Best Ford Kuga Alternatives

The Ford Kuga is a fun, well-equipped SUV that offers great value, which is why it’s so popular in the UK. But let’s face it – no car is perfect. If you’re thinking about switching things up, there are plenty of other exciting options out there.

That’s where we come in! We’ve rounded up ten cars similar to Ford Kuga. Whether you’re looking for something more affordable, a bit sportier, or with a touch of luxury, we’ve got you covered with some great alternatives currently available on the used market.

1. Volkswagen Tiguan

The Volkswagen Tiguan 1.5 TSI 150 Elegance is a smart choice if you want something stylish and spacious without overdoing it. Need extra seats? The Allspace version seats seven, and there’s plenty of room for all your gear.

With engines ranging from 130hp to 320hp, you’ve got options, including the choice between manual or DSG automatic and FWD or AWD.

The 150hp 1.5-litre in the Elegance trim hits the sweet spot — great looks, plenty of space, and just enough power. But if you want serious thrills, the 320hp VW Tiguan R is basically a Golf R in SUV form — efficient and fun.

2. Škoda Karoq

If we were to opt for just one, the Škoda Karoq SE L 1.5 TSI DSG gets things done without any fuss. You get engine options ranging from 110hp to 190hp for versatility, plus 521 litres of boot space. There are choices for petrol, hybrid petrol, or diesel engines, and you can pick between manual or automatic (dual-clutch) transmissions, plus front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It might not have the flashy style or sporty drive of some of its rivals, but the Karoq is perfect for everyday use. It feels solid and gives you good value, especially if you stick to the mid-range models. It has a comfortable ride, though the base engines might feel a bit underwhelming on the motorway.

3. Renault Kadjar

The Renault Kadjar, especially in the Equilibre TCe140 Auto, is a great choice if you want a comfy, easy drive. It’s equipped with a 140hp petrol engine and over 500 litres of boot space, which is enough for everyday needs. You can go for a manual or automatic transmission, but the automatic is smoother, especially since it’s only available with front-wheel drive.

The Kadjar is well-made, well-equipped, and seats five adults easily. It’s not about sporty thrills but rather comfort and reliability. It shares its design with the well-known Nissan Qashqai, which is a good sign.

4. Peugeot 3008

The Peugeot 3008 Allure Premium 1.6 Hybrid 225 is a real gem. It’s available with petrol, hybrid, and diesel engines, all paired with an automatic gearbox and front-wheel or four-wheel drive. Whether you choose the 131hp engine or go for the powerful 300hp, it delivers solid performance.

The 3008 turns heads with its sleek design and classy interior. It’s great for hauling your gear and offers a range of engines to suit different driving needs. Just keep in mind that the top 300hp Hybrid is a bit pricey, and if you often have adults in the back, there are roomier options out there.

5. Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai is a fantastic deal, particularly the Visia Manual 2WD version. You get over 500 litres in the boot (with the BOSE system, it gets down to under 440 litres), so it’s really practical. The mild hybrid engine delivers between 140hp and 158hp, and you can choose between manual or automatic, plus front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

The Qashqai has been a top seller for a reason. It’s well-built, comfy, and comes with good standard features. The base model is a great value, and the higher trim levels add some nice extras. Some rivals might have a sportier feel or more boot space, but the Qashqai is still spot-on for everyday driving.

6. Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage is a smart, stylish SUV packed with tech (specifically, GT-Line 1.6T GDi HEV Auto). With over 500 litres of boot space, it’s ready for anything. You’ve got engines from 148hp to 261hp and a choice between petrol, mild hybrid, or plug-in hybrid. Plus, you can pick your transmission — manual, auto, or DCT — and FWD or AWD.

Inside, it’s high-tech and comfortable, one of the best interiors around. It’s fun to drive, though a bit firm on rough roads. For the sweet spot, go for the 226hp hybrid or the powerful 261hp plug-in hybrid AWD.

7. Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 has come a long way since its quirky beginnings in the ‘90s. Today, it’s all about practicality and keeping running costs low. If you’re after sporty handling, the Ford Kuga or BMW X1 might suit you better. But for comfort, a big boot, and plenty of space, the RAV4 is hard to beat.

In the Toyota RAV4 lineup, the Hybrid Icon 2WD is a great pick for families. It’s both roomy and powerful, with 580 litres of cargo space and a solid engine range from 169hp to 222hp. You can choose a hybrid petrol engine, and it comes with manual or auto gearboxes, plus front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

8. Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass is a real head-turner with its bold, rugged exterior styling. Inside, it’s more than capable for everyday use, though it might feel a bit tight if you need more space.

You’ve got a range of engines to choose from, including a 1.4-litre petrol in two power levels and a 1.6-litre or 2.0-litre diesel with options of 138hp or 168hp. You can also choose between front-wheel and four-wheel drive.

Even the entry-level Compass Sport comes with a 5.0-inch touchscreen and Jeep’s latest UConnect system. The screen is bright and responsive, though it’s not the most intuitive on the market.

9. Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is a great mix of capability and value, and it’s perfect for hauling all your stuff. It offers engine options from 150hp to 265hp, plus petrol, mild hybrid, or plug-in hybrid. You can also choose between manual, automatic, or DCT transmissions and front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

The Tucson’s bold design might seem a bit futuristic, but it’s a solid, practical SUV. The interior feels upscale, and the spacious cabin is one of the best in its class. Although the ride quality can be a bit stiff in town, there’s a lot setting the Tucson apart.

The best one is SE Connect 1.6 TGDi 2WD.

10. BMW X1

The BMW X1 xDrive23i xLine Premier is a solid choice for many. With 505 litres of boot space and engines from 150hp to 231hp, it’s both practical and powerful. You can choose between petrol, diesel, or the electric iX1 and choose manual or automatic transmission, along with FWD or AWD.

The X1 offers a premium feel, a top-notch infotainment system, and a spacious interior. It handles the road with a sporty edge that makes it stand out. Just watch out for the extras; they push the price up to X3 levels.

11. Honda CR-V

The CR-V offers a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol with 171hp or 190hp if you go for the CVT automatic or a hybrid that features a 2.0-litre petrol and a motor giving you 181hp. For better fuel efficiency, the hybrid is your best bet, as there’s no diesel option.

Inside, the front seats are adjustable and spacious. The backrest control can be a bit tricky on most trims, except the top EX model, which has electric adjustments. The second row has plenty of space, but the third is tight in the petrol model and not available in the hybrid. The tech is impressive, and the safety features are reassuring.

12. Citroën C5 Aircross

An SUV needs an impressive engine, and the C5 Aircross is well-equipped. You can choose from a lively 128hp 1.2-litre petrol for everyday driving or a 178hp 1.6-litre petrol if you want a bit more power. Diesel engines offer great fuel economy, and the newer models even have a 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid option.

Even the base Feel trim is packed with features. Inside, there’s plenty of room for everyone, and the Feel Plus model adds a panoramic glass roof. The huge boot is easy to load, with a tall, square shape that makes it handy for carrying larger items.

Conclusion

Did you find an SUV that feels just right? It could be the Ford Kuga, or maybe other mid-sized SUV alternatives have stolen your heart. Either way, check out the fantastic range of used SUVs. There’s something for everyone!