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Ford Kuga vs Suzuki Vitara comparison

Compare performance (243 HP vs 184 HP), boot space and price (34,200 £ vs 23,600 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Ford Kuga or Suzuki Vitara?

Ford Kuga vs Suzuki Vitara: Key differences

Ford Kuga

4.2 (6 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • marginally quicker 0–100 km/h
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Suzuki Vitara

4.5 (5 Reviews)
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  • substantially cheaper
  • significantly more electric range
  • noticeably 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

Kuga

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Frequently compared as well

Suzuki S-Cross
Suzuki Vitara
VS
The Suzuki S-Cross and the Suzuki Vitara take different approaches to the compact SUV segment: the S-Cross leans towards comfort, refinement and value, while the Vitara offers a more rugged look and a livelier driving character. I’ll outline their strengths in space, ride, economy and equipment to …
Suzuki Vitara
Toyota Yaris Cross
VS
The Suzuki Vitara and the Toyota Yaris Cross both aim at buyers wanting compact SUVs, but they take different approaches: the Vitara leans toward rugged simplicity and practical space, while the Yaris Cross focuses on urban refinement and hybrid efficiency. I’ll compare their practicality, driving …

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

Kuga

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Suzuki Vitara is substantially cheaper – starting at 23,600 £ , while the Ford Kuga costs 34,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 10,671 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Ford Kuga uses 2.8 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Suzuki Vitara with 5.3 L/100km. The difference is about 2.5 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Suzuki Vitara offers significantly more range – reaching up to 426 km, about 358 km more than the Ford Kuga.

Vitara

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 offers noticeably more power – delivering 243 HP compared to 184 HP. That’s roughly 59 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Ford Kuga is marginally quicker – completing the sprint in 7.3 s, while the Suzuki Vitara takes 7.4 s. That’s about 0.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Suzuki Vitara delivers markedly more torque with 307 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 67 Nm more.

Kuga

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.

In terms of curb weight, Suzuki Vitara is noticeably lighter – 1,255 kg compared to 1,526 kg. The difference is around 271 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Ford Kuga carries clearly more – 550 kg compared to 425 kg. That’s a difference of about 125 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Suzuki Vitara 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 £23,600
Vitara

Suzuki Vitara

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 110 - 184 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.3 - 5.8 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 14.9 - 16.6 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 344 - 426 km
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Ford Kuga
Suzuki Vitara

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

4.2 (6 Reviews)
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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.

Suzuki Vitara

The Suzuki Vitara is a practical compact SUV that balances a comfortable, composed ride with easy-to-live-with interior space, making it well suited for daily driving and weekend getaways. It's widely praised for reliable engineering and sensible running costs, offering straightforward value to buyers who want a no-nonsense, economical crossover.

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Vitara_9

Reviews Suzuki Vitara

4.5 (5 Reviews)
rate
Jolanta
4 Feb 2026, 09:37:41

A very pleasant car for an affordable price. The only downside is poorly soundproofed doors and windows.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Polet
14 Jan 2026, 00:08:10

Proven reliability — it’s sold on every continent, and a real pleasure as a 4x4.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Alejandro
15 Nov 2025, 18:50:42

After trying both, I chose the Vitara for everyday use. In my view, its balance of performance, quality and price is superior.

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The Ford Kuga is the all-rounder that hustles through bends with eager steering and practical space to spare, while the Peugeot 3008 plays the style card with a plush, sculpted interior and a calmer, more refined ride. Pick the Kuga if you want driving engagement and value, choose the 3008 if cabin …
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Suzuki Vitara
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The Dacia Duster still shocks with back-to-basics toughness and an unbeatable price — real off-road chops and a cavernous boot for a fraction of the bill — while the Suzuki Vitara answers with sharper handling, nicer interior materials and smarter tech that feels a touch more grown-up. Choose the …
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The Ford Kuga and Kia Niro are two practical compact crossovers aimed at buyers who want a sensible mix of space, economy and everyday usability, but they take noticeably different approaches to driving dynamics and powertrains. If you value sharper handling and a more spacious, premium-feeling …
Ford Kuga
Suzuki Vitara

Costs and Consumption
Price
34,200 - 46,300 £
Price
23,600 - 36,800 £
Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 6.8 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.3 - 5.8 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
14.9 - 16.6 kWh/100km
Electric Range
68 km
Electric Range
344 - 426 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
55 - 154 g/km
co2
0 - 137 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,526 - 1,859 kg
Curb weight
1,255 - 1,935 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
310 - 375 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,882 mm
Width
1,775 - 1,800 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
541 - 550 kg
Payload
395 - 425 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual 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 - 184 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.3 - 9.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.4 - 9.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
240 Nm
Torque
193 - 307 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
111 - 178 kW
Power kW
81 - 135 kW
Engine capacity
1,496 - 2,488 cm3
Engine capacity
1,373 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, A
Brand
Ford
Brand
Suzuki
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.