Ford Kuga vs. Renault Austral: Complete comparison 2026

Ford Kuga, also sold as the Ford Escape in some markets, is an established compact SUV that wins drivers over primarily with its excellent driving characteristics and a wide range of practical engine options. Its direct competitor is the Renault Austral, the modern successor to the Kadjar model, which brings elegant French design, innovative onboard technologies, and highly efficient hybrid systems to the segment. In our detailed comparison, we will look at the strengths and weaknesses of both cars to find out which of these family crossovers represents the smarter choice for your daily travels.

Ford Kuga and Renault Austral may compete in the immensely popular compact SUV segment, but a look at their exterior dimensions reveals that they approach body proportions differently. The third generation of the Ford Kuga, with a length of 4604 to 4645 mm, is a significant 94 to 135 mm longer than the first generation of the Renault Austral, which measures 4510 to 4533 mm. The Kuga benefits from this difference primarily with a more robust appearance, which gives it a slightly more confident presence on the road. Conversely, a disadvantage of the Ford can be tighter maneuvers in narrow underground garages, where the French competitor scores with better agility thanks to its overall more compact dimensions. Therefore, if you spend most of your time in city centers and fight for every centimeter when parking, the shorter Renault Austral will be a more user-friendly and safer choice for you.

When examining the width and wheelbase, the Ford's advantage in the discipline of absolute interior space is again evident. With a width of 1882 to 1883 mm, the Kuga is 58 mm wider than the Austral (1825 mm) and offers a more generous wheelbase of 2710 to 2711 mm, while the Renault has a value of 2667 mm. This difference of approximately 44 mm in favor of the American brand means, in practice, more knee room for passengers in the rear seats and a sense of greater airiness in the shoulder area. The Renault Austral, on the other hand, thanks to its narrower and slightly lower build (height starts at 1618 mm compared to 1650 mm for the Ford), offers lower frontal drag, better aerodynamics, and leans slightly less in corners. However, for families who often travel long distances with older children or adults in the back seats, the overall interior spaciousness of the Ford Kuga represents a more logical and compelling argument for purchase.

When focusing on the luggage compartment, both family SUVs offer smart variability that is essential for used car buyers. The practicality of the trunk in vehicles of this type directly determines their daily usability and family potential. Both compared generations relevant to the current used car market, namely the third generation Ford Kuga and the first generation Renault Austral, feature the excellent function of sliding rear seats. These represent a huge advantage – if you don't need as much legroom for rear passengers, you simply slide the seats forward and instantly gain space for several extra suitcases.

In its conventional versions with an internal combustion engine, the Ford Kuga offers a basic luggage capacity of 475 liters. However, thanks to the sliding rear bench, this value can be increased to an excellent 645 liters, and after fully folding the seats, you get a generous 1534 liters. When choosing a used car, it is necessary to take into account that the popular plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants have a slightly limited capacity due to the placement of the traction battery. In their case, the basic volume is 411 liters and reaches 1481 liters after folding the backrests. Despite this reduction, the luggage compartment is beautifully flat and easily accessible thanks to the low loading sill.

The Renault Austral counters with a slightly more generous basic space in its mild-hybrid variants, where it offers exactly 500 liters. By sliding the seats forward, this volume increases to 575 liters, and after fully folding the second row, a cargo space capable of holding 1525 liters is created. As with the Ford, it also applies to the Renault that the more advanced full hybrid system (E-Tech Full Hybrid) takes a toll on spaciousness. The trunk volume for this engine option drops to a basic 430 liters (or 555 liters with the bench slid forward). In everyday life, however, even this value is easily sufficient for weekend shopping and longer vacations, especially thanks to its regular shape and cleverly designed storage compartments in the cabin.

When deciding between these two rivals, it primarily depends on the type of powertrain you plan to drive. While the Renault Austral has a slight edge in the liter capacity of the five-seat layout in its base engines, the Ford Kuga can offer a few more liters for transporting truly bulky items after folding the rear seats.

When it comes to trailer weight, both models offer somewhat different options, which can be a crucial decision factor for many used car buyers. Towing capacity is closely linked to the overall practicality of the car, whether you plan to occasionally transport garden waste or regularly set off on long trips with a heavy caravan.

The standard braked trailer weight for both roughly four-year-old used cars is at a very decent and similar level. Common petrol engines, such as the Ford Kuga 1.5 EcoBoost (110 kW) or the Renault Austral Mild Hybrid 160 (116 kW), can both tow a braked trailer weighing up to 1800 kg. However, a major difference arises when looking for the maximum possible values. The 3rd generation Ford Kuga completely dominates in its powerful 2.0 EcoBlue diesel versions, as its maximum towing capacity reaches an excellent 2100 kg. In contrast, the Renault Austral does not offer any pure diesel engines in its 1st generation, so its absolute maximum across the range remains at 1800 kg.

An interesting and very important situation for the used car market occurs with electrified versions, where you must expect significantly reduced capacity for both brands. The full hybrid Renault Austral E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 has its maximum braked trailer weight limited to 1500 kg. The Ford Kuga with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and standard hybrid (FHEV) powertrains from 2020–2024 is in a very similar position. Its capacity is mostly reduced to 1500 kg, while the very first units from 2020 even had only 1200 kg recorded in the registration certificate. In the case of unbraked trailer weight, legislation allows a standard maximum of 750 kg for both vehicles.

From a practical standpoint, these numbers affect your travel comfort. The higher weight limit of the diesel Kuga doesn't just provide the ability to legally tow a heavy boat or an extra-large caravan, but also brings much higher stability to the vehicle-trailer combination and valuable space for a few extra suitcases without exceeding the permitted load. However, the Renault's towing capacity is perfectly sufficient for weekend shopping of bulkier materials or longer holidays with a standard family trailer.

Conclusion
In the end, it clearly shows that if regular towing of heavy loads is a priority for you, the diesel Ford Kuga represents an uncompromising and more durable workhorse. But if you plan to use the tow bar only occasionally for lighter trailers or bike racks, the stylish French Renault Austral will be perfectly adequate.

Different approaches to powertrain under the hood

When it comes to choosing an engine, both manufacturers approach the offering with a different philosophy, which is key for those interested in an approximately four-year-old used car. While the Ford Kuga (3rd generation produced since 2020) maintains an exceptionally wide range extending from classic petrol units through traditional powerful diesels to very successful plug-in hybrids, the Renault Austral (1st generation since 2022) has chosen a more radical path. The Austral has completely abandoned diesel engines and relies exclusively on electrified petrol units, ranging from 12V mild-hybrids to a complex full-hybrid system.

The difference in these concepts is fundamental. While Ford's two-litre diesels will appeal to drivers with high motorway mileage who require maximum torque for towing trailers, Renault's purely hybrid offering is ideal for those who spend most of their time in urban or suburban traffic, where electric motors contribute most to reducing consumption and driving smoothness. Customers with a budget oriented towards low acquisition costs will welcome standard petrol variants like the 1.5 EcoBoost in the Ford or the Mild Hybrid 140 in the Renault, which offer a great compromise between price and utility value.

Ford Kuga

The third-generation Ford Kuga delights customers on the used car market with a wide range of engines. The base of the range is the reliable turbocharged three-cylinder 1.5 EcoBoost in 88 kW (120 hp) and 110 kW (150 hp) versions, which is often represented on the market in combination with a manual transmission. Motorway drivers will most appreciate the 2.0 EcoBlue diesel units, especially the most powerful variant with 140 kW (190 hp), which has a high torque of 400 Nm and is standardly paired with all-wheel drive (AWD) and an eight-speed automatic. If you are looking for electrification, the Kuga offers a full-hybrid (FHEV) and also the extremely popular 2.5 Plug-in Hybrid, which provides 165 kW (225 hp) and a practical range of around 50 km purely on electricity.

Note to the table: If you are considering more economical versions of the diesel engines, remember that the base 1.5 EcoBlue (88 kW) engine and the mild-hybrid 2.0 EcoBlue MHEV (110 kW) version ceased to be installed in the car at the turn of 2021 and 2022. You will therefore encounter them mainly in the oldest examples of this generation. *For the FHEV and PHEV hybrid versions, the separate torque of the internal combustion engine is listed.

Renault Austral

The Renault Austral model entered the market with a clear goal – to bring a modern, clean powertrain without compromises, which is why you won't find a diesel engine in it at all. Most used cars on the secondary market consist of the popular and proven 1.3-litre four-cylinder TCe units with twelve-volt mild-hybrid assistance. These engines are tuned to either 103 kW (Mild Hybrid 140), where a manual transmission can also be chosen, or 116 kW (Mild Hybrid 160) available exclusively with an automatic (CVT). For more technologically demanding drivers, the French carmaker has prepared the E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 full-hybrid system. This unit combines a brand new 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder with two electric motors, delivering an impressive system output of 146 kW and ensuring lightning-fast, quiet acceleration.

Note to the table: The top-of-the-range E-Tech 200 full-hybrid variant uses a unique multi-mode automatic transmission without a classic clutch, where an electric motor synchronises the rotation speed. *The torque here is divided into the value from the internal combustion engine and the primary electric motor.

Choosing the right engine is absolutely critical for long-term satisfaction with a used car. The following recommendations are based on real-world experience, actual fuel consumption, user feedback, and long-term mechanical reliability for vehicles approximately four years old. While the third-generation Ford Kuga gradually moved away from traditional diesel engines (for example, the very popular and long-distance-friendly 2.0 EcoBlue was only offered until 2024 and is no longer in the price list), the Renault Austral, as the completely new successor to the Kadjar, entered the market exclusively with electrified petrol engines. Both vehicles thus require a very different approach to selection on the used car market today.

For Ford Kuga we recommend: 2.5 Plug-in Hybrid (165 kW / 225 hp)

This powertrain has made the Kuga the long-term best-selling plug-in hybrid in Europe and represents the absolute ideal for the used car market. It replaces the missing diesel variants but, unlike them, does not suffer from expensive problems associated with turbocharging or the constant clogging of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) during short city trips.

• Why it's the best choice: The heart of the system is a large-displacement 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine operating on the highly efficient Atkinson cycle. From a mechanical standpoint, it is an extremely robust and "understressed" engine with the potential for high mileage without fatal failures.
• Technical advantages: The traction battery capacity allows for a real-world pure electric range of around 40 to 50 kilometers. If you deplete the energy, the car doesn't turn into a fuel-thirsty monster but functions as an excellent classic full-hybrid with consumption safely around 6 liters per 100 km. Furthermore, the eCVT planetary gearbox shifts completely imperceptibly, and its design is wonderfully simple.
• Risks and solutions: The installation of heavy batteries increased the car's weight to 1.8 tons, making it less agile on twisty roads than the base 1.5 EcoBoost three-cylinder. As a buyer, you must focus on the battery. Before purchasing, always insist on a diagnostic check and measurement of the current capacity (degradation) of the high-voltage battery at an authorized service center. Physically check the integrity of the charging port and the supplied cables. Occasionally, a discharged classic 12V battery can cause trouble if the car sat for a long time with the previous owner.
• Who it's for: A perfect bullseye for drivers who can charge the car overnight at home or during the day at work and whose typical daily mileage is within 50 kilometers. They get a perfectly quiet commuter for weekdays and a full-fledged SUV for the weekend without range anxiety.

For Renault Austral we recommend: Mild Hybrid 160 (116 kW / 158 hp)

Although Renault heavily promotes its technologically advanced flagship E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 system, from the perspective of a sensible and trouble-free used car purchase, the more moderate Mild Hybrid 160 version paired with an automatic transmission makes the most sense.

• Why it's the best choice: Under the hood of this version is a 1.3 TCe four-cylinder engine, developed in cooperation with Mercedes-Benz, which has proven over years on the market to be one of the most reliable and best-designed downsized units. In contrast, the top-tier Full Hybrid E-Tech relies on a completely new 1.2-liter three-cylinder and a highly specific multi-mode gearbox without synchronization, whose potential service repairs in later years could be an unnecessary risk.
• Technical advantages: The 1.3-liter petrol engine excels with very quiet, smooth operation and, for its class, great pulling power, as the maximum torque of 270 Nm is available from very low revs. A big surprise here is the automatic CVT (continuously variable transmission), which is perfectly tuned, successfully masks the typical strained "vacuum cleaner" sound, and offers a real average consumption between 6.5 and 7.5 liters of fuel.
• Risks and solutions: The mild-hybrid assistance and start-stop system occasionally have a slight delay. During the test drive, focus on pulling away from intersections – if you step on the gas quickly, the car may jerk slightly, so it's better to learn smoother pedal work. Furthermore, there is an absolute rule for used cars with a CVT: although the manuals might claim the transmission fluid is "for life," for peace of mind, demand or immediately perform a transmission oil change after purchase. The limit is a maximum of 60,000 kilometers driven.
• Who it's for: A perfect companion for the average family and calmer drivers who don't want to waste time looking for chargers and handling cables. They get an exceptionally smooth, user-friendly, and spacious SUV that excels particularly in city traffic jams and on smooth highway journeys.

Official fuel consumption figures provided by manufacturers often represent a laboratory ideal that may differ slightly from everyday reality. For an objective comparison, we therefore base our findings on real user data shared on crowdsourcing platforms such as Spritmonitor.de, and on historical statistics of the monitored generations. We have considered models typical for the used car market around four years old – namely the third-generation Ford Kuga (from 2020) and the first-generation Renault Austral (from 2022). Below you will find average consumption values for the most common engines of both vehicles, organized by powertrain type.

Source: / Spritmonitor.de

Note: The values for the plug-in hybrid version of the Ford Kuga (2.5 PHEV) reach roughly 1.0 to 3.0 l/100 km, depending exclusively on the regularity of charging. For the purpose of direct comparison of average values without the need for external charging, we therefore do not include it in the basic table.

Looking at the real-world values, the different technological approaches of both brands to efficiency are clearly visible. While Ford did not neglect the classic diesel engine for the third-generation Kuga, Renault completely phased out diesel units for the Austral model and replaced them with a sophisticated full hybrid system. The Austral E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 thus shows an excellent average consumption of 4.7 l/100 km, easily outperforming even the otherwise economical two-liter diesel from Ford. For the basic petrol engines, the expected trend is confirmed – smaller turbo engines under the hood of relatively heavy family SUVs save fuel on paper, but in reality, they operate above the six-liter mark and miraculous values cannot be expected from them.

For the typical user, this means a clear profiling of both vehicles. If you are looking for an SUV primarily for daily city driving or for crawling in suburban traffic jams, the full hybrid Renault Austral will be an absolutely unbeatable choice for you, where you can fully utilize recuperation and electric driving. The full-hybrid Ford Kuga (2.5 Hybrid) is also very economical in these conditions, although it falls slightly behind the Austral's top efficiency. On the other hand, for drivers devouring thousands of kilometers on motorways, the proven 2.0 EcoBlue diesel engine in the Ford remains a safe bet. Motorway speeds do not suit smaller turbocharged petrol engines or hybrids from Renault as well as a classic diesel.

In summary, fuel consumption should play an absolutely crucial role when choosing between these cars. While the Renault Austral targets economically-minded drivers in urban environments, offering them fantastic operational efficiency without the need to find a plug, the Ford Kuga appeals with a wider choice of powertrains and will serve families with long motorway journeys perfectly.

When comparing the prices of used Ford Kuga and Renault Austral models, it is important to consider how long these specific generations have been on the market. While the third-generation Ford Kuga went on sale as early as 2020 and is now a staple of used car lots, the Renault Austral entered the market as the successor to the Kadjar only at the end of 2022. For four-year-old used cars from the 2022 model year, the Austral represents only the early units of its generation, whereas the Kuga already offered a wide and established price portfolio by that time.

Ford Kuga (3rd generation, from 2020)

The range of used Ford Kugas on the market is very diverse. Thanks to a wide array of diesel, petrol, and various electrified powertrains, there is something for almost every family SUV buyer.

• Most affordable models: Vehicles from the first years of production (2020–2021) and roughly four-year-old units with base engines (often the 2.0 EcoBlue diesel or 1.5 EcoBoost petrol) are currently available at very attractive prices ranging from €16,000 to €19,000.
• The middle ground: Kuga models in the sporty ST-Line trim with reasonable mileage around 50,000 to 80,000 km most often cost between €19,000 and €23,000.
• Top-tier versions: Full-hybrid (FHEV) and popular plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants with excellent Vignale equipment or the rich ST-Line X package usually cost between €23,000 and €27,000 on the used market.

Renault Austral (1st generation, from 2022)

Since production of the Austral only started at the end of 2022, you can find models around three to four years old on the secondary market, but their average purchase prices remain relatively high and the selection itself is much more limited.

• Basic mild-hybrids: Prices for the first available used cars from the start of production, mostly with the popular 1.3 TCe Mild Hybrid engine (140 or 160 hp) and mid-range Techno trim, start at approximately €24,000 to €27,000.
• Top-tier versions: If you require the dynamic and visually impressive Esprit Alpine specification combined with the E-Tech 200 full-hybrid powertrain, expect a budget starting from €31,000 to €37,000 on the used market.

Price Offer Overview (reference models from approx. 2022)

From a used market perspective, the Ford Kuga represents a significantly more affordable choice for a family budget. Its longer presence on the market means a wide selection across engines and price levels. The Renault Austral, on the other hand, attracts with its more exclusive status, timeless French design, and modern interior technologies, but due to its relative youth, it requires a much higher initial investment.

Both vehicles, the Ford Kuga and Renault Austral, achieved the maximum five-star rating in independent Euro NCAP crash tests. However, it is essential to put these results into the correct context. Testing methodology and protocols are constantly evolving and becoming stricter, meaning that percentage scores from different years cannot be directly compared. Newer tests place much greater emphasis on advanced assistance systems, detection of vulnerable road users, behavior at intersections, and overall active safety.

The third-generation Ford Kuga underwent Euro NCAP testing in 2019. The car demonstrated a very solid construction and earned an excellent 92% for adult protection and 86% for child protection. However, its certification dates back to before the introduction of the strictest standards. Given that Euro NCAP ratings expire after several years, from today's perspective, this safety certificate is considered older. The score of 73% in the safety assist category reflects the level of active safety at that time, which may already lag behind in direct comparison with the latest models.

The Renault Austral underwent evaluation in 2022, according to a significantly stricter testing methodology. It earned 88% for adult occupant protection and 83% for child protection. Slightly lower percentage values compared to the Ford do not mean worse passive safety, but rather reflect more demanding test criteria, including the implementation of a center airbag that protects occupants from head-to-head collisions. The biggest intergenerational leap is seen in safety assistants, where the Austral excelled with a score of 87%. This result confirms the presence of top-tier active systems that can better predict and prevent collisions.

Although both family SUVs offer a very high standard of safety, the Renault Austral benefits from its structural novelty. Thanks to testing under the stricter 2022 rules and a significantly better score in the area of active safety assistants, it represents a more comprehensive and modern choice that meets the most current safety requirements.

In addition to standard equipment, both models offer something extra, with each approaching added value in its own distinctive way.

Ford Kuga: Practicality with an emphasis on variability

• Variable interior and comfort: A standout bonus is the sliding rear bench seat (with a range of up to 15 cm). This allows owners to flexibly choose between generous legroom for rear passengers or a significant increase in luggage compartment volume. In top-tier luxury trims (e.g., Vignale), you will also find the Active Noise Control system for maximum acoustic comfort in the cabin.
• Smart details for every day: Ford offers its iconic and extremely practical feature in the form of retractable door edge protectors. This ingenious mechanical system automatically deploys a plastic guard when the door is opened, effectively preventing paint chips on your own car and others in tight parking spaces.
• Technology and connectivity: The SYNC 3 multimedia system (gradually being replaced by SYNC 4 in newer models) is complemented by FordPass Connect telematics. This provides remote access to the vehicle via smartphone – users can remotely lock, unlock, start the car (on versions with automatic transmission), or check the fuel range.
• Specific versions and smart powertrains: The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant in particular introduced a clever feature called geofencing. Using navigation, the car recognizes when it has entered a low-emission zone in a city and automatically switches to pure electric drive. The range is traditionally enriched by the popular ST-Line versions, which give the car a sportier look thanks to more aggressive bumpers and a stiffer suspension setup.

Renault Austral: Top-tier connectivity and an agile chassis

• Infotainment and onboard technology: The Austral relies on the innovative OpenR Link system, built on the Google Automotive Services platform. Across a pair of large displays (a digital instrument cluster and a vertical center screen), it offers native integration of Google Maps and a voice assistant. The system stands out for its smartphone-like smoothness and supports modern over-the-air (OTA) software updates.
• Unique design and comfort features: A striking feature in the interior is the massive sliding handrest on the center console, which resembles an aircraft throttle lever. This element not only looks great and futuristic but, above all, provides excellent ergonomic support for the wrist when operating the touchscreen.
• Chassis and electronics: The main technological draw that sets the Renault Austral apart from most competitors is the 4Control Advanced four-wheel steering system. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels, giving the Austral a turning circle comparable to a small city car. At higher speeds, they turn in the same direction, ensuring exceptional stability during fast cornering.
• Premium sports packages: Renault introduced the Esprit Alpine trim level for the first time with this model. It impresses with specific blue seat stitching, generous use of Alcantara, sporty details, and logos referencing the famous sports brand, adding a dynamic and luxurious touch to the family SUV.
• Luggage compartment variability: The French manufacturer didn't forget about utility either. Like the Kuga, the Austral features an asymmetrically split rear bench that can be slid longitudinally by 16 cm and has reclining backrests, making everyday family logistics easier.

The Ford Kuga is an ideal choice for active drivers who want to enjoy confident driving dynamics behind the wheel and appreciate a flexible interior with sliding seats. Thanks to the very successful plug-in hybrid, it makes great sense for users who have the opportunity to charge regularly at home or at work and want to maximize electric driving.

The Renault Austral is a perfect choice for tech-oriented buyers who demand an unrivaled on-board system and a premium cabin feel. It is an excellent SUV for daily city and suburban commutes, especially if you prefer a worry-free full-hybrid over the need for constant cable plugging.

Based on long-term user experience, service bulletins, recall data, and expert inspections, during which a comprehensive car audit is regularly performed, we have compiled an overview of the most common problems for both of these models.

The third-generation Ford Kuga is a mechanically reliable and robust vehicle overall, but it has faced several specific issues, particularly in its early years of production.

• Powertrain (PHEV): Popular plug-in hybrid versions from 2020 and 2021 were subject to an extensive recall due to the risk of a short circuit and potential fire in the high-voltage battery. When buying an older used car, it is absolutely crucial to verify that the vehicle has undergone the necessary modification at an authorized service center.
• Electronics and Battery: A common ailment owners face is the rapid discharge of the 12V battery. This problem particularly affects vehicles driven on short trips. Low voltage subsequently causes the deactivation of some systems (such as keyless entry) and error messages.
• Infotainment: The SYNC 3 multimedia system occasionally suffers from connection drops with smartphones (Apple CarPlay / Android Auto), slow responses, or occasional screen freezes, which are usually resolved by a firmware update.
• Transmission and Internal Combustion Engines: With the eight-speed automatic transmission paired with internal combustion engines, some drivers complain about occasional jerky and unsmooth shifting at lower speeds. In 2.0 EcoBlue diesel units, issues with injector clogging or the AdBlue system pump may appear in higher-mileage examples.

Since the Renault Austral has been on the market for a shorter time and ranks among younger used cars, it does not yet suffer from any fatal mechanical defects, but its initial production struggled primarily with immature software and electronic teething problems.

• Electronics and Infotainment: The otherwise excellent OpenR Link system (built on the Android Automotive platform) faced spontaneous restarts, delayed loading of parking cameras, or a black screen after starting in the early model years. However, the manufacturer is continuously addressing most of these issues via wireless OTA (Over-the-Air) updates.
• Powertrain (E-Tech): Full-hybrid versions relying on a complex multi-mode gearbox can occasionally jerk or deliver power unevenly at low speeds and during the transition between pure electric and combustion modes. Here too, Renault is rectifying the situation with software adjustments to the control unit.
• Chassis and Steering: If you are considering buying a car with the advanced 4Control four-wheel steering system, a careful physical inspection of the used vehicle is in order. This system is quite sensitive to correct rear axle geometry, which manifests in neglected units as uneven and accelerated wear of the rear tires.
• Interior: Owners of early production cars (year 2022) occasionally complain about creaking harder plastics in the center tunnel area or slight deficiencies in the fit and finish of interior trim.

When buying a used car, a thorough inspection is crucial. Here are some specific points to focus on for these two models to avoid unexpected investments. It is always true that the best step to uncovering hidden defects and verifying history is a comprehensive car inspection by professionals.

When choosing a Ford Kuga:

• Traction battery condition in the PHEV version: The third-generation Ford Kuga had recalls in its first years of production (2020–2021) regarding overheating of the plug-in hybrid battery. Always verify if the recall was performed (usually involving a traction battery replacement) and, during the test drive, monitor the real electric range and charging functionality.
• Behavior of the 8-speed automatic transmission: During the test drive, focus on the smoothness of starts and shifting from first to second gear, as well as engaging reverse. Noticeable jerking, kicking, or hesitation may indicate a need for a software update or, in worse cases, excessive wear of the torque converter.
• 1.5 EcoBoost engine operation when cold: If you are buying the petrol three-cylinder, request a completely cold start. The engine should start smoothly. Excessive vibrations, fluctuating RPMs, or rough running can indicate carbon buildup or ignition problems. At the same time, check the coolant level.
• Speed and stability of the SYNC 3/SYNC 4 system: Test the infotainment response, phone pairing (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), and navigation. If the screen freezes, restarts, or has a delayed response, the car likely needs a software update; however, with older modules, it could also be a hardware fault.

When choosing a Renault Austral:

• Smoothness of the E-Tech hybrid drive: The multi-mode gearbox (without a conventional clutch) in the full-hybrid versions of the Austral can occasionally get confused. Monitor the moments when the internal combustion engine joins in and during sharper acceleration. Transitions should be smooth. Significant jerking usually indicates the need for a software update for the transmission control unit.
• Checking the 4Control system (rear-axle steering): If the car is equipped with the 4Control Advanced system, test full lock at parking speeds. Listen for any metallic bangs, clicking, or squeaking from the rear axle, which could indicate wear on the actuators or linkages. No chassis warning lights should be illuminated on the dashboard.
• Functionality of the OpenR Link system and buttons: The Austral uses advanced Google-based infotainment. Click through the menus and check the smoothness of the built-in maps. Also, focus on the touch surfaces on the steering wheel, which may have occasional sensitivity issues on earlier units.
• Build quality and interior noises: Drive the car over a section with a poor surface or cobblestones. The Austral's interior is very luxurious compared to the previous generation, but minor resonances from the center console or door panels may appear in early models. Also, pay attention to the fitment of plastics around the ambient lighting.

Whether you decide on either of these models, remember that a careful physical inspection of the car will give you peace of mind and confidence before signing the purchase agreement.

Sources: ADAC, garaz.cz, auto.cz, automix.cz, auto-mania.cz, nabijecka.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.