And that’s even though the versions that have all-wheel drive are what the Japanese call on-demand four-wheel drive unlike a Land Rover which is four-wheel drive all the time.
Usually it’s only the Kuga’s front wheels that are powered, but should they start to slip, such as on muddy or icy road, an electronic clutch automatically starts transferring power to the rear pair as well.
Ford claims this saves fuel, even though the vehicle is always carrying the extra weight of the additional drive system.
Certainly the fuel figures are impressive and at 44mpg for the 2-litre TDCi Zetec diesel would amaze your neighbour mouthing “Chelsea Tractor” at you and who might not do as well with his big estate car.
Despite the increased traction when needed, and the fact it performs well on a forest track, the Kuga isn’t intended for serious mud-plugging or scary descents into so there is no hill descent control system.
You wouldn’t want to try and cross your local stream with it and even a ford (ouch) mustn’t be too deep.
Buyers can choose from two engines, a 134bhp diesel or a 197bhp 2.5 litre turbocharged petrol.
Prices start at £20,445 for the TDCi Zetec in two-wheel drive only form, with the all-wheel drive version £22,445.
Automatic transmission – five speeds - is only available on the petrol version for an extra £1,200.
Towing limit for a braked trailer is 2,000kg for the two-wheel drive versions and 2,100kg for the all-wheel drive ones.
Because the Kuga is based on the keen handling Ford Mondeo it is pleasingly car like to drive and very agile for a 4x4.
It rides well too, partly thanks to a longer wheelbase.
Compared to the previous Maverick and Explorer models which were more off-road biased, the Kuga is a great daily drive.
You start the Kuga on a button, rather than just turning a key, and though the diesel engine, jointly developed with Peugeot isn’t the quietest it isn’t unpleasantly intrusive and is fine at motorway cruising speeds.
Overall acceleration is pretty sprightly considering you have 1.6 tonnes to move and there’s good feel for the road through the light, power-assisted steering. You can order your Kuga in two trim levels, Zetec and the more expensive Titanium.
Standard kit on Zetec models includes keyless entry and starting, 17in diameter alloy wheels, a split tailgate, electric heated front windscreen, Bluetooth hands free telephone connection and iPod connection.
Upgrading to Titanium on the diesel costs £2,000 to gain an improved sound system, part leather trim, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, tinted glass and automatic headlamps and windscreen wipers.
Metallic paint is a £475 option and rear parking sensors another £425.
The cabin is a pretty classy place with some good quality materials – the test car had deep blue seats with neat red trim - and those ever useful cup-holders in the centre console.
If you have been in a Focus or Mondeo recently you will feel right at home.
One of the reduced hassles of such vehicles is more than usual storage space and the Kuga benefits from a big bin between the front seats and a large glovebox as well as the usual door pockets.
The split folding tailgate makes loading easy and you can flip down the back seats for that foldaway furniture you can’t wait to assemble.
Service intervals are every 12,500 miles and the Kuga comes with a three –year/60,000 mile warranty.
