2024 Ford Kuga

wedgy
wedgy Club Member Posts: 429 ✭✭✭
edited February 6 in Towcars & Towing #1

Interested in the new model Kuga with 2100 kg towing allowance. Can anyone enlighten me as to why the FHEV at 183 PS is available as AWD but the more powerful PHEV at 243 PS is only available with FWD.Both models are Automatic CVT. The PHEV was my original first choice before realising its only available as FWD. 

Comments

  • Amesford
    Amesford Forum Participant Posts: 685
    500 Comments
    edited February 7 #2

    We had our PHEV KUGA front wheel drive back in December 2022 we opted for that model for the extra power as I presumed the FHEV would be using some of its power to charge the batteries and our van is some what lighter than yours at 1340 kgs needless to say we flew up Birdlip & Telegraph hills during last years outings

  • flatcoat
    flatcoat Forum Participant Posts: 1,571
    1000 Comments
    edited February 7 #3

    Ask Ford UK. I am sure they will have some marketing BS waffle response for you. Depending upon the towing limit you actually need there are PHEV’s with AWD. 

  • wedgy
    wedgy Club Member Posts: 429 ✭✭✭
    edited February 7 #4

    I've tried the Ford BS  route but didn't get anywhere, with no definite answers to my questions. I currently tow our Coachman Laser Xtra with uprated plate to1800kg with Kia Sportage GT line S. 180 bhp & 400 N.M torque - and its a great combination but I like the idea of a usable 40 ish miles on pure electric when not towing but with plenty of power when needed.

  • Oscarmax
    Oscarmax Club Member Posts: 257 ✭✭✭
    100 Comments
    edited February 7 #5

    Owner manual page 290 PHEV Model

    Do not use EV NOW when towing a trailer the electric drive system is  not designed for towing.

  • wedgy
    wedgy Club Member Posts: 429 ✭✭✭
    edited February 7 #6

    Thanks, what year manual  ? Or Can you send a pic ?

    I don't intend to tow in EV mode but in Sport mode which uses the 2.5 lt petrol engine with electric drive to assist as required. 

  • Oscarmax
    Oscarmax Club Member Posts: 257 ✭✭✭
    100 Comments
    edited February 7 #7

    At one stage we put down an order for a new Kuga PHEV, I am still a member of the Kuga Owners club, you can download the Kuga owners manual on line.

    Several Kuga PHEV owners are now using Sports mode for towing and achieving low to mid 30 mpg towing.

    in the end we went for a Suzuki Across (rebadged Toyota RAV4), I am going to try HV Sports mode next time out towing

  • flatcoat
    flatcoat Forum Participant Posts: 1,571
    1000 Comments
    edited February 7 #8

    not surprised at all by Fords lack of meaningful response! However to get 40+ EV mile range will put you into some pricey options such as very latest Range Rovers and competitors. There is clearly a move by manufacturers to ramp up EV range with PHEV’s - which I believe is a good thing. I guess by the end of the year there will be the new Tiguan and Kodiaq PHEV’s on sale and perhaps others too with EV ranges predicted circa 60 miles. My RAV4 PHEV which has AWD gives real world EV range (solo) of 51/52 in summer and that is in mixed traffic in hilly foothills of the Pennines south of Cleckhuddersfax. However the tow weight limit is a relatively low 1500kg. 

  • wedgy
    wedgy Club Member Posts: 429 ✭✭✭
    edited February 7 #9

    The new Kuga with 2100kg capacity is very impressive as is the 40 ish EV miles which is more than enought for my excursions on the outskirts of downtown Pontus Fractus. I have no problem charging the battery every night in my garage and only average 5k miles annually including towing mainly within 100 miles from home. I can't understand why the PHEV is only available in FWD ? I agree there will be more choice in months / years to come and am fortunate to have a brilliant tow car in the mean time. I have checked out the Kuga Owners forum and will read the posts related to the PHEV but these are obviously relative to the current models. 

Categories