Ford Kuga

Ford Kuga is a compact SUV for drivers who want a higher seating position, usable cargo space, and the easy road manners of a family car rather than a full-size off-roader. By our assessment, its best trait is that balance: it usually aims to feel ordinary in traffic, practical for errands, and roomy enough for everyday family use without becoming huge. The trade-off is the same one that defines most cars in this class — you get SUV shape and stance, but not the lightness or low running costs of a small hatchback. In practice the Kuga type is about climbing in easily, folding seats, loading bags, and living with a car that tries to do many jobs at once. It sits in a very crowded part of the market against the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and similar crossovers, so the details of trim and equipment matter a lot. By our assessment, it makes most sense for someone who wants a mainstream family crossover and does not need anything extreme from a car.