The Upcoming 2026 Ford Kuga Changes, Specs, and Release Date. In terms of sales, the Kuga is one of Ford’s most popular cars. Under a separate brand name, the automobile is offered for sale in both Europe and the United States. The generation that is still active has been around since the year 2012. In point of fact, this is a significant update to the first generation, which was initially introduced in the year 2008. Since that time, it has not changed nearly as much as it ought to have gone.
As a result of the upgrades, the Kuga has become a somewhat uninteresting crossover vehicle. This is a significant departure from the first model, which was widely considered to be among the most capable crossovers in terms of driving. It would appear that things might be able to change for the better once more with regard to the incoming 2026 Ford Kuga.
There has been no official announcement made by Far Ford regarding this matter. In spite of this, there were a few items that industry experts and insiders within the company commented on regarding it. To get things started, the new model might be based on the same platform as the Fusion, or at the very least, it might be an extension of that platform. Additionally, the new Focus will be supported by the same chassis. The weight of the new Kuga is expected to fall as a result of it, the structural stiffness of the vehicle will be much increased, and the amount of space available inside the cabin is anticipated to grow.
The 2026 Ford Kuga New Design
There is little doubt that the inside design of the 2026 Ford Kuga will be identical to that of the updated Edge exterior design. While it is possible that the wide hexagonal grille with two slats will remain, it is anticipated that the massive headlamps and the V-shaped hood will be removed. As a replacement for them, we anticipate seeing something that is significantly more comparable to its larger sibling. There is a good chance that the headlights will be reduced in size, and the grille perhaps may as well. Additionally, the bumper will most certainly become more aggressive. The large windshield that has been its trademark, along with the roof line that resembles that of a hatchback, are most likely going to remain. It is because of these that the Kuga will continue to be just as enjoyable to drive as its predecessor.
There is still a very low probability of a model with seven seats, especially considering that the Edge does not have such a choice. It is highly likely that the Kuga will be equipped with sliding rear seats, ventilated front and rear seats as an optional feature, and maybe an electronic panoramic roof. Additionally, there will be significantly more legroom for the rear passengers than there was previously, and there will be more space available in the trunk than there was before. It is also going to be removed that the peculiar dashboard of the Kuga. The new Ford Kuga, which will be released in 2026, will not take anything from the Edge. It is anticipated that the automobile will follow the same path as the Fiesta, rather than the other way around. Because of this, the dashboard will have a more contemporary look, with fewer buttons and improved materials.
2026 Ford Kuga Specs
Almost certainly, a 1.5-liter EcoBoost will serve as the base engine for the vehicle. It is not likely that it will have much in common with the older generation, despite the fact that it will share its relocation with them. It is possible that this engine would be Ford’s new three-cylinder turbocharger, which has the potential to produce anywhere from 150 to 200 horsepower and more than 200 pound-feet of torque. The previous EcoBoost engines of 1.5 and 1.6 liters would be replaced by this new engine. It is anticipated that the top-of-the-line model would use a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a capacity of two liters and approximately 275 horsepower.
When it comes to diesel power, the vehicle will most likely be equipped with an upgraded two-liter turbocharged engine that is capable of producing between 150 and 190 horsepower and more than 300 pound-feet of torque for some models. The front-wheel drive vehicles will continue to be offered with a manual transmission with six gears. There is a good chance that Ford’s forthcoming nine-speed automatic will be applied to the majority of the other models, in addition to the all-wheel drive vehicles. Because of the narrower spacing between the gears, this gearbox will be able to provide superior performance in addition to an improved fuel efficiency compared to the previous 6-speed gearbox.
Both the outside and interior of the 2026 Ford Kuga appear to be appealing.
There is a clear hint of the design styling of the incoming 2026 Ford Kuga that can be seen in the product photos. When contrasted with the previous iteration, this model features a more aggressive and alluring appearance.
In order to give the impression of being more slick and intimidating, the hexagonal grille is given a metal treatment, and the headlamps are led ones. The appearance is also improved by the alloy wheels.
It is anticipated that the interior of the newest Ford Kuga SUV will be roomy and will have an emphasis on ergonomics. It will be possible to seat five adults in the cabin due to its size. Additionally, the cargo area will be improved in this update, and the possibilities for storing small items will also be improved. It will be available in a couple different cuts. GPS, Smartphone operating systems, and Bluetooth will all be natively supported. The interior of the vehicle is equipped with a significant number of USB connections, and some of the available options include a premium sound system and a sunroof. It is believed that the new Sync 3 infotainment system will be available with a touch screen display that is of a greater size.
A model of the 2026 Ford Kuga ST
Additionally included in the offer is the ST model, which will also be included. The model that will be used will be very similar to the one that was first used, with only a few noticeable differences. The body of the car will be appealing, and it will have a distinctive grill, a robust nose, and an extended roofline. In addition to the numerous black exterior accents that will be included with this model, this SUV will also have a more athletic aspect.
Read: The Upcoming 2026 Ford Mustang Redesign and Specs
The upper grille, which is painted in an ebony black color, is one of the exterior characteristics that is painted. Other exterior features that are painted include the rear skid plate, roof rails, roof spoiler, and honeycomb grille insert, which can be finished with a glossy appearance. It is planned to place the Ford ST emblem on the grill.
The hexagonal fog lamps that are referred to as “sports mesh” are also brand new and appealing. This particular model has black hues surrounding the windows, as can be seen here. The wheels are a one-of-a-kind alloy that measures 18 inches and are gloss black in color. An upgrade to wheels measuring 19 inches is available as an option.
New seat for the interior?
When it comes to the interior, this model will have seats that are superior and more athletic. Leather will be used for the seats, and the shift boot and steering wheel will be stitched with contrast stitching as required by the manufacturer. This particular model will be equipped with a touch screen for the entertainment system, which will enhance the ease and safety of driving.
This model comes equipped with a brand-new 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine that is paired with an all-wheel drive system. There is a potential for this engine to generate 179 horsepower. Both the Nissan Juke and the Mazda CX-3 are considered to be this model’s primary competitors.
A System of Safety
It is anticipated that the 2026 Ford Kuga will be equipped with a variety of cutting-edge safety technology, and it will also receive an adequate amount of amenities to fulfill the requirements of the target purchasers.
Roll Stability Control (RSC), Side airbags, a Rearview camera, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and Child Safety Rear Door Locks are some of the features that will be included in the vehicle.
2026 Ford Kuga Engines Choices
As of now, Ford has not provided any definitive information regarding the specific kinds of engines that will be included in the 2026 Ford Kuga SUV. There will be a new series of EcoBoost engines from the company that will be installed by the company. Later on, a hybrid version of the PHEV might be released.
Due to the fact that Ford is eager to launch additional vehicles with hybrid engines, this is to be anticipated. This sport utility vehicle will have an exceptional ride quality. A 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine that is capable of producing 148 horsepower is what we anticipate. Standard equipment for this engine will be a front-wheel drive system. A 1.5-liter TDCi is expected to be the next one, according to some theory. Approximately 120 horsepower will be produced by this one.
Additionally, we anticipate the addition of two more diesel models that will be more potent. The initial one is a 2.0-liter engine that produces 148 horsepower, and the second one is a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine that produces 177 horsepower.
The 2026 Ford Kuga cost and Release Date
It is anticipated that the base trim level of the 2026 Ford Kuga will cost approximately $27,486. To begin, the ST model will be priced at $34,079. It’s possible that it will touch the roads in the latter half of 2026.
Concluding remarks
Ford’s upcoming 2026 Kuga is a remarkable small SUV that manages to get the majority of items in their proper position. It is expected that the majority of purchasers would be impressed by the new edgy external style, and the cabin will also undergo some alterations. Although Ford has not disclosed which engines would be installed under its hood, it is quite likely that the new Ecoboost engines will be among the possibilities.
Additionally, the 2026 Ford Kuga performs admirably in terms of both safety and amenities. In terms of pricing, it may fall short of some competitors in the same market category; but, consumers will eventually receive sufficient value for what they produce.
