@ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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Ford Kuga vs VW Golf – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Two cars, one duel: Ford Kuga meets VW Golf.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!

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

Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

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.

VW Golf has a distinct advantage in terms of price – it starts at 25200 £, while the Ford Kuga costs 34200 £. That’s a price difference of around 9047 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Golf manages with 1.10 L and is therefore convincingly more efficient than the Ford Kuga with 2.80 L. The difference is about 1.70 L per 100 km.

As for range, the VW Golf performs convincingly better – achieving up to 143 km, about 75 km more than the Ford Kuga.

Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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 VW Golf has a clearly perceptible edge – offering 333 HP compared to 243 HP. That’s roughly 90 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.60 s, while the Ford Kuga takes 7.30 s. That’s about 2.70 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Golf performs evident better – reaching 270 km/h, while the Ford Kuga tops out at 200 km/h. The difference is around 70 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: VW Golf pulls decisively stronger with 420 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 180 Nm difference.

Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

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 curb weight, VW Golf is to a small extent lighter – 1307 kg compared to 1526 kg. The difference is around 219 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Ford Kuga offers slight more room – 412 L compared to 381 L. That’s a difference of about 31 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Ford Kuga performs somewhat better – up to 1534 L, which is about 297 L more than the VW Golf.

When it comes to payload, Ford Kuga slight takes the win – 550 kg compared to 508 kg. That’s a difference of about 42 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the VW Golf 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 £25,200
Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

VW Golf

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 333 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 8.1 L
  • Electric Range : 131 - 143 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

VW Golf

The VW Golf remains the everyman’s favourite — cleverly balanced, composed and just posh enough to feel grown-up without pretending to be something it’s not. It slips through town and eats up longer trips with a refined cabin, practical layout and a kindly, capable character that turns everyday driving into something a little bit special.

details
Ford Kuga
VW Golf
Kuga @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
34200 - 46300 £
Price
25200 - 47600 £
Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 6.8 L
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 8.1 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
68 km
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
1.1 - 14.4 kWh
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
55 - 154 g/km
co2
25 - 184 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
42 - 54 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1526 - 1859 kg
Curb weight
1307 - 1662 kg
Trunk capacity
412 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
4604 - 4645 mm
Length
4282 - 4296 mm
Width
1882 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1673 - 1681 mm
Height
1454 - 1483 mm
Max trunk capacity
1534 L
Max trunk capacity
1129 - 1237 L
Payload
541 - 550 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, 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
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.3 - 9.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
195 - 200 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 270 km/h
Torque
240 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
111 - 178 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
1496 - 2488 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, G, C, B
Brand
Ford
Brand
VW
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.