2020 Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid is Coming Next Spring

The new 2020 Ford Kuga will follow the redesign of its US sibling Escape. So, an all-new look of the crossover SUV for European and Australian customers will be the highlight of the upcoming vehicle. Also, it will be lighter than before. Weight save will lead to the better fuel economy as well. Furthermore, the improvements of efficiency are not ending here, since the new Kuga will get the plug-in hybrid version. Escape will get it later. Then, the redesign will create more room inside the cabin. Of course, designer will have a lot of space for improvements.

The new 2020 Ford Kuga will offer a pair of diesel engines and one petrol unit. As said, expectations are high from a new plug-in hybrid drivetrain. It is projected as a star of the upcoming season. Whatsoever, it will be out next year and we can say more about it after the first feedbacks. But, the way in which the company is headed is giving rights to expect a lot by the Blue Oval family.

Plug-In Hybrid Is Ready For the Launch

While the petrol and diesel drivetrains are using either 1.5 or 2.0 displacements, engineers will install the larger mill under the hood of the PHEV model. It will be a 2.5-liter petrol unit. The electric motor will take the position on the rear axle, making the 2020 Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid an all-wheel drive model. Standard petrol engine sends power to front wheels. Total output of this system is 225 horsepower. The new Kuga will be able to run by using the electric power only. The range of this crossover will be around 50 km (32 miles). In future, a larger battery could improve the range, or the crossover could become an all-electric vehicle.

Standard Engines and Specs

Besides the new PHEV configuration, the 2020 Ford Kuga will stick up to the existing lineup of engines. That means a 1.5-liter petrol drivetrain is the base solution in most markets. There will be two different setups available, and buyers will choose between 120 and 150 hp. In the US, Escape is using a 2.0-liter engine that creates 250 horsepower. Unfortunately, Ford is not bringing it overseas for its European sibling.

But, the 2020 Ford Kuga will have diesel engines. Fans of Escape crossover SUV can only dream about it. A 1.5-liter is the standard model and it delivers 120 horsepower. More energy and torque are coming from a 2.0-l engine. Again, it is up to buyers if they will pick the configuration with 150 or 190 hp. A six-speed Powershift automatic transmission is sending power to front wheels. All-wheel drive will be optional. Drivers can select one of the six drive modes. Besides Normal, you can choose Eco for a better fuel economy, or Sport for maximized performance. Ford adds Slippery mode for a drive on wet surfaces, Snow and Sand, for extreme conditions.

2020 Ford Kuga Redesign

The crossover for the upcoming season is bringing the all-new look. The fourth generation is not changing only the drivetrain lineup, but also the appearance. First of all, the 2020 Ford Kuga will be larger than before. Extra length is perfect for designers to create a more comfortable interior. Also, the crossover will be wider, so passengers on rear seats will have more room. We can hear rumors that the new Escape could become a seven-seat model. If that happens, Kuga will go the same way.

More Space Inside the Cabin, More Infotainment Features

The sliding rear bench can create more space for cargo if you need it. Well, plug-in hybrid model is not offering this feature. The battery is under floor, so everything is fixed back there. Furthermore, the company is bringing the latest technologies for the 2020 Kuga. All trim levels will get an 8-inch touchscreen display. Optionally, you can purchase a 12-inch screen that looks huge in a compact crossover. Infotainment system comes with more options and features.

The safety is on the higher level. A six-inch driver’s display is transparent. Also, there is a front collision warning system available for the base models. Upper trims add parking sensors and few other features that will improve an overall safety.

2020 Ford Kuga Release Date and Competition

Sales of the new 2020 Ford Kuga will start this fall. The company didn’t unveil the price. So, we will have to wait until October to find out the precise costs of Kuga models. The plug-in hybrid is coming next spring.

The new Kuga will set the challenge to old rivals. At first place there are VW Tiguan and Toyota Rav4. The speed of changes in the compact crossover class is incredible, so the next season will bring the new Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage, as well as few hybrid variants of existing models. However, Kuga will be the most exciting plug-in hybrid in 2020.