Next-Generation Ford Kuga Could Use A Chinese Powertrain

Ford could use the platform and electrified powertrains of China’s Geely to develop the next-generation Kuga. Production of the new SUV is set to begin in 2029 in Valencia, but Ford insists the car won’t be just a rebadged Chinese model.

The current, third-generation Kuga was introduced in 2019 and redesigned in 2024. The future Kuga should be even more strongly targeted at European customers and remain in the class of models such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4. It is expected to be approximately 450 cm long, with enough space to remain a true family SUV.

According to information from Auto Express, Ford and Geely are preparing the joint development and production of three models in Valencia on the same technical basis. The first Geely electric SUVs should roll off the production line by the end of 2028, while Ford’s model, practically the successor to the Kuga, would arrive a year later. Ford has officially confirmed that Valencia will play an important role in the future European passenger car offering.

The new Kuga will reportedly use a version of Geely’s modular GEA platform, which underpins the electric Geely E5 and plug-in hybrid Starray EM-i. The advantage of this architecture is that it supports all-electric, plug-in hybrid, range extender and front- or all-wheel-drive. This flexibility would allow Ford to avoid repeating the failed strategy of the electric Explorer and Capri, which were offered to customers exclusively as electric cars.

One possibility is to borrow technology from the Starray EM-i. This model combines a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and a powerful electric motor, while a larger 29.8-liter battery provides up to 135 kilometers of electric range according to WLTP. The system works much of the time similar to an electric car with a range extender, but under higher loads, the gasoline engine can also participate in driving the wheels.

The Chinese platform, however, does not mean that the Kuga will look like a Geely with a Ford badge. Ford of Europe President Jim Baumbick emphasizes that the car will have a unique body, its own tuned suspension and a distinctive character. The design should be inspired by Ford’s rally past, with pronounced fenders and more robust details, but without sacrificing space and practicality.

Cooperation with Geely should primarily bring Ford lower development costs, access to the Chinese battery supply chain and much faster launches of new models. If the plan succeeds, the 2029 Kuga could be a very European Ford in design and driving style, but with much of the technology developed in China.

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