By 
The new 2020 Ford Kuga Hybrid will have a lot of things in common with the brand-new Escape crossover. However, the US version will offer more features and options. Kuga is definitely not going to be a seven-seat crossover, but it will get a hybrid drivetrain and ST version before the Escape. So, one of the best-selling European crossovers will become even better and versatile, and it is key to its success. Multiple drivetrains, trim levels, and a lot of safety features will make it even more appealing, not only for younger customers but also for older buyers.
Probably the most exciting version will be the 2020 Ford Kuga hybrid. Better fuel economy of the compact crossover will make a difference on the market. Well, it is already one of the best in the class in this segment. On the other end sits an ST model with a high-output EcoBoost engine. The crossover will create 280 hp and it will top the Escapes 245 hp which the US model is getting from a 2.0-l turbocharged unit. The premiere of the new Kuga will cause a lot of attention, especially if Ford unveils all details.
Specs
At this moment, the company unveiled some details about the hybrid and plug-in variants. However, the 2020 Ford Kuga will also carry petrol and diesel units, which will be probably carried over from its predecessors. The smallest displacement is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine with the capability to deliver 120 horsepower. This unit can also provide 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque. The petrol drivetrain also offers configurations with 150 and 180 horsepower, while the twist remains the same. The transmission comes with six paces, and it is up to buyers if they want to pick automatic or manual gearbox.
The alternative to a petrol engine is a pair of diesel units. The same displacement offers four cylinders. A 1.5-liter diesel can produce 120 hp and torque between 270 and 300 Nm (200-220 lb-ft). There are also other diesel configurations offering the same amount of power as the petrol unit. But, the centerpiece of this system is a 2.0-liter engine. You can choose either 150 or 180 hp variant. You will also benefit on the torque end since the larger unit can create either 370 or 400 Nm (270 or 295 pound-feet).
2020 Ford Kuga Hybrid
Besides these three engines, the 2020 Ford Kuga Hybrid also brings different configurations. First of all, there is a basic hybrid. It will use the same system as the upcoming Escape. The crossover for the US market is combining a 2.5-liter four-pot engine with electric motors to get 210 hp. That is all we know about the Escape hybrid and its outputs. Kuga Hybrid will probably get the same power, and engineers claim the fuel economy of the European crossover will be around 5.7 l/100 km (40 mpg).
The other solution is to pair a diesel engine with batteries to provide more power and a better fuel economy. This is a great move by Ford since the diesel will emit fewer gasses. According to announcements, the rate will drop under 130 g/km. The system is going to combine a 2.0-liter diesel engine (version with 150 hp) and the electric motor. This battery pack will help the new drivetrain achieve 5 l/100 km (47 mpg). This is going to be the EcoBlue Hybrid.
PHEV
Top of the line model in the hybrid lineup will be the 2020 Ford Kuga Hybrid PHEV. This is again the same configuration the Escape is going to offer. A 2.5-liter petrol unit, electric motor, and the battery pack will make the crossover produce 230 hp. Also, this version is capable to move by using the electric power only. The range is going to be over 50 km (30 miles) per charge. We still don’t have precise details about the charging speed and other possibilities for this model. One thing is sure – the 2020 Ford Kuga PHEV will offer less space inside the cabin since the electric motor is taking place under the rear seats.
2020 Ford Kuga ST Line
The hybrid model might be interesting because it is new. But, most fans will always pick performance over the fuel economy and environment. The vehicle for them is the 2020 Ford Kuga ST. This is a performance-oriented SUV with the special engine. It uses a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder powertrain, boosts it with turbochargers, and gets 280 hp. So far, we could see the popular European crossover with a diesel engine. But, from now on, it will use the drivetrain from the Focus ST lineup. Besides a lot of power, the 2.3-l unit also bursts 310 pound-feet of torque (420 Nm).
2020 Ford Kuga Hybrid Release Date
The new 2020 Ford Kuga Hybrid will arrive in the second half of 2019 or even early next year. The company puts focus on the US crossover, so the new Kuga will have to wait a bit. However, the hybrid versions are not coming with the standard model. We will see there somewhere at mid-2020.
Comments