VS

Ford Kuga vs Mercedes S-Class comparison

Compare performance (243 HP vs 635 HP), boot space and price (34,200 £ vs 104,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Ford Kuga or Mercedes S-Class?

Ford Kuga vs Mercedes S-Class: Key differences

Ford Kuga

4.3 (7 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • clearly lighter
details

Mercedes S-Class

  • substantially more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • substantially more electric range
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
details

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.

Ford Kuga is substantially cheaper – starting at 34,200 £ , while the Mercedes S-Class costs 104,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 69,777 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes S-Class uses 2.2 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Ford Kuga with 2.8 L/100km. The difference is about 0.6 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Mercedes S-Class offers substantially more range – reaching up to 118 km, about 50 km more than the Ford Kuga.

S-Class

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 Mercedes S-Class offers substantially more power – delivering 635 HP compared to 243 HP. That’s roughly 392 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes S-Class is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4 s, while the Ford Kuga takes 7.3 s. That’s about 3.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes S-Class delivers substantially more torque with 850 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 610 Nm more.

Kuga

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 terms of curb weight, Ford Kuga is clearly lighter – 1,526 kg compared to 2,165 kg. The difference is around 639 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes S-Class carries somewhat more – 660 kg compared to 550 kg. That’s a difference of about 110 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes S-Class is clearly superior 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 £104,000
S-Class

Mercedes S-Class

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 336 - 635 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 2.2 - 11 L/100km
  • Electric Range 98 - 118 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 …
Ford Kuga
VW T-Roc
VS
In the compact-SUV ring, the Ford Kuga and the VW T‑Roc step up: one leans on family-friendly practicality and hybrid efficiency, the other on sharp styling and city-ready agility. We’ll compare space, economy, driving feel and value so you can choose whether you want sensible muscle or fashionable …
Ford Kuga
Mercedes S-Class

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.

details
2025_FORD_KUGA_BLACK_PACKAGE_01-LOW
2023_FORD_KUGA_ACTIVE_11-LOW
2023_FORD_KUGA_ACTIVE_09-LOW
2023_FORD_KUGA_ST-LINE_04

Reviews Ford Kuga

4.3 (7 Reviews)
rate
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.

Mercedes S-Class

The Mercedes S-Class wraps peerless comfort, whisper-quiet luxury and subtle tech wizardry into a chauffeur-ready package that still knows how to engage the driver. It’s the car for buyers who want to arrive relaxed, be taken seriously and occasionally enjoy a grin when the road reminds them this limousine can dance.

details
21C0428_003
21C0428_004
21C0613_021
21C0613_037
21C0613_042
21C0613_043

Reviews Mercedes S-Class

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Frequently compared as well

CUPRA Formentor
Ford Kuga
VS
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
Renault Symbioz
VS
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 …
Ford Kuga
Geely Starray
VS
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 …
Ford Kuga
Jaecoo 7
VS
The Ford Kuga and Jaecoo 7 are compact SUVs aimed at buyers who want space and practicality, but they represent contrasting approaches: the Kuga focuses on refined driving dynamics, safety pedigree and a mature dealer network, while the Jaecoo 7 competes with bold styling, generous equipment and …
Ford Kuga
Ford Explorer EV
VS
Choosing between the Ford Kuga and the Ford Explorer EV means deciding whether you want a compact, efficient SUV with petrol/hybrid options or a larger, fully electric Explorer that prioritizes range, cabin space and advanced tech. I’ll walk through real-world running costs, driving feel, interior …
Ford Kuga
Suzuki S-Cross
VS
Comparing the Ford Kuga and the Suzuki S‑Cross helps you decide between a bigger, more tech-rich family SUV and a compact, practical crossover that’s easier on the wallet. Below is a direct, practical breakdown to help match each car to real-life needs. Quick verdict - Ford Kuga: A more spacious, …
Ford Kuga
Mazda CX-5
VS
The Ford Kuga is the sensible all‑rounder — roomy, loaded with hybrid options and family-friendly tech — while the Mazda CX‑5 plays the premium card with richer materials and more engaging steering. Choose the Kuga for practicality and efficiency, the CX‑5 if you want style, refinement and a …
Ford Kuga
Nissan X-Trail
VS
Choosing between the Ford Kuga and the Nissan X-Trail comes down to whether you prefer a sportier, tech-focused compact SUV or a more spacious, family-oriented and practical option. The Kuga offers sharper handling and up-to-date infotainment, while the X-Trail emphasizes cabin space, comfort and …
Ford Kuga
Mercedes S-Class

Costs and Consumption
Price
34,200 - 46,300 £
Price
104,000 - 201,400 £
Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 6.8 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2.2 - 11 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
68 km
Electric Range
98 - 118 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
55 - 154 g/km
co2
50 - 252 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,526 - 1,859 kg
Curb weight
2,165 - 2,650 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
345 - 530 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,882 mm
Width
1,921 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
541 - 550 kg
Payload
420 - 660 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 243 HP
Power HP
336 - 635 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.3 - 9.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 - 5.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
240 Nm
Torque
560 - 850 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
6 - 8
Power kW
111 - 178 kW
Power kW
247 - 467 kW
Engine capacity
1,496 - 2,488 cm3
Engine capacity
2,989 - 3,982 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, B, F
Brand
Ford
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
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.