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Ford Kuga vs VW Passat comparison

Compare performance (243 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (34,200 £ vs 36,500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Ford Kuga or VW Passat?

Ford Kuga vs VW Passat: Key differences

Ford Kuga

4.2 (6 Reviews)
rate
  • barely cheaper
  • very slightly lighter

VW Passat

5 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • slightly more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • significantly more electric range
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

Kuga

Comparing Power and Efficiency: Ford Kuga vs. VW Passat

In the ever-evolving automotive landscape, two models stand out in their respective categories: the Ford Kuga, a robust SUV, and the VW Passat, a versatile wagon. With the 2024 models offering a range of powertrains and technological innovations, this comparison delves into technical specifications and innovations of these two automotive titans.

Passat

Engine Options and Performance

The Ford Kuga offers a lineup of engines to cover various buyer needs, including petrol, full hybrid, and plugin hybrid options. Horsepower ranges from a modest 150 HP to a hefty 243 HP, providing a diverse power band tailored for different performance preferences. The Kuga's acceleration ranges from 9.5 to 7.3 seconds for 0-100 km/h, with top speeds between 195 km/h to 200 km/h. This breadth of choice makes the Kuga a compelling option for those who prioritize power alongside efficiency.

In contrast, the VW Passat provides a wide array of engine types, including plugin hybrid and mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) technology, alongside traditional petrol and diesel engines. Power outputs for the Passat range from 122 HP to a robust 272 HP, reflecting VW's engineering prowess. The Passat hits 0-100 km/h in as little as 5.8 seconds, achieving top speeds of up to 250 km/h. This makes it ideal for those seeking performance without compromising on the efficiency of a modern wagon.

Kuga

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

Both vehicles showcase advanced fuel efficiency, albeit through different approaches. The Kuga's full hybrid and plugin hybrid options boast consumption as low as 0.9 L/100 km, exhibiting a CO2 efficiency class as high as B with CO2 emissions at 20 g/km. It also promises an electric range of up to 69 km, ensuring reduced emissions for urban driving.

The VW Passat, particularly the plugin hybrid variant, excels in efficiency, consuming as little as 0.4 L/100 km with a zero-emission range extending up to 126 km. Its low emissions are reflected in excellent CO2 efficiency classes, with plugin hybrid models recording emissions as low as single-digit g/km numbers.

Passat

Capacity and Dimensions

As an SUV, the Ford Kuga is built to accommodate a family comfortably with its 4615 mm length, 1882 mm width, and trunk capacity of 412 liters. Its payload capacity peaks at 550 kg, making it suitable for light to moderate duty scenarios typical of an active lifestyle.

The VW Passat's design emphasizes not only passenger comfort but also substantial cargo capacity with a trunk capacity that can reach 690 liters in the wagon configuration. Its longer length of 4917 mm provides expansive interior room, ideal for families needing substantial luggage space.

Kuga

The Verdict: Choosing Between Versatility and Performance

The decision between the Ford Kuga and the VW Passat ultimately narrows down to specific needs. The Kuga impresses with its versatile powertrains and SUV practicality, appealing to those who appreciate higher riding positions and off-road potential. Meanwhile, the Passat offers a compelling option for those chasing efficiency in urban driving, coupled with formidable performance and expansive elegance, making it an excellent choice for long-distance travelers.

In conclusion, whether your priority is the adventurous spirit of an SUV or the polish of a wagon, both the Ford Kuga and VW Passat deliver excellent options imbued with modern technology and flexibility, setting high standards in the competitive automotive market of 2024.

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 barely cheaper – starting at 34,200 £ , while the VW Passat costs 36,500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 2,220 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Passat uses 1.2 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Ford Kuga with 2.8 L/100km. The difference is about 1.6 L/100km.

As for electric range, the VW Passat offers significantly more range – reaching up to 135 km, about 67 km more than the Ford Kuga.

Passat

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 Passat offers slightly more power – delivering 272 HP compared to 243 HP. That’s roughly 29 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Passat is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.8 s, while the Ford Kuga takes 7.3 s. That’s about 1.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Passat delivers markedly more torque with 400 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 160 Nm more.

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, Ford Kuga is very slightly lighter – 1,526 kg compared to 1,573 kg. The difference is around 47 kg.

When it comes to payload, the VW Passat carries barely more – 577 kg compared to 550 kg. That’s a difference of about 27 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Passat 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 £36,500
Passat

VW Passat

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 122 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.2 - 8 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 124 - 135 km
Ford Kuga
VW Passat

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Ford Kuga

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 Passat

The VW Passat is the grown-up family car that gets the basics absolutely right — roomy, comfortable and built to handle weekday commutes and weekend getaways without fuss. It won't set your pulse racing, but its calm composure and sensible packaging make it boring in the best possible way: a dependable, no‑drama choice for buyers who value practicality over flash.

details
Ford Kuga
VW Passat

Costs and Consumption

Price
34,200 - 46,300 £
Price
36,500 - 58,500 £
Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 6.8 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 8 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
68 km
Electric Range
124 - 135 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
19.7 kWh
co2
55 - 154 g/km
co2
28 - 181 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
45 - 66 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,526 - 1,859 kg
Curb weight
1,573 - 1,858 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
510 - 690 L
Length
-
Length
4,917 mm
Width
1,882 mm
Width
1,849 mm
Height
-
Height
1,521 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1,770 L
Payload
541 - 550 kg
Payload
501 - 577 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 243 HP
Power HP
122 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.3 - 9.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.8 - 10.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
220 - 250 km/h
Torque
240 Nm
Torque
250 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
111 - 178 kW
Power kW
90 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
1,496 - 2,488 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General

Model Year
2,025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, D, E, B
Brand
Ford
Brand
VW
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.