Is a used Ford Kuga a good buy?

A greater on-road presence, better visibility of the road ahead and decent practicality - no wonder SUVs are popular. Most carmakers have at least a couple in their line-ups and the Ford Kuga is Ford’s family-size offering.

The latest Ford Kuga is better than its predecessor except for one key thing: price. As a used car, the old Ford Kuga is much better value for money. Meanwhile, the 2017 update brought fresher stying and technology including Ford’s much-improved Sync3 media system plus autonomous braking and lane-keeping assist, so go for one of these if you want an affordable but still up-to-date Ford Kuga.

There are roomier, more practical and classier alternatives but being based on its sister car, the Ford Focus, the Ford Kuga is reasonably fun to drive, if a little firm riding. There’s a host of trim levels to consider but our pick is the Ford Kuga Titanium, one up from entry-level Zetec, which itself is reasonably well equipped.

Read our full Ford Kuga review

Which used Ford Kuga should you buy?

Ford is a master of marketing which is why you’ll notice some trim levels have an X, Edition or First Edition in their name. Expect these to have additional features such as a sportier body kit, leather upholstery or unique alloy wheels.

That said, the Ford Kuga Titanium X trim is a notable step above Titanium in terms of luxury. Talking of features, look out for models with remote tailgate opening that allows you to open the boot by just waggling your foot beneath the bumper - useful when your hands are full.

The Ford Kuga’s mid-power petrol and diesel engines are all most buyers will need, as is two-wheel drive. You may like the sound of the optional four-wheel-drive system as reassurance when driving on slippery surfaces but a good set of winter tyres will do the same job on cold, wet and snowy roads.

What used Ford Kuga trim levels are available?

The most popular Ford Kuga on the second hand market by far is the Ford Kuga Titanium, which is also the one we recommend. While Zetec is the entry-level and cheaper version, there are far fewer for sale. If you want a sporty look, go for a Ford Kuga ST-Line.

Ford Kuga Zetec

The most affordable Ford Kuga models are those with Zetec trim. This may be the cheapest option but 17-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, digital radio, a heated windscreen, Ford’s Sync voice control system and keyless start are all standard.

Engines include the 120hp 1.5-litre Ecoboost petrol and 120hp 1.5-litre TDCi diesel. There are more powerful ones but you’ll pay at the pumps with lower fuel economy and in any case, the extra would be better spent choosing the next trim, Titanium. Considering the relatively small premium, you get much more kit with Ford Kuga Titanium models, so for most drivers, these are the wiser option.

Ford Kuga Titanium

When new, the Ford Kuga Titanium trim cost £3400 more than Zetec but on the used car market that price premium shrinks, making it much better value. How much better is clear by the fact that like for like on BuyaCar, Titanium trim is only around £1000 more expensive than Zetec.

The extra money buys a host of essential as well as luxury features. The former is represented by rear parking sensors, sat-nav, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, and automatic folding mirrors. Luxury items include keyless entry, a superior Sync voice control system, a gloss-black grille surround and part-leather seats. Paired with the 150hp 2.0 TDCi diesel engine, it’s our favourite Ford Kuga.

Ford Kuga Titanium X

This variation on Titanium trim plays the luxury card with features including a panoramic sunroof (beware – it eats into the model’s already restricted headroom, so taller people may want to stick to Titanium specification), 18-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights, adaptive Xenon headlights and leather upholstery.

With that lot, it should cost a fortune but a high-specification Ford Kuga can’t justify or maintain strong prices second-hand, which is why even facelift 15hp 2.0-litre TDCi examples are available from less than £15,000, making them great value for money.

Ford Kuga ST-Line

You can tell this is the sporty one in the Ford Kuga line-up because it has a bodykit and firmer suspension. In addition to those sporty extras, it has larger 18-inch alloy wheels, self-parking capability, sports seats and ambient lighting. All told, it’s an attractive and well-equipped version of this SUV.

This specification was introduced with the 2017 facelift, when it cost around £1500 more than Titanium trim. It was very popular and so you’ll find a good selection of used versions on BuyaCar.

However, should you be tempted away from Titanium, it’s worth remembering that a high-riding SUV such as a Ford Kuga requires more than just firmer suspension to make it feel sporty. In fact, on the ST-Line, its main contribution is to make the ride less comfortable over poor surfaces. As a result, most drivers will be better served by choosing a Ford Kuga Titanium model.

Ford Kuga Vignale

Vignale is Ford’s upmarket trim level, designed to appeal to buyers of premium cars. It carries a hefty price increase over lesser trims and on new Ford Kugas was always hard to justify, though Ford Kuga Vignales do offer a more luxurious feel inside in exchange.

High costs are the reason that few Ford Kuga Vignale models sold, which explains why used Kuga Vignale examples are so rare, but should one be available on BuyaCar you can be sure it will be much better value and less expensive than any comparable BMW or Audi.

So, if you want an upmarket SUV with plenty of kit, but are less bothered by the badge on the bonnet, a Ford Kuga Vignale could cost you far less than going for a German alternative.