Ford adds hands-off autonomous driving tech to the Kuga

• Mid-size SUV gets new tech for 2026
• BlueCruise tech lets drivers legally remove hands from wheel on motorways
• Sound system boost and new infotainment features
• Available from April

Ford has thrown some new technology at its family SUV, the Kuga, with the introduction of BlueCruise for the first time.

First introduced on the Mustang Mach-E and also available on the Puma, the BlueCruise tech is an extension of adaptive cruise control, and allows drivers to legally take their hands off the wheel when cruising on designated sections of UK motorways, as well as numerous highways in Europe.

While numerous other brands have what's known as Level 2 autonomous tech that can take control of speed, braking and steering, they all require the driver to keep their hands on the wheel. BlueCruise is the only tech with regulatory approval for UK motorways.

The system works like an extension to adaptive cruise control, controlling the car's position on the road as well as its speed using sensors and cameras. Instead of insisting the driver keeps their hands on the wheel, it monitors their gaze and head position with a camera; drivers must still pay attention to the road for the system to work.

BlueCruise will be available on new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and full-hybrid Ford Kugas across Europe ordered from April. It's also planned for introduction on the Ranger PHEV, too.

Of course, there's a catch – BlueCruise is a subscription-based service, paid either annually or monthly. You get 90 days to try it for free, after which it's £17.99 a month or £215 a year. If you buy an annual plan when you get your car new, you get 20% off.

Other changes to the 2026 Kuga include a boost to the B&O Premium Audio system used on higher-spec models, which gets a boost in power from 575W to 700W, with higher-specification speakers and two extra audio channels.

There's also a Premium Connectivity option available across the range, which lets users access streaming services, games and even karaoke through the Kuga's Sync 4 infotainment system.

2026 Ford Kuga price and release date

No UK prices have been announced for the new model year Kuga, but they're unlikely to change dramatically from the current prices: right now, the range starts at £33,315, while full hybrid models start at £38,345, and PHEVs at £41,215.