2021 Ford Kuga ST-Line X ED Ecoblue A 1.5L Diesel · SP70 KSY

The 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel in the Kuga typically returns 45-55 mpg in real-world driving, depending on journey type, with motorway use at the higher end and town driving closer to 40 mpg. As a Euro 6 AP diesel registered after April 2017, this Kuga sits in a favourable position for clean air zones — exempt from the London ULEZ charge and most other CAZ charges in the UK. Annual VED (road tax) for a diesel vehicle of this age is the standard £190 rate, as post-2017 diesels no longer pay a supplement.

Insurance for the Kuga ST-Line X Edition typically falls into group 19-22, putting annual premiums in the £550-£850 range for most drivers. Routine servicing costs average £200-£350 for an interim service and £350-£500 for a major service at a Ford dealer or independent specialist. The estimated annual running cost, including fuel, tax, insurance, and maintenance, is approximately £1,400-£1,800 depending on mileage and driving style.

The most recent MOT flagged an offside rear tyre with slight damage, cracking, or perishing — inspect all four tyres for tread depth (minimum legal 1.6mm, but replace below 3mm for safety) and check the sidewalls carefully for bulges or cracks. Although the 2023 MOT noted plastic covers fitted under the car (a common aftermarket undertray modification), verify that no panels have been damaged or are rubbing against the undertray. The model-level data identifies tyres, windscreen washer issues, and brake pads as the most common MOT failure points across 1,551 Kugas analysed, so these areas warrant close attention.

For the 1.5 EcoBlue diesel specifically, check for black smoke on startup (indicating injector or turbo issues), listen for any timing chain rattle on cold start, and confirm the DPF successfully completes regeneration cycles by taking it on a sustained 15-20 minute drive. Inspect the rear suspension and bushes, as Kugas of this era can develop knocking noises over uneven surfaces. Finally, verify all electronic systems function — including the rear-view camera, parking sensors, and any driver aids fitted to the ST-Line X Edition trim.