# Ford Kuga — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Ford Kuga on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/ford-kuga

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2021
- **Ideal trim**: ST-Line
- **Target mileage**: 30,000–50,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £13,898

## Why this model

The Ford Kuga is a solid choice if you're looking for a family-friendly SUV that's comfortable, practical, and offers a good driving experience. It's not the most exciting car out there, but it's a dependable workhorse with a decent amount of tech and space for passengers and luggage. The 1.5 EcoBoost petrol engine is a popular choice, offering a good balance of performance and reasonable running costs for its class.

## What you should pay

Based on current UK market data (February 2026), a 2021 Ford Kuga ST-Line with around 30,000-50,000 miles should realistically be priced around £13,898. Prices have softened a bit from their peak, so you're getting good value for a relatively modern SUV. Always compare prices from multiple sellers and don't be afraid to negotiate, especially if a car has slightly higher mileage or minor cosmetic imperfections.

## Which trim to buy

The ST-Line trim is definitely the sweet spot for the Kuga. It gives you a sportier look with unique body styling, larger alloy wheels, and a slightly firmer suspension for a more engaging drive, without sacrificing too much comfort. Crucially, it also comes with a good level of standard equipment like a larger touchscreen with sat-nav, parking sensors, and often a heated windscreen, making it feel much more premium than the entry-level Zetec, but without the higher price tag of the ST-Line X or Vignale.

## What to check before you buy

- Infotainment glitches (SYNC system)
- Some reports of electrical gremlins
- Suspension noise
- Power tailgate issues

## Running costs

For a 1.5 EcoBoost petrol Kuga, you're looking at fuel costs of around 21p per mile based on current petrol prices and realistic MPG. Road tax (VED) for a 2021 model is £190 per year. Insurance will vary greatly depending on your personal circumstances, but expect to pay roughly £500-£900 per year.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Petrol
- **Horsepower**: 148 bhp
- **Mpg**: 30-34 mpg
- **Reliability Score**: Average
- **Safety Rating**: 5-star Euro NCAP (2019)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Zetec | £26,000 | £12,250 | 17-inch alloy wheels; LED daytime running lights; Ford SYNC 3 with 8-inch touchscreen |
| Titanium | £29,000 | £13,400 | 18-inch alloy wheels; Keyless entry and start; Dual-zone climate control |
| ST-Line | £31,000 | £13,898 | 18-inch ST-Line alloy wheels; ST-Line body styling kit; Sports suspension |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £13,898 | 100% |
| 2027 | £12,786 | 92% |
| 2028 | £11,507 | 83% |
| 2029 | £10,126 | 73% |
| 2030 | £8,708 | 63% |

Buying a 2021 Kuga now means you're picking it up after its steepest depreciation curve. The initial drop from new has already happened, so you'll experience a much slower rate of value loss over the next few years compared to buying a brand-new car. This makes it a smart financial move if you plan to keep the car for a few years.

Total value lost since new: 37.3%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [Nissan Qashqai](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/nissan-qashqai.md)
- [Hyundai Tucson](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/hyundai-tucson.md)
- [Skoda Karoq](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/skoda-karoq.md)

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.