• Sync3 infotainment system lags behind rivals
• Comfortable suspension with a sporty edge
• Wind and engine noise well isolated

If you are familiar with Ford products then you’ll notice that the cabin is very similar to the latest-generation Ford Focus: the layout is a little busy and not as organised as say, the VW Tiguan.

On pre-facelift cars the in-built sat-nav screen is on the small side and there were so many buttons splattered around the dash that it could be confusing to remember where controls were.

This was addressed in 2016 with the introduction of the Sync3 multimedia system, which included a lot of these functions and allowed for a comprehensive dash redesign that smartened things up considerably. It’s worth noting that some of the materials still lag behind the (mostly German) competition, however.

The facelift also eradicated the handbrake in favour of a button-operated electric parking brake, freeing up extra storage between the two front seats.

Sportier ST Line cabin

The most noticeable thing inside about the ST-Line are the sports seats. They’re half-leather, half-Alcantara – grippy, supportive and very comfortable at the same time. There’s also a tactile ST-Line steering wheel.

Ford has chosen not to change anything about the fundamental driving controls of the Kuga, and that’s great news.

The high driving position and confidence-inspiring handling with easy driving manners means it’s a very approachable car.

Is it comfortable?

The Ford Kuga is inherently a comfortable car, but with one caveat: its ride errs towards the firm side – especially so if you’ve picked the ST-Line model with its lowered sports suspension, but then that version also gets some supportive sports seats too, which helps it claw points back in this regard.

Spec the optional 19-inch wheels and a certain firmness creeps into the cabin, especially over cracked or broken road surfaces. It’s by no means the worst example of big wheels affecting an otherwise agreeable ride comfort, though it conflicts with the Kuga’s otherwise softer drive.

On the whole we think you’ll be pleased with the cabin’s insulation. Noise is well-contained, and in the luxurious post-facelift Vignale even more so because it has double-glazed windows.

Specifying an optional panoramic sunroof brightens up the interior significantly, which greatly improves overall comfort.