the new 2019 Ford Kuga won’t borrow anything from the Edge. Instead, the car is actually expected to go on the same route as the Fiesta. This means a more modern dashboard design with fewer buttons and better materials.
Specs
The base engine is likely going to be a 1.5 liter EcoBoost. Even though it will share its displacement with the older generation, it won’t have much in common. This engine would be Ford’s new 3 cylinder turbo which is capable of anything between 150 to 200 horsepower and north of 200 lb-ft of torque. It would replace both the old 1.5 and 1.6 liter EcoBoost engines. A 2-liter turbo four with around 275 horsepower is expected on the range-topping model.
In terms of diesel, the car will likely rock an updated 2-liter turbocharged unit offering between 150 to 190 horsepower and over 300 lb-ft of torque for some versions. A 6-speed manual will remain available for the front wheel drive cars. Likely Ford’s upcoming 9 speed automatic will find its way across most of the other versions as well as the AWD cars. This will be able to offer better fuel consumption than the old 6-speed gearbox as well as better performance thanks to its closer spaced gears.
2019 Ford Kuga Exterior and Interior Looks Attractive
The images of the upcoming 2019 Ford Kuga give a clear indication of the design styling. Compared to the existing version this model sports edgy and enticing styling.
The hexagonal grille gets a metal treatment and led headlamps to appear a little more sleek and menacing. The alloy wheels augment the looks too.
The cabin of the newest Ford Kuga SUV will be spacious and is focused on ergonomics. The cabin will be large enough to accommodate 5 adults. Cargo space will be better in this version and small item storage options will get a boost too. It will be offered in a few trims. It will natively support GPS, Smartphone OS and Bluetooth. You get quite a few USB ports in the cabin and a premium sound system and sunroof may be offered as an option. The new Sync 3 infotainment setup is likely to be offered with a larger touch screen unit.
2019 Ford Kuga ST model
The model that will be also in the offer is the ST model. This model will be similar to the original model, with minimal changes that are visible. The model will possess an attractive body, unique grill, stout nose, extended roofline. This model will come with tons of black exterior details that will give this SUV more sportier appearance.
Some of the exterior features that are painted are upper grille that comes with Ebony Black paint and also rear skid plate, roof rails, roof spoiler and honeycomb grille insert is finished with a glossy look. The Ford ST badge will sit on the grill.
The “sports mesh” hexagonal fog lamps are also new and attractive. In this model, we can see black colors around the windows. It comes with 18-inch unique alloy wheels with gloss black color. One can upgrade to 19-inches wheels optionally.
New interior seat?
As for the interior, this model will give better and sportier seats. The seats will be offer with leather and it will get the requisite contrast stitching on the shift boot and the steering wheel. For the infotainment system, this model will get a touch screen that will make driving simpler and safer.
Under the hood of this model is the new 1.5-liter EcoBoost unit with AWD system. This engine is capable to make 179 horsepower. The main competitors of this model are Nissan Juke and Mazda CX-3.
Safety System
The 2019 Ford Kuga is expected to come with a number of modern safety technologies and it will also get enough amenities to impress the target buyers.
Some of the features that will include are Roll Stability Control (RSC), Side airbags, Rearview camera, Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and Child safety rear door locks.
2019 Ford Kuga Engine Options
Ford has not said anything with certainty on the exact type of engines will be in the 2019 Ford Kuga SUV. The new lineup of the company’s EcoBoost engines will be under the hood. A hybrid of PHEV version may be out later.
This is expected since Ford is keen on introducing more cars with hybrid engines. The ride quality of this SUV will be top notch. We expect 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine that will produce 148 horsepower. This engine will come with FWD system as standard. The next one from some speculation will be 1.5-liter TDCi. This one will make around 120 horsepower.
We also expect two more diesel model that will be more powerful. The first one is a 2.0-liter unit with 148 horsepower and the second one 2.0-liter TDCi that delivers 177-horsepower.
2019 Ford Kuga Price and Availability
The base trim price of 2019 Ford Kuga is likely to be around $27,486. The ST model will start at $34,079. It may hit the roads in late 2019.
Summing it up
The upcoming 2019 Ford Kuga is an impressive compact SUV that gets most things in place. The new edgy exterior styling will impress most buyers and the cabin also gets its share of changes. While Ford has not said which engines will sit under its hood, the new Ecoboost engines are likely contenders.
The 2019 Ford Kuga also scores fairly well in safety and amenities. Pricing wise, it may lose out to some segment rivals but buyers eventually get enough value for what they churn out.
