Used Ford Kuga review: 2012 to 2019 (Mk2) - pictures

The Ford Kuga is Ford's entry to the midsize SUV market, competing with the SEAT Ateca, Skoda Kodiaq and Nissan Qashqai

It shares much of its mechanical structure with the Ford Focus, which helps it to deliver a car-like driving experience 

The Ford Kuga is now in its second generation and has been kept up to date with frequent style and equipment changes

Its most recent update has given it a far more aggressive, truck-like appearance, in keeping with the popularity of American-style pickup trucks

Also sold in North America as the Ford Escape, the Kuga looks equally at home on UK roads and has been a big seller since first arriving here in 2008

The suspension has been designed to offer a good compromise between comfort and driving agility, and all on board will enjoy the Kuga

Sharp-looking, angular headlights are typically Ford, and match the looks of other recent models from the manufacturer

The Kuga can be chosen in front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive variants, although the latter is designed more to cope with poor roads than for off-road excursions

Engine choices are the 1.5-litre turbocharged EcoBoost petrol, or 2.0-litre TDCI diesel, giving every Kuga a respectable turn of speed

Roof bars hint that the Kuga is about utility, as well as sport – it's a great choice for an active family that wants a stylish, practical car

Space in the back is generous, passengers will have no trouble finding room for feet, knees or head.

The bootspace is pretty much on a par with the Renault Kadjar, with rear seats dropping down to allow a huge, van-like load area

The dashboard looks and feels fine in isolation, but it can't match the style and quality of some of its new rivals, such as the Peugeot 3008

On petrol cars, the manual gearbox can be chosen with two-wheel drive, while the 148bhp diesel engine with four-wheel drive can be chosen as a manual or automatic

Ford's SYNC3 infotainment system is standard on Titanium models and above, while base Zetec models have Ford's more basic SYNC setup