Ford Puma Review 2023

It may share its name with a sporty little coupe from the 1990s, but the Ford Puma is actually a small SUV to rival the extrovert Nissan Juke, sensible Volkswagen T-Roc and pricey Honda HR-V. Like its namesake, it’s based on the Fiesta, yet it offers class-leading practicality, a fun driving experience and mild-hybrid engines. We’ll explain all in our Ford Puma review.

The Ford Puma is regularly one of Britain's best-selling cars and is available with Ford’s popular 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine. Buyers can choose from two power outputs – 125 or 155PS, both with mild-hybrid technology to improve fuel efficiency.

While the more powerful engine is a sportier offering and makes sense if you regularly drive at motorway speeds with several passengers, the standard 125 unit will be sufficient for most buyers. It’s a quiet and refined engine, although the Puma’s small SUV dimensions (4186mm long, 1805mm wide and 1554mm high) mean there is a little wind noise at higher speeds.

Unlike the lacklustre EcoSport, the Puma is as fun to drive as we’ve come to expect from a Ford. Like the Fiesta, it’s ahead of the competition in the way it corners, with little in the way of body lean and excellent, communicative steering. It’s also good to drive around town, thanks to its impressive visibility and tight turning circle.

Things are good inside, too. It’s very similar to the latest Fiesta, with lots of seemingly high-quality materials and a generous amount of standard equipment. The extra practicality compared to the Fiesta means it’s genuinely usable as a family car – it might be smaller, but we can envisage people choosing a Puma over the Focus. While adults might feel a tad cramped in the rear, there’s plenty of space for children, and the boot is clever and well thought out.

There’s not much going against the Puma. Not everyone will appreciate its looks, and while it looks pricey alongside the EcoSport, you get what you pay for. It’s certainly no more expensive than the likes of the Volkswagen T-Roc and Peugeot 2008.

Check out the Ford Puma ST if you’re looking for hot hatch performance in a small SUV. Looking for a second opinion? Why not read heycar's Ford Puma review. 

For a small SUV that leads on style and driving dynamics, the Ford Puma is very practical. The boot can take an impressive 456 litres of luggage – that’s more than a Focus – and access is a useful metre wide. There’s a bit of a lip for hoisting things over – not great if you regularly carry heavy items or need to transport a dog – but that’s a price you pay for choosing an SUV over an estate car.

Not only is there an adjustable boot floor, there’s also a very handy square luggage area underneath. Ford calls this the ‘MegaBox’. With its 80-litre capacity it can transport a surprising amount, while its hard-wearing lining means it’s useful for carrying things like muddy boots or vegetables from the allotment. There’s even a drain plug so you can hose it out if required.

Ford’s also proud of its clever tailgate-mounted parcel shelf. This doesn’t get in the way when loading bulky items in the same way as a regular parcel shelf.

A combination of increased ground clearance and higher-mounted seats mean you’ll sit 60mm higher than in a Fiesta, giving you a good view of the road ahead – the reason many people buy small SUVs like the Puma.

There’s a reasonable amount of space in the rear, although it is slightly claustrophobic – especially for children, thanks to the rising window line.

Up front, the Ford Puma’s cabin is very similar to the Fiesta’s. There are a few hard plastics here and there to remind you that you’re driving a Ford rather than something more premium (the handle for the glove box, for example). That said, it’s significantly better than the budget Ford EcoSport and pretty similar to something like a Volkswagen T-Roc. 

Pick the Puma ST-Line X over the Titanium and ST-Line trims and you get some plusher part-leather seats and carbon-effect trim that lift the impression of quality in the cabin. That said, if you want a small SUV with a little bit of luxury, then something like an Audi Q2 will tick that box. 

By and large the finish of the Ford Puma is excellent for the price.

Like most other Fords, the Puma features an eight-inch infotainment screen perched on top of the dash. Its relatively high positioning makes it easy to glance at when you’re on the move. 

It’s no surprise to find that this provides access to a suite of features, including navigation, DAB radio, Bluetooth, the Puma’s car set-up and connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite the wireless charge pad on pricier trim levels, the Puma doesn’t support wireless connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, requiring you to connect your phone to one of the two USB ports.

The graphics look a little dated if we’re honest, but the menus and controls are easily laid out, making it easy to navigate to the setting you want. It’s also more responsive than rivals like the Peugeot 2008 and DS 3 Crossback.

The Puma also goes against the trend of controlling the air conditioning via the touchscreen, with a dedicated bezel wheel to set this in the cabin. 

There’s also a 12.3-inch digital instrument display that’s standard on ST-Line, ST-Line X and Vignale models, with crisp, clear graphics. While not standard on Titanium models, it is on offer as an option.

Prices for the Ford Puma start from £24,940 for the 125PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost hybrid in Titanium trim. If you want the more powerful 155PS EcoBoost hybrid you’re looking at a starting price of £25,690.

Move up to the ST-Line trim and prices start at £25,890 for the 125PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost hybrid, while the 155PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost hybrid in ST-Line trim is £26,640. If you want the seven-speed automatic you'll have to stump up more at £27,735. 

Prices for the even sportier ST-Line X Edition start at £26,990 and top out at £28,790.  

The Puma ST-Line Vignale starts at £28,460, with the most expensive Puma Vignale starting at £31,130 (for the 155PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost hybrid with a seven-speed automatic) before options. 

In 2023, Ford introduced an upmarket Puma Vivid Ruby edition, with the same hybrid engines and gearbox options. It features a generous equipment list and a Vivid Ruby paintjob, with prices stretching from £29,790 to £32,320.

The Ford Puma also corners exceptionally well. It’s just like the Fiesta, with keen handling and little in the way of body lean. There’s a lot of grip on offer and the steering is delightful, providing a huge amount of feedback.

You don’t have to push the Puma hard to appreciate how good it is to drive. Even at low speeds it’s easy to place and its agility adds to the fun factor around town.

There’s a little bit of wind noise at motorway speeds, but nothing more than you’d expect from a small SUV. Its ride is a little on the firm side, too – if you’re after comfort, you might be better with a Volkswagen T-Roc.

Selectable drive modes are standard across the range, giving you the ability to select between Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Trail. These are pretty pointless, though – a manual gearbox and passive suspension means the only real giveaway that you’ve changed drive mode is a change in the display on the instrument cluster.

Ford makes a big deal out of the Puma being offered with mild hybrid engines. While the Puma isn’t a true hybrid car like the Toyota C-HR, it uses a belt-driven generator to recuperate energy normally lost during braking or coasting.

It can’t run under electric power alone, but it does bring a small fuel economy benefit. It also provides a minor boost in performance – particularly before the turbocharger kicks in, reducing the lag traditionally associated with turbocharged cars.

It also allows the engine to switch off as you come to a halt, although don’t expect to travel any meaningful distance under electric power.

The Ford Puma is sold with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine available with 125 or 155PS. The lower-powered unit was initially available with or without the mild hybrid system, but now both variants come exclusively as a mild hybrid.

The more powerful model is easy to recommend – it’s actually very fun to drive, with plentiful performance combined with a characterful three-cylinder soundtrack. It’ll cover 0 to 62mph in 9.0 seconds, quicker than equivalent three-cylinder rivals – although it feels even more sprightly than that.

The 125PS model will be sufficient for most drivers, though. And no matter which engine you choose, the manual gear change is delightful, with a slick action and light clutch. If changing gear isn’t for you, there’s also a seven-speed automatic gearbox. 

The Ford Puma has a maximum towing weight of 1100kg braked. A detachable tow bar is available as an option.

Unlike the Fiesta and Kuga, Ford doesn’t offer the Puma in entry-level Zetec. Instead, the Puma range starts with the Titanium model. 

Ford Puma Titanium models feature 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, projector headlights with LED daytime running lights, front foglights with cornering lights and LED rear lamps, leather steering wheel, cruise control with lane keeping aid and lane departure warning, wireless phone charging pad, and automatic headlights with rain-sensing wipers and automatic high beam.

There’s also Ford SYNC 3 navigation with eight-inch display, DAB radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, rear parking sensors, alarm, Quickclear heated windscreen, lumbar massage seats (driver and passenger), selectable drive modes, folding exterior door mirrors with puddle lights, pre-collision assist and a centre console with armrest.

If you’re looking for something a little sportier, then check out the Ford Puma ST-Line. This adds an ST-Line bodykit with large rear spoiler and sports suspension, flat-bottomed leather steering wheel and aluminium gear knob (manual only), digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster, manual air conditioning, alloy sports pedals and front and rear floor mats.

The Ford Puma ST-Line X features 18-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, electronic air temperature control, B&O premium audio system, driver and passenger seat lumber and height adjust, partial leather trim and carbon-look interior highlights.

Next is the Ford Puma ST-Line Vignale. Highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, a Vignale styling kit with a unique grille and Puma puddle lights.

The most recent addition to the range is the Ford Puma Vivid Ruby. It takes its name from its striking paintjob, and also includes a contrast roof, front and rear parking sensors, a power tailgate and a rear view camera.