2025 Ford Kuga ST-Line 1.5L Petrol · KM74 NSK

The 1.5-litre petrol Kuga delivers a real-world fuel economy in the high-30s to low-40s mpg depending on driving style, with an official WLTP figure of around 42 mpg combined. At current UK petrol prices and an assumed 10,000 miles per year, expect fuel costs of roughly £1,300–£1,500 annually. Road tax sits in a low to mid band thanks to Euro 6 EA compliance; for a petrol Kuga registered from 2025, VED is £190 in year one and the standard £190 rate thereafter (the higher £1,000+ surcharge applies only to list prices above £40,000). Insurance for the ST-Line trim typically places the Kuga in groups 15–18, depending on exact derivative; a 40-year-old driver with a clean licence should expect premiums in the £500–£750 range. The ST-Line sits in a slightly higher insurance group than basic Titanium or Zetec trims, so obtain a quote before committing. Servicing and maintenance on the 1.5 petrol is relatively affordable: a main dealer service averages £200–£280, while an independent Ford specialist typically charges £150–£200. Brake fluid changes, air filter and cabin filter items add a modest extra cost. Combined estimated annual running cost is around £2,200–£2,500.

Even on a near-new vehicle, a thorough inspection remains essential. Begin with bodywork — the red paint finish on Kugas of this generation can show swirl marks and premature fading if poorly detailed; inspect in good daylight for mismatched panels, which would indicate accident repair. Check panel gaps around the tailgate, bonnet and doors for consistency. Look for stone chips on the bonnet and front bumper, which on a 2025 car should be minimal. Inside, check the infotainment and Sync system for software glitches — some early-build Kugas experienced freezing and Bluetooth pairing issues that required dealer updates. Operate the electric tailgate, parking sensors and rear-view camera to confirm full function. The ST-Line's part-leather seats should show no excessive bolster wear; on a 20-month-old car, significant wear would indicate high mileage or previous use as a demonstrator. Mechanically, listen for timing-chain rattle on cold start, a known occasional issue with the 1.5 EcoBlue and related petrol units. Inspect all four tyres — the model aggregate data lists tyre condition as a top MOT failure reason across the Kuga range, and even new cars sometimes leave the factory with mismatched or budget-brand tyres. Confirm all four tyres match in brand and tread depth, and check the spare or tyre repair kit is intact.