1. Design
The Ford Puma stands out with its sporty, coupe-like design, featuring bold wheel arches and sleek LED headlights. Its compact dimensions (4,186 mm in length, 1,805 mm in width) make it a great choice for city driving. Its raised posture and distinctive front grill add a touch of ruggedness to its urban appeal.
In contrast, the Kia Sportage boasts a more robust and elegant design. The tiger-nose grille, sharp contours, and larger dimensions (4,515 mm in length, 1,865 mm in width) contribute to its grand road presence. The Sportage is designed with families in mind, offering a larger footprint for greater comfort and practicality on longer journeys.
2. Performance
The Ford Puma offers a range of efficient powertrains, including a 1.0L EcoBoost petrol engine available in 125 PS and 155 PS variants. It also features mild-hybrid technology to boost fuel efficiency without compromising performance. The Puma is agile, making it ideal for city driving and light off-road use.
The Kia Sportage offers a broader selection of engines, including a 1.6L T-GDi petrol engine (150 PS) and a 1.6L CRDi diesel engine. For those looking for more eco-friendly options, the Sportage also comes with hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. With its smooth and comfortable ride, the Sportage is better suited for long-distance travel and family road trips. In terms of fuel economy, the Puma delivers around 50-52 mpg, while the Sportage achieves 40-45 mpg for petrol models and up to 55 mpg with the hybrid option.
3. Interior and Features
Inside, the Ford Puma features a modern, driver-focused cabin with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a digital driver display. It offers solid materials and some innovative storage solutions, like the Ford MegaBox for added practicality. The Puma also boasts wireless phone charging, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
The Kia Sportage’s interior is spacious and designed for family comfort, with a 12.3-inch dual-screen infotainment setup that includes navigation with live traffic updates. It also offers a panoramic sunroof, ventilated and heated seats, and a smart power tailgate for added convenience. Boot space is significantly larger in the Sportage, offering 591 liters, which can expand to 1,780 liters with the seats folded.
4. Safety
Both the Ford Puma and Kia Sportage have earned a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. The Puma comes with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Pre-Collision Assist, Lane-Keeping System, Adaptive Cruise Control, and rear parking sensors. The Kia Sportage takes it a step further with additional features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Lane Follow Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance.
5. Pricing and Value
In terms of pricing, the Ford Puma is more budget-friendly, starting at around £26,300, making it a great option for city dwellers and those seeking a more affordable SUV. The Kia Sportage, starting at £29,390, offers better value for those who need more space, advanced features, and versatile powertrain options, including hybrid models.
6. Overall Verdict
The Ford Puma is perfect for young professionals, city drivers, and budget-conscious buyers. Its compact size, sporty design, and fuel-efficient engine options make it an excellent choice for those who prioritize agility and affordability. On the other hand, the Kia Sportage is ideal for families, long-distance travelers, and those who want more space, premium features, and eco-friendly options. Its larger size and feature-rich interior make it the better choice for those looking for versatility and long-term value.
Both cars excel in different ways, and your choice will depend on your specific needs—whether you're looking for a compact, agile city SUV or a spacious, feature-packed family vehicle.