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

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Ford Kuga or Kia Sportage fits your lifestyle better.

Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Ford Kuga vs. Kia Sportage: The Ultimate SUV Showdown

In the highly competitive compact SUV market, the 2024 models of the Ford Kuga and Kia Sportage are making a strong case for themselves. With robust performance, innovative technology, and stylish designs, both vehicles offer compelling options for potential buyers. In this article, we delve into a detailed comparison of these two SUVs in terms of technical specifications and innovative features.

Sportage @ Kia Corporation

Powertrain Options: A Closer Look

The Ford Kuga boasts a versatile range of powertrains. Customers can choose from petrol, full hybrid, and plugin hybrid options, with power outputs ranging from 150 HP to an impressive 243 HP. These engines are mated to either a manual gearbox or a CVT, with the Kuga offering both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive options. The petrol engines have notable efficiency, with consumption figures as low as 5.3 L/100km in some configurations, while the hybrid variants can operate with remarkably low CO2 emissions, as low as 20 g/km.

On the other hand, the Kia Sportage focuses primarily on power and efficiency with its lineup, featuring diesel and petrol MHEV variants, alongside full hybrid and plugin hybrid versions. The Sportage’s power output varies from 136 HP to 252 HP, providing ample choices for a range of drivers. The Sportage’s consumption efficiency is also commendable, with some models achieving as low as 5 L/100km. Both brands have engineered vehicles with 5 seats that promise comfort without compromising on space.

Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Acceleration and Speed: Performance Defined

Acceleration is a crucial factor for many SUV drivers. The Kuga offers impressive acceleration times, with models reaching 0-100 km/h in as little as 7.3 seconds. This performance is complemented by a top speed of 200 km/h, making the Kuga suitable for both city driving and highway cruising.

Similarly, the Kia Sportage presents competitive acceleration figures, hitting 0-100 km/h in as little as 8.3 seconds, with a maximum speed reaching up to 194 km/h. This capability ensures that the Sportage remains agile and responsive, whether navigating urban landscapes or traveling on open roads.

Sportage @ Kia Corporation

Interior Space and Comfort

When it comes to interior dimensions, both SUVs are designed to maximize comfort and usability. The Ford Kuga offers a trunk capacity of 412 L, which is ample for everyday use, although it falls short compared to the Kia Sportage’s more spacious offerings. Sportage’s trunk can reach up to 587 L, making it an excellent choice for families or those who require extra cargo space.

Dimensionally, the Kuga measures 4604 mm in length, whereas the Sportage is slightly longer at 4515 mm but provides a wider stance with a width of 1865 mm. Both models have a sufficiently high seating position that offers good visibility while driving, further enhancing the overall driving experience.

Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Innovative Features and Technology

In terms of technology and innovations, both SUVs do not hold back. The Ford Kuga comes equipped with Ford’s latest SYNC infotainment system, providing seamless connectivity and an intuitive interface. Features like adaptive cruise control and Ford Co-Pilot 360 ensure a stress-free driving experience.

The Kia Sportage shines with its cutting-edge tech offerings, including an advanced infotainment system with a larger touchscreen display. The array of driver assistance features such as lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring make everyday driving safer and more comfortable.

Sportage @ Kia Corporation

Final Thoughts: Which SUV Comes Out on Top?

The 2024 Ford Kuga and Kia Sportage each have unique strengths that cater to different consumer preferences. The Kuga appeals to those seeking a more powerful hybrid option with excellent driving dynamics, while the Sportage emphasizes spaciousness and sophisticated technology. Ultimately, the choice between these two SUVs will depend on individual needs and lifestyle preferences. Regardless of the decision, both vehicles promise to deliver performance, comfort, and advanced technology, solidifying their places as top contenders in the SUV segment.

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

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Kia Sportage has a somewhat advantage in terms of price – it starts at 29700 £, while the Ford Kuga costs 34200 £. That’s a price difference of around 4508 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Kia Sportage manages with 1.20 L and is therefore significantly more efficient than the Ford Kuga with 2.80 L. The difference is about 1.60 L per 100 km.

As for range, the Ford Kuga performs barely noticeable better – achieving up to 68 km, about 4 km more than the Kia Sportage.

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Kia Sportage has a slight edge – offering 252 HP compared to 243 HP. That’s roughly 9 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Ford Kuga is slight quicker – completing the sprint in 7.30 s, while the Kia Sportage takes 7.90 s. That’s about 0.60 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Kia Sportage performs minimal better – reaching 203 km/h, while the Ford Kuga tops out at 200 km/h. The difference is around 3 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Kia Sportage pulls evident stronger with 350 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 110 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

Both models weigh roughly the same – around 1526 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Kia Sportage offers clearly perceptible more room – 587 L compared to 412 L. That’s a difference of about 175 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Kia Sportage performs somewhat better – up to 1776 L, which is about 242 L more than the Ford Kuga.

When it comes to payload, Kia Sportage barely noticeable takes the win – 580 kg compared to 550 kg. That’s a difference of about 30 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Kia Sportage proves to be is largely superior and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Kia Sportage is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £29,700
Sportage @ Kia Corporation

Kia Sportage

  • Engine Type : Diesel MHEV, Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 136 - 252 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.2 - 7.9 L
  • Electric Range : 64 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 Sportage

5 (1)
rate

The Kia Sportage proves you don't have to choose between style and sensible family motoring, wrapping modern, confident looks around a roomy, well-equipped cabin. It's an easy car to live with — comfortable on daily runs, pleasantly engaging when you want a bit of fun, and kind to your wallet so you can keep smiling at the fuel pump.

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

Costs and Consumption

Price
34200 - 46300 £
Price
29700 - 44700 £
Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 6.8 L
Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 7.9 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
68 km
Electric Range
64 km
Battery Capacity
1.1 - 14.4 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
55 - 154 g/km
co2
28 - 180 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
42 - 54 L
Fuel tank capacity
42 - 54 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
1526 - 1905 kg
Trunk capacity
412 L
Trunk capacity
526 - 587 L
Length
4604 - 4645 mm
Length
4515 - 4540 mm
Width
1882 mm
Width
1865 mm
Height
1673 - 1681 mm
Height
1645 - 1650 mm
Max trunk capacity
1534 L
Max trunk capacity
1715 - 1776 L
Payload
541 - 550 kg
Payload
510 - 580 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 243 HP
Power HP
136 - 252 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.3 - 9.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.9 - 11.6 s
Max Speed
195 - 200 km/h
Max Speed
180 - 203 km/h
Torque
240 Nm
Torque
250 - 350 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
111 - 178 kW
Power kW
100 - 185 kW
Engine capacity
1496 - 2488 cm3
Engine capacity
1598 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, B, G
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.