2026 Ford Kuga ST-Line HEV CVT 2.5L Hybrid electric · EU76 KKG

As a self-charging hybrid, the Kuga HEV should return noticeably lower fuel consumption than the pure-petrol equivalent, with real-world economy typically in the mid-40s mpg for mixed driving, depending on conditions. Road tax sits in a low band given the Euro 6 EA status and hybrid classification, and Benefit-in-Kind rates are favourable for company car users. Insurance for the ST-Line trim typically falls into the middle groups, so quotes should be obtained before purchase.

Maintenance costs on a near-new vehicle should be minimal in the first year, but budget for the first scheduled service, which on a Ford is usually every 12 months or 12,000 miles. Hybrid-specific items such as the inverter coolant and battery cooling system may add a small amount to servicing costs compared with a conventional Kuga. A realistic first-year running cost, including fuel, tax, insurance and the first service, would be in the region of £1,400-£1,700.

With no MOT history to draw on, the inspection must be visual and mechanical rather than paperwork-led. Check the 12-volt battery condition — hybrids can still suffer from parasitic drain issues — and confirm the high-voltage battery state of charge and any diagnostic trouble codes via a Ford-compatible scan tool before purchase. Listen carefully on a cold start for any irregular noises from the CVT transmission, which is known in some Ford applications to produce a shunt or judder at low speeds if the software calibration is outdated.

Inspect the underside for any transit damage or scrapes, as ST-Line trim often comes with larger alloy wheels that are vulnerable to kerbing. Check that all hybrid warning lamps extinguish cleanly after ignition, and confirm that the regenerative braking system feels consistent rather than grabbing or releasing unpredictably. Verify that the charging port (if fitted for plug-in operation) is absent or capped correctly, as this is the self-charging HEV rather than the PHEV variant. Finally, confirm that all driver-assistance systems — lane-keeping, adaptive cruise, and the hybrid-specific EV mode indicator — function as described in the handbook.