Comparison: Ground clearance Ford Kuga vs. competitors 2025
In the automotive jungle, the Ford Kuga stands tall with its notable ground clearance, a true testament to its SUV pedigree. With each iteration, the Kuga has seen its belly lifted and lowered with the tides of design and technology trends. Currently, the latest model grips the earth at 191 mm off the ground — quite a sweet spot for those looking to traverse urban speed bumps and rural undulations alike. But let's not dilly-dally on pleasantries. Dive deeper, and you'll notice the interesting interplay of inches that makes the Kuga's stance in the SUV hierarchy something worth exploring.
Table of contents:
Ford Kuga - How has the ground clearance changed over the generations?
Over the years, the Ford Kuga's altitude has seen its share of fluctuations. Starting with the first generation (2008-2012), its ground clearance stood at a respectable 188 mm — somewhat like a plucky terrier ready to dash through the underbrush. But as the Kuga entered its second generation (2013-2019), its designers must have thought, 'Let's give it a bit of a stilt walk,' elevating it to 201 mm. This made the second gen an apex predator in the parking lot savannah. However, the current model (2019-now) saw a slight dip to 191 mm, and the upcoming facelift for 2024 is set to crouch a tad more to 174 mm. Why the descent, you ask? Perhaps a nod to aerodynamics or maybe a hunch towards urban-crawler aesthetics.
The difference in Ground clearance between first generation (I) from 2008 and last generation (Kuga III (1. Facelift)) from 2024 is 2.8cm mm.
The ground clearance of the current generation of Kuga is 160 mm.
Variants
Ford Kuga variants: Kuga vs. Kuga Active
(Ground clearance)
1. Kuga
160 mm
2. Kuga Active
171 mm
The ground clearance compared to other Ford models
Now, before you scurry off comparing the Kuga to its corporate siblings, it's nestled somewhere in the middle of the Ford SUV pack. Surrounded by more pavement-hugging kin like the urbanite Ford Fiesta at a mere 126 mm and the sporty Focus ST at 120 mm, it looms like an older brother ready to ruffle some feathers. Yet, it looks up — quite literally — to the towering Explorer and the behemoth Ranger Raptor, both at 204 and 266 mm, respectively. Ground clearance envy? Maybe a bit, but the Kuga holds its own with a poise balanced between city sleekness and off-road readiness.
Ford Kuga vs other current cars by Ford
(Ground clearance)
1. Focus ST Turnier
118 mm
2. GT
120 mm
3. Focus ST
120 mm
4. Fiesta
126 mm
5. Focus Turnier
134 mm
6. Focus
135 mm
7. Mustang Convertible
144 mm
8. Mustang Fastback
144 mm
9. Tourneo Connect
144 mm
10. Transit Connect Kombi
144 mm
11. Transit Connect {VAN}
146 mm
12. Mustang Mach-E
147 mm
13. Mustang Mach-E Rally
147 mm
14. S-MAX
148 mm
15. Galaxy
150 mm
16. Puma ST
152 mm
17. Kuga
160 mm
18. EcoSport
162 mm
19. Focus Active
163 mm
20. Focus Active Turnier
163 mm
21. Puma
166 mm
22. Tourneo Courier
170 mm
23. Kuga Active
171 mm
24. Transit Courier {VAN}
179 mm
25. Transit Courier Kombi
179 mm
26. Capri
187 mm
27. Explorer EV
193 mm
28. Explorer
204 mm
29. Ranger
235 mm
30. Bronco
237 mm
31. Ranger Raptor
266 mm
How does the ground clearance of the Ford Kuga compare to it's nearest competitors?
Let's pit the Kuga against its nearest thrill-seekers, shall we? First off, the venerable VW Tiguan, with an even-par 200 mm, stands as a formidable rival, albeit with a slightly shorter wheelbase. The Range Rover Evoque towers above at 215 mm, but remember, it also sports a snazzier price tag. On the other end, offerings like the BMW X2 squat lower at 182 mm, signaling a more tarmac-tuned stance. It's a dance of dimensions out there, and the Kuga performs with a choreography that balances urban maneuverability and weekend adventure trails.
Ford Kuga vs. similar cars
(Ground clearance)
1. Citroen C5 Aircross 2019
230 mm
2. Volvo XC40 2018
211 mm
3. Mazda CX-5 2012
210 mm
4. Mazda CX-7 2007
205 mm
5. Dacia Duster 2010
205 mm
6. Opel Antara 2006
200 mm
7. Renault Kadjar 2015
200 mm
8. SsangYong Torres 2023
195 mm
9. Citroen C4 Aircross 2012
195 mm
10. Mitsubishi ASX 2010
195 mm
11. BMW X1 2009
194 mm
12. Opel Grandland 2022
188 mm
13. Chevrolet Captiva 2006
185 mm
15. Skoda Kamiq 2019
182 mm
16. Suzuki S-Cross 2022
175 mm
17. Mazda CX-30 2019
175 mm
18. Peugeot 4007 2007
174 mm
19. KIA XCeed 2019
172 mm
20. Skoda Karoq 2017
172 mm
21. Renault Austral 2022
170 mm
22. Hyundai ix35 2010
170 mm
23. Hyundai Bayon 2021
165 mm
24. Ford Kuga 2024
160 mm
25. Mercedes-Benz GLA 2014
134 mm
