@ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
@ Kia Corporation
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Ford Kuga vs Kia Niro – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Two cars, one duel: Ford Kuga meets Kia Niro.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!

Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Head to Head: Ford Kuga vs. Kia Niro

When it comes to choosing an efficient and versatile family SUV, the competition is fierce. In this article, we delve into a classic comparison between two popular models: the Ford Kuga and the Kia Niro. Both these vehicles offer excellent family-friendly features and modern innovations. Let’s explore how they stack up in terms of performance, economy, and technology.

Niro @ Kia Corporation

Engine and Performance

The Ford Kuga offers a variety of engine options, including petrol, full hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants. Its most potent engine delivers an impressive 243 HP, allowing it to sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds. The Kuga also provides flexibility with its manual and automatic (CVT) transmission choices and comes with both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations.

In contrast, the Kia Niro is powered by full and plug-in hybrid engines. The Niro’s flagship plug-in hybrid engine produces up to 171 HP and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in a respectable 10.4 seconds. It employs a dual-clutch automatic transmission that offers smooth shifts and efficient power delivery through its front-wheel-drive system.

Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

Fuel efficiency remains a crucial factor when assessing these vehicles. The Ford Kuga’s plug-in hybrid option boasts a remarkable fuel consumption of just 0.9 liters per 100 km and an electric range of up to 69 km. However, the conventional petrol engines can achieve economy figures ranging from 6.4 to 5.3 liters per 100 km, depending on the model.

The Kia Niro also excels in efficiency, with its plug-in hybrid using only 0.8 liters per 100 km and offering an electric range of 59 km. The full hybrid version delivers an economical 4.4 liters per 100 km. In terms of CO2 emissions, the Niro proves to be the greener choice with outputs as low as 19 g/km for the plug-in hybrid, compared to the Kuga's best of 20 g/km.

Niro @ Kia Corporation

Interior and Cargo Space

Both models comfortably seat five passengers but their dimensions favor different advantages. The Ford Kuga is slightly larger, providing a generous trunk capacity of 412 liters, making it suitable for families requiring more cargo space. Meanwhile, the Kia Niro offers a 451-liter trunk in its hybrid variant, though the plug-in hybrid’s space is reduced to 348 liters due to the battery placement.

The more compact Niro might be advantageous for urban dwellers looking to navigate tighter spaces, thanks to its overall smaller footprint with a length of 4420 mm compared to the Kuga’s lengths ranging from 4604 mm to 4645 mm.

Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Conclusion: Which SUV Comes Out on Top?

The choice between the Ford Kuga and the Kia Niro boils down to specific needs and preferences. The Kuga, with its more powerful engine options and optional all-wheel drive, is geared towards those who value performance and versatility. It is also ideal for buyers who frequently engage in long-distance travel, given its superior electric range and larger cargo space.

On the other hand, the Kia Niro stands out for those prioritizing environmental impact and fuel economy, proving to be a keen choice for eco-conscious drivers. Its nimble dimensions make it particularly appealing to urban commuters looking for an efficient, compact SUV.

Both the Ford Kuga and Kia Niro bring a host of modern features and benefits to the table, making them top contenders in the SUV segment. Ultimately, the decision will rest on whether the buyer’s priorities align more with environmentally friendly efficiency or versatile power and space.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Niro @ Kia Corporation

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Kia Niro has a a bit advantage in terms of price – it starts at 29100 £, while the Ford Kuga costs 34200 £. That’s a price difference of around 5108 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Kia Niro manages with 2.40 L and is therefore slightly more efficient than the Ford Kuga with 2.80 L. The difference is about 0.40 L per 100 km.

As for range, the Ford Kuga performs barely noticeable better – achieving up to 68 km, about 6 km more than the Kia Niro.

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Ford Kuga has a distinct edge – offering 243 HP compared to 180 HP. That’s roughly 63 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Ford Kuga is noticeable quicker – completing the sprint in 7.30 s, while the Kia Niro takes 9.90 s. That’s about 2.60 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Ford Kuga performs slight better – reaching 200 km/h, while the Kia Niro tops out at 185 km/h. The difference is around 15 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Kia Niro pulls minimal stronger with 265 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 25 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Kia Niro is minimal lighter – 1474 kg compared to 1526 kg. The difference is around 52 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Kia Niro offers barely noticeable more room – 451 L compared to 412 L. That’s a difference of about 39 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Ford Kuga performs barely noticeable better – up to 1534 L, which is about 89 L more than the Kia Niro.

When it comes to payload, Ford Kuga to a small extent takes the win – 550 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 84 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Ford Kuga shows itself to be wins the duel decisively and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £34,200
Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Ford Kuga

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 150 - 243 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.8 - 6.8 L
  • Electric Range : 68 km

Ford Kuga

3.5 (2)
rate

The Kuga is Ford’s adaptable family SUV that blends usable space with a surprisingly lively driving character, making daily commutes and weekend escapes equally enjoyable. With smart interior packaging, an easy-to-use infotainment setup and composed road manners, it’s a sensible choice for buyers who want a bit of fun without the fuss.

details

Kia Niro

5 (1)
rate

The Kia Niro blends clever packaging and modern styling into a compact crossover that’s refreshingly sensible for daily life. It’s comfortable, economical and packed with user‑friendly tech, so if you want a fuss‑free family car with a touch of green credibility, the Niro is worth a test drive.

details
Ford Kuga
Kia Niro
Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
Niro @ Kia Corporation

Costs and Consumption

Price
34200 - 46300 £
Price
29100 - 38600 £
Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 6.8 L
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 4.9 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
68 km
Electric Range
57 - 62 km
Battery Capacity
1.1 - 14.4 kWh
Battery Capacity
1.3 - 11.1 kWh
co2
55 - 154 g/km
co2
53 - 111 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
42 - 54 L
Fuel tank capacity
37 - 42 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1526 - 1859 kg
Curb weight
1474 - 1594 kg
Trunk capacity
412 L
Trunk capacity
348 - 451 L
Length
4604 - 4645 mm
Length
4420 mm
Width
1882 mm
Width
1825 mm
Height
1673 - 1681 mm
Height
1545 mm
Max trunk capacity
1534 L
Max trunk capacity
1342 - 1445 L
Payload
541 - 550 kg
Payload
466 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 243 HP
Power HP
138 - 180 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.3 - 9.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.9 - 11.4 s
Max Speed
195 - 200 km/h
Max Speed
170 - 185 km/h
Torque
240 Nm
Torque
265 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
111 - 178 kW
Power kW
102 - 132 kW
Engine capacity
1496 - 2488 cm3
Engine capacity
1580 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, B
Brand
Ford
Brand
Kia
What drivetrain options does the Ford Kuga have?

The Ford Kuga is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.