We test, measure and face two spectacular new SUV. Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi / 180 vs. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. What interests you most? Better Diesel or hybrid SUV?

Perhaps, today, and Ford Kuga and Toyota RAV4 listed in the Top 10 SUV sales among media. Although overshadowed by spectacular new releases like the Peugeot 3008, the Seat Ateca or also in Toyota, aggressive C-HR, both Kuga as the RAV4 They have always found it two excellent SUV, pioneers also a segment that is every day more. Analyzed in price, quality, and performance space, represent two interesting alternatives to get at least part of your next purchase quiniela … and now after the news that they bring.

Yes, because we are also to two SUV almost unique. So we updated design, range and equipment, today we got back to Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi 180 hp, all-wheel drive automatic powershift double-clutch, to complete the set in the exclusive finish Vignale: It represents a total standard equipment, with high-quality upholstered in leather, a special soundproofing and, above all, better customer experience and customer service. In front of him a Toyota RAV4 with hybrid technology, until 197 hp combined capacity, also with AWD and automatic transmission. Grieving therefore was served. Which is better? What type of engine gets higher performance? We measure … and draw conclusions.

Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi / 180 4×4 Toyota RAV4 vs Hybrid AWD: performance

We started as quickly remembering this interesting duel both mechanical assemblies. He Ford Kuga Diesel arrives with his superior, the 2.0 TDCi 180 hp which, albeit with all-wheel drive and automatic 6 speeds, is dragging a more considerable weight: more than 1,800 kg. Surprisingly, something lighter is the Toyota RAV4 Also in its top version, the Hybrid and all-wheel drive. More than 40 kg less should prompt a system that has a gasoline engine 2.5-liter around 150 hp, two electric thrusters (One front and one rear) and a battery capacity of 1.6 kWh. In total, it announces a total output of 197 hp.

With these constraints in hand, and seen first weight factor is not a drag on the hybrid set, we might think the Toyota RAV4 It would be faster … but is that has been much faster. Surprising performance of a hybrid that from the start, and driven by its electric support, get out between 1.3 and 2 seconds apart to Kuga in all measurements. A lot of speed in front of a Diesel accusing the weight and neither the Powershift automatic transmission allows you to get a good answer for power.

Decanting duel here clearly to the Toyota RAV4, however, if we analyze and dynamism (forgetting benefits) not such a nice SUV as the Kuga. And the Ford imposes unmitigated better ride quality and road much more agile despite its greater weight. This is a highly refined and precise driving SUV, unlike a RAV4 that stands out more for ride comfort that being a direct drive of reactions and touch. As with all Toyota hybrid, the change (electronic drive planetary gear) allows a great performance overall, but not too nice acceleration, with continuous on-elevating engine speeds much loudness. Nor braking Toyota has shown too forcefully, against a Kuga generally sportier, dynamic … and slow speed.

BENEFITS	Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi / 180 4×4 Aut.	Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD
Acel. 0-100 km / h	9.78 s	8.44 s
Acel. 0-1000 meters	31.87 s	29.66 s
Overtaking 80-120 km / h	7.52 s	5.85 s
Loudness 100 km / h	65.4 dB	66.6 dB
Loudness 120 km / h	69.5 dB	69.9 dB
Braking from 140 km / h	73.4 m	82.2 m
Weight scale	1,812 kg	1,770 kg

Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi / 180 4×4 Toyota RAV4 vs Hybrid AWD: consumption

We continue now with our section actual consumption measured by our Technical Center, fundamental when comparing a diesel car and a hybrid … and where in this duel forecasts are fulfilled to the letter valuation. Yes, because if we have always ensured that Hybrid takes on every party to its low spending on city, Just look at the table: the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid trims in almost 3 l / 100 km consumption Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi. Its ability to roll over part of the route as SUV 100% electric and zero cost, are final.

In return, we have also provided that, at higher speeds and rolling road, diesel still shows superior the traditional hybrid car. Returns to look at the table: in this case the Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi cut by almost 0.4 l / 100 km spending a RAV4 showing that, in this case, the electric support serves mainly to be faster. Has much merit still stay so close to the Kuga Diesel and spectacular performance. So, overall and despite the half cycle consumption roadside computing more than the urban, the RAV4 and therefore its hybrid system clearly take this duel.

CONSUMPTION	Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi / 180 4×4 Aut.	Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD
Consumption city	8.58 l / 100 km	5.84 l / 100 km
Consumption Highway	6.81 l / 100 km	7.18 l / 100 km
average consumption	7.52 l / 100 km	6.65 l / 100 km

Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi / 180 4×4 Toyota RAV4 vs Hybrid AWD: space

As it is also carried into space. Yeah, so we break the plot from the beginning because there really just mourning. Not that the Ford Kuga Anyway, despite their long 4.54 meters a small SUV, but it’s not the most spacious. However, front has a Toyota RAV4 bigger in every way. And is that your 4.61 meters long the advantage and how. Only it needs to analyze all measurements of our Technical Center and see that It is best in each and every one of them.

The new Toyota RAV4 It is, therefore, a very bright in all SUV. Perhaps it could even be considered one of the more familiar alternatives in its segment. Extraordinary in width, height and legroom, even you pay its hybrid system, having to have two more electric motors and batteries. Their 530 liters of trunk load They are very good, and even higher than 500 Kuga, if anything can boast is also have very good boot. And habitability little more to add: the Ford is far more LIMITAD in general, especially with space for up to 12 centimeters lower legs. Here, I said, no mourning.

SPACE	Kuga 2.0 TDCi / 180 4×4	Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD
front width	142 cm	146 cm
rear width	138 cm	140 cm
front height	90-97 cm	96-102 cm
rear height	92 cm	98 cm
Legroom	72 cm	84 cm
Trunk	500 cm	530 cm

Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi / 180 4×4 Toyota RAV4 vs Hybrid AWD: Price

We ended the confrontation with paragraph which is key for most buyers: the price. And, here, to point out important nuances. Equating both models (two-wheel drive and automatic transmissions) see pretty evenly matched and similar prices, where the difference is not enough in many cases neither 1,000 euros … always in favor of Kuga. However, analyzed more in detail, here the Ford itself brings out a much more comprehensive standard equipment.

Now in its entry-level version, the Ford Kuga Titanium adds for example browser and voice control against the RAV4. But it also offers numerous options that Toyota can not equip: as parking assistance, lane change control and blind, active lighting, signal recognition or leather, to name just a few. That base, because if we go and to higher levels of both (Vignale Ford and Executive at Toyota) we continue to see a price about 1,000 euros cheaper in the Kuga and here, yes, with an even equipment, perhaps slightly higher in the RAV4.

As a final assessment, therefore, we must conclude that, at the level of refinement and agility, he Ford Kuga seems best SUV. However, equal in price, its clear advantage in performance and space, and the difference in favor of consumption (at the city, the greater) do that together, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a much more complete SUV.

DISCOUNTED RATES (FEBRUARY 2017)

Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi / 180 4×4 Aut. (Between 32,750 and 39,150 euros)

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD (between 33,800 and 40,100 euros)

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