2008 Ford Kuga I Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the first-generation Ford Kuga ranges between 1573 kg (3469 lbs) and 2100 kg (4629 lbs), depending on the specific trim, engine, and additional equipment. This weight range is typical for compact SUVs, striking a balance between providing a solid, stable feel on the road and maintaining fuel efficiency. A lighter variant closer to 1573 kg will generally offer better fuel economy and more responsive handling, while the heavier versions at 2100 kg tend to provide additional features and robustness but may have slightly reduced acceleration and higher fuel consumption. Ford optimized the Kuga’s weight distribution to enhance driving dynamics, contributing to its reputation for agile handling compared to some competitors in the class.

Standard residential garage dimensions usually accommodate vehicles up to about 6 meters (19.7 feet) in length and 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) in width. With its length of 4443 mm (174.9 inches or approximately 4.44 meters) and width of 1832 mm (72.1 inches or approximately 1.83 meters), the first-generation Ford Kuga fits comfortably within these limits. Its height of 1677 mm (66.0 inches or 1.68 meters) presents no issue regarding ceiling clearance in typical garages. Therefore, the Kuga I is well-suited for standard garages, which makes it practical for everyday residential use without concerns about space constraints.

At 1832 mm (72.1 inches) wide, the Ford Kuga I was slightly wider than many of its contemporaries in the compact SUV segment, such as the 2008 Toyota RAV4, which had a width of approximately 1795 mm (70.7 inches), and the Honda CR-V, which measured around 1795 mm as well. This additional width contributes to a more spacious interior cabin and a stable road presence, enhancing both passenger comfort and handling stability. The wider stance helps the Kuga deliver confident cornering ability and a solid feel on various road surfaces, which is often a competitive advantage for drivers prioritizing driving dynamics alongside space.

The 2008-2010 Ford Kuga I typically uses tires sized 235/55 R17H. This tire dimension means the tire width is 235 mm, the aspect ratio (height of the sidewall as a percentage of width) is 55%, fitted on 17-inch diameter wheels. The relatively wide tire width combined with a moderate sidewall height helps balance ride comfort with responsive handling. Wider tires like these provide improved grip and stability, especially helpful for SUV handling dynamics. The 17-inch wheel size is common for compact SUVs, providing a smooth ride without compromising on the ability to handle rough or uneven surfaces. Overall, these tires contribute to the Kuga's reputation as an SUV that offers both comfort and competent road manners.

The first-generation Ford Kuga stands at a height of 1677 mm (66.0 inches), which provides an elevated driving position typical of SUVs. This height enhances driver visibility and ease of entry and exit. Although exact ground clearance figures vary slightly by market and trim, the Kuga typically offers sufficient clearance to handle mild off-road conditions and rougher urban surfaces. This ground clearance is enough to navigate speed bumps, potholes, and light trails confidently, consolidating its versatility as a compact SUV. The balanced height also helps maintain aerodynamic efficiency and stability at highway speeds, making the Kuga a practical vehicle for various driving environments.

The Ford Kuga I (2008-2010) was actually Ford's first model explicitly branded as the 'Kuga,' so it does not have a direct predecessor under the same name. It followed Ford's strategy to enter the compact SUV segment with a vehicle that combined car-like handling and practicality. Compared to other contemporaneous Ford models like the Focus-based Crossovers, the Kuga introduced more aggressive styling, larger dimensions, and SUV-specific benefits such as increased ground clearance and all-wheel drive options. Its size at over 4.4 meters in length and 1.8 meters in width established it as a competitive compact SUV. The design emphasis was on sporty versatility, which differed from Foeds’ previous smaller SUVs or crossovers that were more city-oriented, marking a clear evolution in Ford's SUV lineup.

Dimensionally, the Ford Kuga I fits comfortably within the compact SUV segment, similar to models like the Volkswagen Tiguan, Toyota RAV4, and Honda CR-V available between 2008 and 2010. Its length of 4443 mm (174.9 inches) is comparable to the Volkswagen Tiguan’s roughly 4422 mm (174.1 inches) but slightly longer than the Toyota RAV4, which was about 4480 mm (176.4 inches) depending on the generation and variant. The width at 1832 mm (72.1 inches) is marginally wider than many peers, providing a slight edge in cabin comfort and stability. Practicality-wise, the Kuga offered competitive cargo space and rear passenger room, along with good fuel economy and driving dynamics. Its ground clearance and SUV styling added versatility, making it a practical yet sporty choice for those needing an urban and light off-road capable SUV during that period.

The Ford Kuga I's compact dimensions, combined with a relatively spacious design, delivered a versatile SUV experience. It offered a comfortable, elevated seating position and a driver-focused cabin, benefiting from its width to increase shoulder room. The robust curb weight range allowed for model variations from lighter, more fuel-efficient trims to well-equipped heavier versions with advanced features and all-wheel drive. Its 17-inch tires and well-balanced suspension supported agile handling uncommon in its class. The Kuga's size makes it agile in city driving and parking while providing enough cargo space for family and recreational use. Its design reflects a sporty yet practical approach, blending SUV capability with car-like driving dynamics.

With a length of 4443 mm (174.9 inches) and width of 1832 mm (72.1 inches), the Ford Kuga I offers an interior space optimized for both passenger comfort and cargo capacity. The vehicle comfortably accommodates five passengers, with sufficient headroom and legroom thanks to its 1677 mm (66.0 inches) height and thoughtful cabin design. The rear seats can be folded down to expand cargo area, making it practical for carrying large items or luggage. The width ensures that rear passengers enjoy enough shoulder room, while front occupants benefit from a spacious dashboard layout. Additionally, the liftgate opening and cargo floor are designed to facilitate easy loading and unloading, making the Kuga an excellent choice for families and active lifestyles that require generous storage without sacrificing maneuverability.