Ford Puma review

The Ford Puma is one of the most distinctive compact SUVs, with a particularly sporty look. It’s also one of the most enjoyable to drive, feeling very responsive and balanced on any road. The interior is spacious for a small car and has some really clever features that enhance its practicality. Fuel-efficient petrol and mild-hybrid versions are available, while every version has cruise control, rear parking sensors and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The Puma is quite a small car but it has a surprisingly spacious interior. There’s more than enough space in the back seats to accommodate children of all ages and the high ride height makes helping children into and out of child seats easier than in a hatchback. Smaller children have a good view out of the windows, which could help prevent travel sickness. It’s not just child-friendly, either. Four adults will be comfortable even on long journeys, though taller people may find the back-seat headroom a little tight.

The Puma has a bigger boot than most other small SUVs, with enough space to take everything you need on a week-long family holiday. The back seats fold down, freeing up enough room for large, bulky items. The boot isn’t just big – it’s clever, too. The boot floor is height-adjustable, which makes loading easier at the higher level and increases capacity at the lower level. You can also lift the boot floor up or take it out entirely to use the ‘MegaBox’, a wide, deep space set into the bottom of the boot. It’s made from hard-wearing plastic and is ideal for carrying dirty shoes, or anything else you don’t want to put in the boot itself. There’s a removable plug at the bottom so you can even hose it clean after unloading muddy gear. 

The dashboard is user-friendly and there are plenty of storage spaces dotted around the interior. Everything you use has a quality feel, the seats are comfortable and the whole interior feels very well made.

No other compact SUV is as enjoyable to drive as the Puma. It’s fun, comfortable and feels at home on any road. Its light steering, easy gear change and compact size make nipping around town easy, while its height gives you a great view out. Standard rear parking sensors help when manoeuvring. The suspension gives a smooth ride and the Puma feels stable and secure on motorways, which makes long journeys more relaxing than in some similar cars.

Petrol and mild-hybrid power are available. The mild hybrids are best for everyday driving as they combine strong, responsive acceleration with good fuel economy. The high-performance ST model’s engine is stronger still, but less fuel-efficient. A smooth-shifting automatic gearbox is available on all models except the ST.

Unlike some rival cars, there are no self-charging hybrid or plug-in hybrid options and the Puma isn’t available with four-wheel drive.

The Puma is priced at the same level as other compact SUVs such as the Seat Arona and Volkswagen T-Cross. Considering its space, equipment and great drive, the Puma is good value for money.

The high-performance Puma ST is the least fuel-efficient model, giving average fuel economy of 41.5mpg according to official figures. The 125hp petrol-powered model gives 45.6mpg and the mild-hybrid models give 49.6mpg. Those numbers compare well with similar cars. Road tax costs are low for all models and insurance costs should be competitive.

The Puma was launched in 2020, so it’s a bit too soon to say how reliable it is. However, its engines and electrics – including the mild-hybrid system – are used in many other Ford models and have proven to be durable. While some rival cars’ interiors have a more premium look, the Puma’s interior feels solid and well built.

Safety organisation Euro NCAP awarded the Puma a full five-star safety rating. It features advanced driver safety systems such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist.