Ford Kuga Vs Mazda CX-5 Comparison

2013_kuga_1
Ford Kuga
VS 2012_cx5_1
Mazda CX-5

Welcome to the new 2013 Ford Kuga vs Mazda Cx-5 comparison. The CX-5 has been around for nearly 12 months at the time this was written while the Ford Kuga is a brand new release. Although you may not be able to tell the difference both share the same platform and have common parts to cut development costs but you can’t tell which is the way it should be! 

Ford Kuga Vs Mazda CX-5 exterior: We like both designs but like most of the new small SUVs has some deliberate but visually awkward design statements. We don’t consider either as standout designs but modern and pretty good.

Ford Kuga Vs Mazda CX-5 interior: The Ford Kuga follows Ford’s current high tech seemingly button filled dashboard. It does look good and we think works well with some time getting used to the numerous buttons which are primarily for the stereo system. The quality of materials and finish is definitely one of the best out there especially in top end Titanium version. We like the design and rate it higher than most. However it may look good but it is missing the utility pockets and seating and luggage options in say the Nissan X-Trail and Honda CR-V.  When the Kuga is compared to the CX-5 we prefer the Kuga easily. 

Ford Kuga Vs Mazda CX-5 engine and technology: The CX-5 easily wins in terms of technology to save petrol or diesel but high profile problems with the diesel and low powered 2.0 litre engine counter the advantage. The Ford Kuga has the turbo charged 1.6 litre petrol engine  which is used in other models with great effect and uses a little more than the CX-5. The Kuga’s diesel engine is also different from the CX-5 being the 2.0 litre version which has plenty of power but not near the Mazda! The CX-5 has slightly better tech than the Ford but the Kuga has more convenient tech. The let down is of course Ford’s decision to offer turbo tweaks on the same engine for higher power in the AWD instead of offering same power to all models – very bad decision. The final thing that the Kuga engines requires 95 Octane yet the high tech CX-5 can use 91 unleaded which is quite a cost saving. So the Mazda wins this part of the comparison.

Ford Kuga Vs Mazda CX-5 on road: N/A

We liked both SUVs in the showroom so its really the price and looks since we have not driven either yet. The only factor and the reason why the Mazda would be the pick is that engine and the ability to use 91 Octane. Turning up the boost on the turbo and charging more will not endear the Ford Kuga to any shoppers for the lower models. Surely there is enough stuff on the AWD and higher end versions to warrant the price difference without resorting to silly turbo tweaks – full power for all thanks. Apart from that the amazingly high seat adjustment in the Titanium version of the Kuga is impressive.

 

Ford Kuga Mazda CX-5
2013_rav4_2 2012_cx5_2
Engines  

IL4 Cylinder – Petrol
Turbo-charged DOHC 16 Valve VVT
1.6 Litre (1596cc)
Claimed 110Kw @ 5700RPM
Claimed 240Nm @ 6150RPM

IL4 Cylinder – Petrol
Turbo-charged DOHC 16 Valve
1.6 Litre (1596cc)
Claimed 134Kw @ 5700RPM
Claimed 240Nm @ 6150RPM

IL4 Cylinder – Diesel
Turbo-charged – Intercooler
Direct Injection – Common Rail
2 Litre (1988cc)
Claimed 120Kw @ 4000RPM
Claimed 340Nm @ 1750RPM

SKYACTIV-G 
IL4 cylinder Petrol 
DOHC with VVTi Direct Injection EFI
2.0 Litre (1977cc)
Claimed 114kW @ 6000rpm
Claimed 200Nm @ 4000rpm

SKYACTIV-G 
IL4 cylinder Petrol 
DOHC with VVTi Direct Injection EFI
2.5 Litre (2488cc)
Claimed 138kW @ 5700rpm
Claimed 250Nm @ 4000rpm

SKYACTIV-D
IL4 cylinder Diesel
2.2 Litre (2191cc)
Turbo-charged – Direct Injection – Common Rail 
Claimed 129kW @ 4500rpm
Claimed 420Nm @ 2000rpm

Weight  
Kerb weight FROM 1596Kg
Towing capacity up to 1200-1500kg

Kerb weight FROM 1475 Kg
Towing capacity up to 1500kg

Fuel capacity & consumption  
Up to 60 litres
1.6 Turbo Petrol 6.7 litres per 100km
1.6 Turbo Petrol 6.7 litres per 100km
2.0 litre Turbo Diesel 6.3 litres per 100km

58 litres – Diesel or Unleaded 91 Octane
SKYACTIV-G 2.0 Petrol 6.4 litres per 100km
SKYACTIV-G 2.5 Petrol 7.4 litres per 100km 
SKYACTIV-D Diesel 5.7 litres per 100km 

Other specifications  
6 speed manual or 6 speed Auto CVT Auto
Overall height/width 1701/1838
Overall length/wheelbase 4525/2690 
4WD system: On demand AWD or 2WD
ANCAP Safety: 5/5
Tyre size: 

6 Speed Auto or 6 speed manual transmission
Overall height/width 1710/1840
Overall length/wheelbase 4540/2700
4WD system: On demand AWD or 2WD
ANCAP safety rating 5/5
Tyre size: 225-65-17 or 225-55-19

Capability   
Angle of: (degrees) 
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm
Water Fording depth xxmm Max

Angle of: (degrees) 
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Min ground clearance xxx mm
Water Fording depth xxx mm

Performance  
   
Pricing  
2013 $27,490 – 47,790 AUD
*Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!

2012 $27,990 – 48,990 AUD