Vehicle Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Qashqai/Rogue Sport, Volkswagen Tiguan.
Powertrain Options:
Wide range of EcoBoost petrol engines and Duratorq TDCi diesel engines, offering various power outputs and fuel efficiencies. Available with FWD and AWD.
Technology And Features:
Advanced infotainment, driver assistance systems (depending on trim), spacious interior, and versatile cargo space.
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, professional mechanics.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, block, cylinder head, valve train (including VVT), lubrication, cooling, fuel systems, intake, exhaust, turbocharger/supercharger.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, battery, charging system, glow plug system (diesel), engine control systems (ECU/PCM), Ti-VCT system.
Transmission:
Automatic (6F35) and Manual (MMT6, MT75) transmissions, external controls, AWD/4WD systems, transfer case/PTU.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, wheels, tires, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), driveline, driveshaft, half-shafts, rear drive axle/differential.
Brakes:
Hydraulic and disc brake systems, parking brake, ABS, stability control systems.
Exterior:
Front end body panels, body closures, exterior trim, fender mouldings, power mirrors, glass, frames, mechanisms, wipers, washers, roof opening panel.
Interior:
Interior trim and ornamentation, seating systems (including power/memory seats), instrument panel, console, handles, locks, latches, remote keyless entry (RKE).
Electrical And Electronics
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control (EMTC, DATC, auxiliary), instrument cluster, message center, warning chimes, parking aid, power point inverter, remote convenience systems.
Safety And Security:
Safety belt systems, supplemental restraint system (SRS), anti-theft systems.
Infotainment And Connectivity:
Information and entertainment systems, exterior and interior lighting, module communications network, cruise control systems, side and rear vision systems.
Wiring And Diagnostics:
Wire harnesses, cables, electrical wiring diagrams, onboard diagnostics (OBD), diagnostic trouble codes (DTC).
Maintenance And Repair:
General maintenance procedures, engine removal/installation, component-level repairs, fluid changes, filter replacements, belt and hose replacement.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Troubleshooting procedures for all major systems, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, symptom-based diagnostics.
Special Tools And Techniques:
Identification and usage of special service tools (SSTs) for specific repairs and diagnostics.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, detailed electrical troubleshooting and wiring diagrams.
1.5L Ecoboost Gtdi:
Inline 4-cylinder, Turbocharged & Intercooled, DOHC-VVT, Direct Injection. Power and torque figures vary by specific tune but generally around 178 hp / 177 lb-ft (240 Nm).
1.6L Ecoboost Gtdi:
Inline 4-cylinder, Turbocharged & Intercooled, DOHC-VVT, Direct Injection. Typically around 178-197 hp / 177-199 lb-ft (240-270 Nm).
2.0L Ecoboost Gtdi Ti-Vct:
Inline 4-cylinder, Turbocharged & Intercooled, DOHC-VVT, Direct Injection. Power outputs typically 240 hp / 270 lb-ft (366 Nm) or higher in performance variants.
2.5L Duratec Ivct:
Inline 4-cylinder, Naturally Aspirated, DOHC-iVCT, SFI. Typically around 168-170 hp / 167-170 lb-ft (226-230 Nm).
2.0L Duratorq Tdci Diesel:
Inline 4-cylinder, Turbocharged & Intercooled, DOHC, Common Rail Direct Injection. Power and torque figures vary, e.g., ~163 hp / 250 lb-ft (340 Nm).
2.2L Duratorq Tdci Diesel:
Inline 4-cylinder, Turbocharged & Intercooled, DOHC, Common Rail Direct Injection. Higher output variants, e.g., ~197 hp / 325 lb-ft (440 Nm).
Petrol Injection:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Direct Fuel Injection (GDI) depending on EcoBoost variant.
Diesel Injection:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi).
Emissions Standards:
Euro 5 / Euro 6 compliant depending on region and model year.
Length:
Approximately 4524-4556 mm (178.1-179.4 in), varies slightly by model year and body kit.
Width:
Approximately 1838-1842 mm (72.4-72.5 in).
Height:
Approximately 1682-1707 mm (66.2-67.2 in).
Curb Weight:
Ranges from approximately 1500 kg to 1700 kg (3300-3750 lbs) depending on engine, drivetrain, and equipment.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 2200-2350 kg (4850-5180 lbs).
NHTSA Overall:
Generally achieved 5-star overall safety rating in NHTSA testing during its lifecycle (varies by specific testing year and configuration).
IIHS Front Crash:
Good (IIHS Top Safety Pick designations were common).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).
Stability Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) / Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control System (TCS).
Driver Assistance Options:
Available Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Active City Stop (AEB), rearview camera, parking sensors.
Airbags:
Multiple airbags including front, side, curtain airbags, and driver's knee airbag.
Seat Belts:
Pre-tensioning and load-limiting front seat belts, three-point rear seat belts. ISOFIX child seat anchors.
System Name:
Ford SYNC (various generations, including SYNC 1, 2, 3 depending on trim and year).
Features:
Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, USB inputs, touchscreen displays (larger screens on higher trims), navigation (optional), smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on later SYNC 3 systems).
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available on some higher trim levels.
Fordpass:
Later models may support FordPass Connect for remote features like vehicle status, locking/unlocking, and remote start via smartphone app.
Oil Change Petrol:
Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Severe duty may require more frequent changes. Refer to manual for specific EcoBoost intervals.
Oil Change Diesel:
Generally every 12,500 miles (20,000 km) or 12 months. Check manual for specific diesel requirements.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 miles (32,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plugs Ecoboost:
Recommended replacement at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for most EcoBoost engines. Specific type and gap critical.
Timing Belt Chain:
EcoBoost engines utilize timing chains designed for the life of the engine; however, inspection is recommended. Duratec engines use timing belts requiring replacement per schedule (e.g., 100,000 miles/160,000 km).
Engine Oil Petrol:
Ford WSS-M2C946-A or equivalent API SN/SP 5W-30 or 0W-20 synthetic oil, depending on EcoBoost engine variant. Check manual for exact specification.
Engine Oil Diesel:
Ford WSS-M2C913-D or equivalent ACEA C1/C2 specification 5W-30 low-SAPS synthetic oil.
Coolant:
Ford Super High Performance (SHP) Coolant (Orange) meeting WSS-M97B44-D specification, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Mercon LV (for 6F35 transmission). Requires periodic checks and changes.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 specification 75W-90 or 75W-85 gear oil, depending on transmission type (MMT6 or MT75).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Motorcraft Super Premium High Performance Brake Fluid or equivalent.
Powertrain Early Models:
Some early EcoBoost models experienced issues with overheating, coolant leaks, and turbocharger problems. Turbo coolant hoses are a common replacement item.
Transmission Performance:
The 6F35 automatic transmission can sometimes exhibit harsh shifting or hesitation. Software updates and fluid services are often recommended.
Door Latches:
Ford has had recalls and service actions related to door latch freezing and potential unintended opening, particularly in cold climates.
Powertrain Control Module:
Potential for PCM software glitches affecting engine performance, transmission shifting, or accessory operation. Manual covers PCM reprogramming.
Ford SUV Lineage:
Part of Ford's global SUV portfolio, building on the success of models like the EcoSport and Explorer.
Mk2 Introduction:
The second generation (MK2) of the Kuga was introduced in 2012/2013, based on Ford's global C-segment platform (shared with the Focus).
Zg Escape Rebranding:
In many markets, particularly North America and Asia, this generation was sold as the Ford Escape, with the 'ZG' designation often referring to specific global variants or the Kuga's platform.
Manufacturing Locations:
Global production including USA, Spain, Russia, China, Taiwan, Thailand, depending on market.