@ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
@ Suzuki Motor Corporation
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Ford Kuga vs Suzuki Vitara – Which car suits you better?

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Ford Kuga or Suzuki Vitara?

Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

The Battle of the SUVs: Ford Kuga vs. Suzuki Vitara

When it comes to the compact SUV segment, the Ford Kuga and Suzuki Vitara are two strong contenders offering a mix of style, performance, and innovation. Both vehicles come with their unique attributes and capabilities, which can be vital in deciding the right fit for you. This article takes an in-depth look at the technical aspects and innovations of both models, comparing their engines, performance, and features.

Vitara @ Suzuki Motor Corporation

Engine Performance and Options

The Ford Kuga impresses with a wider range of engine options. It offers a selection of petrol, full hybrid, and plug-in hybrid engines, ranging from 150 to 243 HP. The engine choices allow for both efficiency and power, giving drivers the flexibility to choose based on their needs. The Kuga's hybrid options also provide an excellent fuel consumption rate, with figures as low as 0.9 L/100 km, making it a standout in eco-friendliness.

On the other hand, the Suzuki Vitara is more straightforward with its engine lineup, featuring petrol MHEV and full hybrid options, producing between 116 to 129 HP. While the engine power might not match the Kuga's, it delivers decent fuel consumption figures—up to 5 L/100 km—making it an economical choice for daily commuting.

Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Transmission and Drivetrain

Both SUVs offer flexible transmission choices. The Ford Kuga boasts manual and automatic transmissions, including a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for hybrid variants. Its drivetrain options include both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, catering to a diverse range of driving conditions.

The Suzuki Vitara also comes with manual and automatic transmissions, featuring an automated manual gearbox for a sporty driving experience. Similar to the Kuga, the Vitara offers front-wheel and all-wheel drive, enhancing its versatility for both urban and rugged terrains.

Vitara @ Suzuki Motor Corporation

Acceleration and Speed

When it comes to acceleration, the Kuga takes the lead with impressive figures. It can go from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 7.3 seconds with its most potent engine. The Kuga's top speed can reach up to 200 km/h, affirming its position as a performance-focused SUV.

Conversely, the Suzuki Vitara shows respectable performance, with its acceleration times hovering around 9.5 seconds for the quicker variants, and a maximum speed of 190 km/h. While it's not the fastest in the compact SUV segment, it provides sufficient performance for city driving and weekend getaways.

Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Interior and Comfort Features

Both SUVs can comfortably seat five passengers, with the Ford Kuga providing generous trunk capacity of up to 412 liters compared to the Vitara's 375-liter cargo space. In terms of overall dimensions, the Kuga is the larger of the two, giving it an edge in interior space and comfort.

The Kuga’s interior is laden with modern technology and innovations, including a user-friendly infotainment system, advanced driver-assistance features, and an optional ambient lighting package. The Suzuki Vitara, while offering a practical and straightforward cabin design, focuses more on functionality. Its infotainment system includes essential connectivity and driver aids, albeit not as advanced as that found in the Kuga.

Vitara @ Suzuki Motor Corporation

Safety Ratings and Efficiency

Both vehicles come with competitive safety ratings. The Ford Kuga boasts a CO2 efficiency class ranging from B to E, showing its commitment to sustainability. It features advanced safety technologies that ensure peace of mind on the road.

The Suzuki Vitara holds its ground with an impressive CO2 efficiency class of C to D, demonstrating its eco-friendly stance while still providing robust safety features. Both models have earned praise for their structural integrity, resulting in favorable crash test ratings.

Conclusion: Which SUV Reigns Supreme?

In the battle of compact SUVs, the Ford Kuga emerges as a powerhouse with its engine variety, advanced innovations, and spacious interior. However, the Suzuki Vitara remains a strong contender, particularly for buyers looking for a straightforward, economical, and reliable vehicle.

Your choice ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and driving requirements. Whether you prioritize performance and technology or efficiency and practicality, both the Ford Kuga and Suzuki Vitara will cater to different needs in the ever-growing SUV market.

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

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Suzuki Vitara has a convincingly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 23600 £, while the Ford Kuga costs 34200 £. That’s a price difference of around 10671 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Ford Kuga manages with 2.80 L and is therefore clearly more efficient than the Suzuki Vitara with 5 L. The difference is about 2.20 L per 100 km.

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 Ford Kuga has a decisively edge – offering 243 HP compared to 129 HP. That’s roughly 114 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Ford Kuga is clearly perceptible quicker – completing the sprint in 7.30 s, while the Suzuki Vitara takes 9.50 s. That’s about 2.20 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Ford Kuga performs hardly perceptible better – reaching 200 km/h, while the Suzuki Vitara tops out at 190 km/h. The difference is around 10 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Ford Kuga pulls barely noticeable stronger with 240 Nm compared to 235 Nm. That’s about 5 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, Suzuki Vitara is clearly perceptible lighter – 1255 kg compared to 1526 kg. The difference is around 271 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Ford Kuga offers barely noticeable more room – 412 L compared to 375 L. That’s a difference of about 37 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Ford Kuga performs noticeable better – up to 1534 L, which is about 414 L more than the Suzuki Vitara.

When it comes to payload, Ford Kuga noticeable takes the win – 550 kg compared to 400 kg. That’s a difference of about 150 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Ford Kuga shows itself to be is largely superior 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
details

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
ford-kuga-black-edition_exteriores_vignale_14sept2022_0085-LOW @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
ford-kuga-black-edition_exteriores_vignale_14sept2022_0238-LOW @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
FORD_KUGA_ST-LINE_PHEV_024-LOW @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Suzuki Vitara

5 (1)
rate

The Vitara is a city-smart SUV with a cheeky streak of off-road promise, perfect for drivers who want practicality without pretense. It’s honest, easy to live with and surprisingly likeable, a sensible companion for everyday adventures and weekend escapes.

details
Suzuki_Vitara_002 @ Suzuki Motor Corporation
Suzuki_Vitara_020 @ Suzuki Motor Corporation
Suzuki_Vitara_039 @ Suzuki Motor Corporation
Suzuki_Vitara_023 @ Suzuki Motor Corporation
Suzuki_Vitara_004 @ Suzuki Motor Corporation
Vitara_9 @ Suzuki Motor Corporation

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Costs and Consumption
Price
34200 - 46300 £
Price
23600 - 30900 £
Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 6.8 L
Consumption L/100km
5 - 5.9 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
68 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
1.1 - 14.4 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
55 - 154 g/km
co2
113 - 138 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
42 - 54 L
Fuel tank capacity
47 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
1255 - 1395 kg
Trunk capacity
412 L
Trunk capacity
289 - 375 L
Length
4604 - 4645 mm
Length
4185 mm
Width
1882 mm
Width
1775 mm
Height
1673 - 1681 mm
Height
1595 mm
Max trunk capacity
1534 L
Max trunk capacity
1046 - 1120 L
Payload
541 - 550 kg
Payload
375 - 400 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual, 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
110 - 129 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.3 - 9.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.5 - 12.7 s
Max Speed
195 - 200 km/h
Max Speed
180 - 190 km/h
Torque
240 Nm
Torque
235 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
111 - 178 kW
Power kW
81 - 95 kW
Engine capacity
1496 - 2488 cm3
Engine capacity
1373 - 1462 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, E
Brand
Ford
Brand
Suzuki

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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.