Ford Puma Review 2023
Ford Puma At A Glance
Insurance Groups are between 11–16
On average it achieves 0% of the official MPG figure
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.