After 160+ hours of research, during which Japanese brands consistently topped the list, I unexpectedly chose an American SUV: the Ford Kuga. Here’s how it outclassed the competition, including the beloved Toyota RAV4, in the Romanian market.

This isn’t just a car review, it’s a journey through real-world use, value-for-money comparisons and a thank-you to the people behind one of the smartest automotive bets in Europe.

What I Wanted

  • A petrol car (no hybrid, no diesel, no EV for now)
  • Automatic gearbox, but not dual-clutch
  • Proven reliability
  • Spacious and comfortable for road trips with family
  • Budget around €25,000 max
  • Not afraid to go slightly lower-powered if it’s refined and well-balanced

What I Compared

I looked at:

  • Toyota RAV4 2.0L NA petrol (SH, no hybrid)
  • Dacia Duster Hybrid
  • Hyundai Tucson / Kia Sportage
  • Used Mazda CX-5

All of these either:

  • Had worse transmissions (dual-clutch or CVTs with mixed feedback)
  • Were too expensive if new or too worn if used
  • Didn’t offer the complete package unless you added +5K in options

The Ford Kuga Surprise

I stumbled upon a Ford Kuga 1.5 EcoBoost, 186 HP, FWD, automatic (8-speed torque converter) with:

  • Winter Pack: heated seats, heated windshield
  • Driver Assistance Pack: lane centering, adaptive cruise
  • Parking Pack: rear camera, sensors, park assist
  • 5 years warranty
  • CASCO included for 1 year

All this for €29,000 EUR equivalent. Brand new.

At first, I was skeptical. Ford? Automatic? EcoBoost? But as I dug deeper, the numbers and feedback, started to align.

Real-World Feedback

I drove 600 km in a weekend, from Bucharest to Constanta and back:

  • 500 km highway at 100-110 km/h
  • 100 km mixed city
  • Average consumption: 7.9 L/100km
  • Air conditioning on (2/8 intensity), Drive Mode: Normal
  • 14.5h total drive time

The adaptive cruise and lane assist worked beautifully. Ride comfort was top-notch. Quiet cabin. Great seats.

Why It Beat the RAV4 (in Romania)

Let’s face it: in Romania, a used RAV4 2.0 NA petrol costs €27K with 100,000 km on it.

Meanwhile, the Kuga:

  • Is new
  • Has full warranty
  • Comes with a smoother, newer gearbox (Aisin 8-speed)
  • Offers more comfort & features

In the USA, things might be different. A new RAV4 there costs as much as a Kuga here. But for the Romanian market, Kuga hits a unique sweet spot.

Thanks to the People Behind Kuga

This wouldn’t have happened without:

🧠 Jon Williams

General Manager Ford Blue Europe, for keeping the thermal option alive, for believing in a petrol-first approach tailored for the European middle class.

🎨 Amko Leenarts

Design Director, Ford Europe, for the smart, friendly design that makes Kuga look and feel European, not just American.

📣 Ogilvy Advertising Team

For a campaign that didn’t shout “muscle SUV” but rather whispered: “tech, comfort, safety” and did it well.

Thank you. You built a car that makes sense, finally. At least for me.

🤝 Ștefan Coman - Țiriac Auto Ford

For the excellent support throughout the entire buying process, with patience, clarity and genuine assistance. Thank you!

Final Thoughts

I started this journey as a Toyota purist. I finish it as a Ford Kuga driver, smiling.

Would I choose different in the US? Maybe. But in Romania, at this price, nothing comes close.

And maybe, just maybe, value doesn’t always come with a Japanese badge.

#FordKuga #SUV2025 #RomaniaAuto #BestValueSUV