Comparative Test: Ford Kuga Hybrid FlexiFuel vs. Peugeot 3008 Hybrid 225

Looking for a high-performing family SUV, but not too fuel-consuming? An achievable gamble with these electrified versions of the Ford Kuga and Peugeot 3008. Comparison!

In these times of scarce and expensive fuel, automakers are exploring every avenue to offer the best value for money to their customers.

Very trendy until recently, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) feel the wind turning. From January to September 2022, just under 89,000 models (source PFA/AAA DATA) found buyers in France, a 13% decrease compared to the same period last year. This decline is partly due to the undeniable rise of fully electric cars, and partly because of high costs and the partially fulfilled promises of this technology regarding savings. Yet, the Peugeot 3008 PHEV continues to lead sales (894 units in September, figures Avere France) and offers a reasonably low cost of use and the ability to drive nearly 50 km in 100% electric mode.

Less trendy, but still at the forefront of reducing consumption, the simple hybrid (Full Hybrid) is a more user-friendly solution (no need to recharge), although its daily driving comfort is slightly less relevant compared to what a PHEV can offer. Historic brands like Toyota or Honda believe strongly in it, as does Renault, which masters this technology well, especially on its Austral SUV. However, when it comes to combining it with gasoline that can be fueled with Super Ethanol, the equation changes significantly. That is precisely what Ford offers with its Kuga Hybrid Flexifuel, promising low consumption and unbeatable fuel prices. So, PHEV or Hybrid Flexifuel?

Two very contrasting technologies

While the trend today leans toward « downsized » engines, meaning small capacity, the Ford Kuga acts here as a disruptor. Under the hood, you find a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder. Paired with a large electric motor (125 hp), it delivers no less than 190 horsepower! On the other side, although the Peugeot 3008’s engine claims only a 1.6-liter capacity, it is turbocharged and combined with an electric motor (110 hp), allowing it to produce up to 225 horsepower.

A comfortable power level that allows both competing SUVs to move with sufficient pep despite their high weights (respectively 1,700 kg and 1,760 kg). Despite its greater weight, the Peugeot 3008 is more agile in terms of performance. Thanks not only to its higher power but also to its significantly more generous torque value (360 Nm), whereas the Ford Kuga peaks at 200 Nm… The Sochaux native also benefits from an 8-speed automatic gearbox, smoother and quicker than the Kuga’s continuously variable transmission (produced in Valencia, Spain).

Ethanol boost at lower costs in the comparison

Nevertheless, the main issue concerns cost savings during use. On a standardized test route in the French Vexin, we achieved an average consumption of 7 l/100 km with Super 95 at the wheel of the Ford Kuga Hybrid Flexifuel. However, if you opt for Ethanol (3,170 service stations in France), this average jumps to 8.8 l/100 km. This is a lot in absolute terms, due to the lower calorific value of this fuel, which leads to a 20-25% increase in consumption. However, this difference almost disappears at the pump because of the fuel cost being more than twice lower for E85 compared to regular Super. Running 100 km on E85 will cost you about €6.6 (around €0.75 per liter), versus €12.25 for Super 95 (around €1.75 per liter). If you travel an average of 13,000 km per year, you will spend €858 on Ethanol, versus €1,592.50 on Super 95.

On the same route, in the Peugeot 3008 PHEV, our average was 6 l/100 km once the battery was depleted. This is almost twice the initial average of 3.5 l/100 km when the battery was full. After about fifty kilometers, the electric battery fully discharges, and the 3008 relies more heavily on the thermal engine. Without recharging possibilities, the cost will then be around €10.5 per 100 km. Over a yearly total of 13,000 km, that amounts to €1,365. The Peugeot 3008 PHEV becomes more cost-effective than the Ford Kuga Hybrid Flexifuel when using Super 95, but is quite clearly beaten when fueled with E85. The ace up the Peugeot’s sleeve is the ability to recharge regularly, preferably at home, to benefit from sufficient electric range for daily trips in 100% electric mode. At home, recharging a 13.2 kWh battery costs €2.6 during peak hours and €1.3 during off-peak hours. That results in a cost ranging from €2.6 to €5.2 for an additional 100 km.

Handling benefits of the 3008

On the road, and although heavier than its gasoline counterparts, the Peugeot 3008 PHEV remains agile and offers an incomparable driving feel. The Ford Kuga Hybrid Flexifuel is also a good performer but tends to be less comfortable on poor road surfaces, and its braking feels spongier.

Ford favors family-oriented features

If the technical differences between the two rivals are quite noticeable, the differences inside are just as clear. The Kuga’s interior is relatively traditional and a bit dark. Its main strength lies in well-thought-out ergonomics, with physical controls especially for air conditioning and large buttons. The multimedia screen is very intuitive, but its interface feels outdated! The 3008 has a more modern design at this point, though it doesn’t yet include the latest software updates from DS Automobiles, and navigating its menus is less easy than in Ford. The Peugeot sets itself apart with an always very current dashboard, and its finish level borders on premium. The only quirk is the steering wheel hiding the instrument panel…

These compact SUVs are also expected to excel in terms of interior space. In this regard, the Ford Kuga stands out. Firstly, in terms of interior room, offering a less confined cabin, especially for rear passengers, and the ability to tilt and slide the rear bench seat. Similarly, the trunk capacity is larger at 575 liters (1,481 liters with the rear seats folded), far surpassing the 3008, which has a capacity of 395 liters (1,357 liters with seats down).

Ford offers more competitive pricing

Getting a hybrid or plug-in hybrid SUV involves a significant investment. However, in this regard, the Ford Kuga is better value. Priced from €40,200 in Titanium trim (keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, rearview camera, digital instrument cluster), it is €6,000 less than the Peugeot 3008, marketed at €46,400 in Active Pack version, with comparable equipment. Note that the Peugeot 3008 PHEV is the only one eligible for a €1,000 bonus, reducing the gap to €5,000. Both models are also exempt from car registration tax in certain departments.

OVERVIEW: Winner of the Ford Kuga Hybrid Flexifuel

If savings are your priority when choosing your future SUV, it’s the way you plan to use it that should guide your choice of model. If you mainly use your car for short trips and have the possibility to recharge at your workplace or home, a plug-in hybrid such as the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid 225 hp could save you money in the medium term. On the other hand, for regular family use, the lower purchase price of the Ford Kuga Hybrid Flexifuel, combined with its unbeatable running costs when fueled with Ethanol, makes it the winner of this comparison.