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Ford Kuga vs Mazda 3 Hatchback comparison

Compare performance (243 HP vs 186 HP), boot space and price (34,200 £ vs 25,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Ford Kuga or Mazda 3 Hatchback?

Ford Kuga vs Mazda 3 Hatchback: Key differences

Ford Kuga

4.3 (7 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • barely quicker 0–100 km/h
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Mazda 3 Hatchback

5 (1 Reviews)
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  • visibly cheaper
  • barely lighter
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

Kuga

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.

Mazda 3 Hatchback is visibly cheaper – starting at 25,000 £ , while the Ford Kuga costs 34,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 9,222 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Ford Kuga uses 2.8 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Mazda 3 Hatchback with 5.6 L/100km. The difference is about 2.8 L/100km.

3 Hatchback

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Ford Kuga offers visibly more power – delivering 243 HP compared to 186 HP. That’s roughly 57 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Ford Kuga is barely quicker – completing the sprint in 7.3 s, while the Mazda 3 Hatchback takes 8 s. That’s about 0.7 s quicker.

Both models offer the same torque – 240 Nm.

Kuga

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Mazda 3 Hatchback is barely lighter – 1,417 kg compared to 1,526 kg. The difference is around 109 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Ford Kuga carries only slightly more – 550 kg compared to 502 kg. That’s a difference of about 48 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Ford Kuga is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £34,200
Kuga

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/100km
  • Electric Range 68 km
details

Frequently compared as well

Ford Kuga
Volvo XC40
VS
The Ford Kuga is the zippier, more practical pick — roomy, better value and a bit more fun to drive — while the Volvo XC40 trades that scrappiness for a quieter, upmarket cabin, class-leading safety tech and unmistakable Scandinavian polish. If you want driving engagement and bang for your buck go …
CUPRA Formentor
Ford Kuga
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The Cupra Formentor and the Ford Kuga are two popular compact SUVs that take very different approaches: the Formentor prioritises sporty driving dynamics and striking design, while the Kuga focuses on comfort, practicality and efficient powertrains. This comparison will cover performance, interior …
Ford Kuga
Mazda 3 Hatchback

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Ford Kuga

The Ford Kuga is a practical and comfortable compact SUV that balances everyday usability with a composed ride and adaptable interior. It offers sensible tech and safety features, making it a solid choice for families or anyone seeking a versatile, easy-to-live-with crossover.

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Reviews Ford Kuga

4.3 (7 Reviews)
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Marek
15 Jun 2026, 07:10:36

A very sensible car — I like how it looks, it’s well put together, economical on fuel, the interior is comfortable and fairly traditional without any gimmicks, excellent handling, the performance is really good despite it being a large and heavy car; the trunk could be a bit bigger, but it’s still fine — roomy and generally sufficient for family trips, and above all, so far the car has been reliable.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Richie Wid
3 Apr 2026, 13:13:55

PHEV model — very pleased with the car after 2.5 years. In the summer months it runs practically on electric power alone. The large 2.5‑litre engine is surprisingly frugal, about 0.5 l/mil. Downsides are the ventilation in winter, which causes fogged windows, and that we can now only charge the battery to 80%.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Miguel
19 Oct 2025, 05:54:42

It's a car that strikes an excellent balance between quality and price.

Mazda 3 Hatchback

The Mazda 3 hatchback blends elegant design with a surprisingly sporty drive, giving a cabin that feels more upscale than you’d expect for the segment. Practical enough for everyday life yet eager to entertain behind the wheel, it’s a smart, good-humored choice that makes even grocery runs feel like a mini escape.

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Reviews Mazda 3 Hatchback

5 (1 Reviews)
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j m
29 Jun 2026, 22:06:55

power
efficiency and low consumption
driving pleasure
wonderful e-drive and head-up projection display on the windshield

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The Ford Kuga is the sensible compact SUV — roomy, practical and built for real-world family duties rather than showpieces, making it an easy buy if you need reliability and space. The Renault Symbioz, by contrast, is a swooping, tech-heavy concept car: brilliant to admire and full of futuristic …
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Hyundai Kona
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The Ford Kuga and the Geely Starray present two different takes on the family car: the Kuga is a well-sorted European compact SUV known for composed handling and refinement, while the Starray focuses on roomy, tech-rich cabin space at a very competitive price. I’ll highlight the real-world …
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Ford Kuga
Mazda 3 Hatchback

Costs and Consumption
Price
34,200 - 46,300 £
Price
25,000 - 36,000 £
Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 6.8 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.6 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
68 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
55 - 154 g/km
co2
126 - 146 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,526 - 1,859 kg
Curb weight
1,417 - 1,529 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,882 mm
Width
1,795 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
541 - 550 kg
Payload
487 - 502 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, 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
140 - 186 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.3 - 9.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8 - 9.8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
240 Nm
Torque
238 - 240 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
111 - 178 kW
Power kW
103 - 137 kW
Engine capacity
1,496 - 2,488 cm3
Engine capacity
1,998 - 2,488 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
Brand
Ford
Brand
Mazda
What drive types are available for the Ford Kuga?

The Ford Kuga is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.