VS

Ford Kuga vs VW Polo comparison

Compare performance (243 HP vs 207 HP), boot space and price (34,200 £ vs 17,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Ford Kuga or VW Polo?

Ford Kuga vs VW Polo: Key differences

Ford Kuga

4.2 (6 Reviews)
rate
  • a bit more power
  • substantially more efficient
details

VW Polo

4.1 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • markedly lighter
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:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

VW Polo is substantially cheaper – starting at 17,300 £ , while the Ford Kuga costs 34,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 16,984 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Ford Kuga uses 2.8 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the VW Polo with 5.1 L/100km. The difference is about 2.3 L/100km.

Polo

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 Ford Kuga offers a bit more power – delivering 243 HP compared to 207 HP. That’s roughly 36 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Polo is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 6.5 s, while the Ford Kuga takes 7.3 s. That’s about 0.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Polo delivers noticeably more torque with 320 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 80 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, VW Polo is markedly lighter – 1,143 kg compared to 1,526 kg. The difference is around 383 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Ford Kuga carries slightly more – 550 kg compared to 457 kg. That’s a difference of about 93 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Ford Kuga 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 £34,200
Kuga

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/100km
  • Electric Range : 68 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
VW Polo

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
ford-kuga-black-edition_exteriores_vignale_14sept2022_0085-LOW
ford-kuga-black-edition_exteriores_vignale_14sept2022_0238-LOW
FORD_KUGA_ST-LINE_PHEV_024-LOW

Reviews Ford Kuga

4.2 (6 Reviews)
rate
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.

VW Polo

The Polo is a well-built, comfortable hatchback that blends a refined cabin and composed manners into a compact package. It's easy to live with day to day, offering sensible space, tidy controls and reassuring quality that make it a practical choice for city or longer trips.

details
DB2021AU00726_medium
DB2021AU00728_medium
DB2021AU00732_medium
DB2021AU00735_medium
DB2021AU00736_medium
DB2021AU00741_medium

Reviews VW Polo

4.1 (3 Reviews)
rate

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

Frequently compared as well

Ford Kuga
MG HS
VS
The Ford Kuga and MG HS are popular compact SUVs that appeal to buyers after roomy cabins and practical everyday driving — the Kuga leans toward sharper handling and more refined powertrain options, while the MG HS focuses on strong value and generous standard kit. This comparison cuts through the …
VW ID.3
VW Polo
VS
Comparing the ID.3 and the Polo pits Volkswagen's all-electric compact against its conventional small hatchback, highlighting a choice between emissions-free efficiency and traditional practicality. The ID.3 emphasizes electric range, advanced tech and a spacious cabin, while the Polo offers lower …
VW Polo
VW T-Cross
VS
The VW Polo is a nimble, wallet-friendly hatch that makes city driving and tight parking effortless, while the VW T-Cross trades the Polo’s sprightliness for SUV practicality — higher seating, a roomier boot and a more commanding road presence. Pick the Polo if you want cheap, lively motoring; …
VW Polo
VW Taigo
VS
The VW Polo is the sharp, no-nonsense hatchback that nails everyday practicality — nimble in town, economical to run and pleasantly composed on the motorway. The VW Taigo swaps a bit of luggage room and rear headroom for SUV flair, higher seating and a more eye-catching cabin, so pick the Polo for …
Ford Kuga
Volvo XC60
VS
Choosing between the Ford Kuga and the Volvo XC60 comes down to whether you want the Kuga’s practical, value-driven approach or the XC60’s more premium, safety-focused experience. I’ll compare their space, comfort, technology, running costs and driving feel to help you pick the SUV that best fits …
BYD Seal U
Ford Kuga
VS
Comparing the BYD Seal U and the Ford Kuga means weighing a sleek, tech‑forward electric from BYD against Ford’s practical compact crossover—their strengths point to very different priorities. I’ll look at performance, range/fuel economy, interior space, practicality and running costs to help you …
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
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
VW Polo

Costs and Consumption
Price
34,200 - 46,300 £
Price
17,300 - 30,800 £
Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 6.8 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
68 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
55 - 154 g/km
co2
116 - 148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,526 - 1,859 kg
Curb weight
1,143 - 1,378 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,882 mm
Width
1,751 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
541 - 550 kg
Payload
432 - 457 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 243 HP
Power HP
80 - 207 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.3 - 9.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 15.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
240 Nm
Torque
93 - 320 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
111 - 178 kW
Power kW
59 - 152 kW
Engine capacity
1,496 - 2,488 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
Brand
Ford
Brand
VW
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.