The Ford Kuga III 1.5 EcoBlue 120 hp Automatic, produced from September 2019 to September 2022, represents a key variant within the third generation of Ford’s popular compact SUV. Positioned as an entry-to-mid-range offering, this model aimed to balance fuel efficiency with practicality for family buyers in the European market. It formed part of the Kuga III lineup built on the C2 platform, sharing its underpinnings with the Ford Focus. This version offered a diesel-powered option with the convenience of an eight-speed automatic transmission, catering to drivers prioritizing ease of use and lower running costs.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | Kuga |
| Generation | Kuga III |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 EcoBlue (120 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | September, 2019 |
| End of production | September, 2022 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 5.4-5.6 l/100 km (43.6 – 42 US mpg, 52.3 – 50.4 UK mpg, 18.5 – 17.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 141-146 g/km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 5.0-5.1 l/100 km (47 – 46.1 US mpg, 56.5 – 55.4 UK mpg, 20 – 19.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 4.1-4.2 l/100 km (57.4 – 56 US mpg, 68.9 – 67.3 UK mpg, 24.4 – 23.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 4.4-4.5 l/100 km (53.5 – 52.3 US mpg, 64.2 – 62.8 UK mpg, 22.7 – 22.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 116-119 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 177 km/h (109.98 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-TEMP |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.7 kg/Hp, 78.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.1 kg/Nm, 196.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 80.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1750-2250 rpm (221.27 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | ZTDA |
| Engine displacement | 1499 cm3 (91.47 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84.8 mm (3.34 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.4:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.2 l (6.55 US qt | 5.46 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.8 l (9.3 US qt | 7.74 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1524 kg (3359.84 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2110 kg (4651.75 lbs.) |
| Max load | 586 kg (1291.91 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 435 l (15.36 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1534 l (54.17 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 54 l (14.27 US gal | 11.88 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Length | 4614-4629 mm (181.65 – 182.24 in.) |
| Width | 1883 mm (74.13 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 2000 mm (78.74 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2178 mm (85.75 in.) |
| Height | 1666-1680 mm (65.59 – 66.14 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2710 mm (106.69 in.) |
| Front track | 1597 mm (62.87 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1588 mm (62.52 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 146-191 mm (5.75 – 7.52 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.38 m (37.34 ft.) |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 308-330 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 302 mm |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Kuga III 1.5 EcoBlue 120 hp Automatic utilizes the Ford ZTDA engine, a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder diesel. This engine is part of Ford’s EcoBlue family, designed for improved efficiency and reduced emissions. It features a turbocharger with intercooling, and a direct injection system operating at a high compression ratio of 16.4:1. The engine employs a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The automatic transmission is an eight-speed torque converter unit, providing smooth gear changes and contributing to fuel economy. This transmission was chosen for its balance of efficiency and driving comfort, making it well-suited for everyday use.
Driving Characteristics
The 120 hp output, coupled with 300 Nm of torque, provides adequate performance for typical driving scenarios. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 11.4 seconds, and top speed is 177 km/h (109.98 mph). While not a sporty configuration, the engine delivers usable power for overtaking and highway cruising. The eight-speed automatic transmission is programmed for fuel efficiency, often prioritizing higher gears at lower speeds. Compared to the more powerful 1.5 EcoBlue 150 hp variant, this version feels less responsive, particularly during quick acceleration. However, the automatic transmission offers a more relaxed driving experience than the six-speed manual available on some trims.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.5 EcoBlue 120 hp Automatic typically came equipped with features such as air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, alloy wheels, and a suite of safety features including ABS, electronic stability control, and multiple airbags. Higher trim levels added features like a larger touchscreen, navigation system, parking sensors, and a rearview camera. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with options for leather upgrades. The dashboard layout was functional and modern, with a focus on ease of use.
Chassis & Braking
The Kuga III features a front-wheel-drive layout as standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The suspension consists of MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear, providing a comfortable ride quality. Braking is handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. The braking system is assisted by ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD). Stabilizer bars are fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Kuga III 1.5 EcoBlue 120 hp Automatic was generally well-received by critics as a practical and fuel-efficient family SUV. It offered a good balance of comfort, space, and running costs. Compared to the more powerful engine options, it was seen as a more sensible choice for drivers prioritizing economy over performance. Fuel economy figures of 5.4-5.6 l/100 km (43.6 – 42 US mpg) were competitive within its class. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could feel strained when fully loaded or driving uphill.
Legacy
The 1.5 EcoBlue engine has proven to be relatively reliable, although, like all modern diesels, it relies on a complex emissions control system including a diesel particulate filter (DPF). Proper maintenance, including regular oil changes and the use of high-quality diesel fuel, is crucial for ensuring long-term reliability. On the used car market, this variant represents a good value proposition for buyers seeking a fuel-efficient and practical SUV. Its relatively modest power output and automatic transmission make it an appealing option for drivers who prioritize ease of use and low running costs.
