Ford Puma: Crossover That’s Fun, Frugal & Full of Surprises

Ever wanted a small SUV that drives like a hot hatch, sips fuel like a city car, and still looks sharp enough to turn heads? Meet the Ford Puma, the crossover that’s been stealing hearts since its 2019 launch. Blending sporty handling with clever practicality and standout style, this Ford has become one of Europe’s best-selling small SUVs for good reason. Whether you’re a young professional dodging city traffic or a small family needing extra space without the bulk, the Puma delivers a driving experience that’s genuinely addictive.

Exterior Swagger: Sharp Looks with Real Attitude

The Ford Puma stands out with its muscular, coupe-like silhouette and aggressive front end. The slim LED headlights, bold grille, and sculpted sides give it a premium feel that punches well above its price point. At around 4.19 meters long, it’s compact enough for easy parking yet looks far more substantial than most rivals.

First impressions are strong: it’s sporty without being over the top, and the optional contrasting roof and vibrant colors make it feel personal. The sloping roofline adds style while keeping the rear end tidy and modern.

Inside the Puma Cabin: Clever Design Meets Everyday Usability

Step inside and the Ford Puma surprises with a driver-focused cockpit that feels upmarket. The dashboard features a slick 8-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen (depending on trim) with crisp graphics and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Materials are soft-touch in most areas, and build quality is solid.

Rear space is generous for the class, with good legroom and headroom for adults. The boot is a standout at 456 liters thanks to the clever MegaBox underfloor storage system perfect for muddy boots or wet shopping.

• Standout Features: MegaBox drainable storage, wireless charging pad, and ambient lighting on higher trims.
• Comfort Notes: Supportive seats and a quiet cabin make longer trips enjoyable.

For a look at another clever small car classic, check out our Skoda Citigo review.

Driving Thrills: Why the Puma Feels So Special

The Ford Puma is genuinely fun to drive. Most models use a 1.0-liter EcoBoost mild-hybrid engine with 123 hp or 153 hp, delivering smooth power and strong low-end torque. The 0-60 mph sprint takes around 9 seconds in the punchier versions, feeling lively and responsive.

Steering is precise and weighted beautifully, while the chassis is tuned for agility without sacrificing comfort. Hit a twisty road and you’ll feel the Puma come alive, gripping hard and staying composed. Here’s where it truly shines: that hot-hatch-like handling in a practical crossover body.

Fuel Efficiency: Impressive Economy with Mild-Hybrid Magic

Thanks to the mild-hybrid system, the Ford Puma returns excellent real-world fuel economy. Expect 45-55 mpg in mixed driving, with highway runs often hitting 60 mpg or more. The 1.0 EcoBoost is especially frugal around town where the hybrid assist shines.

What is the fuel economy of the Ford Puma? It consistently beats most rivals in the small SUV class, keeping running costs low and making it a smart choice for high-mileage drivers.

Safety & Technology: Packed with Modern Aids

The Ford Puma earned a full five-star Euro NCAP rating with strong scores across the board. Standard safety kit includes autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and speed-sign recognition. Higher trims add adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Tech feels up-to-date with a digital instrument cluster and voice-activated SYNC 3 system. Is the Ford Puma reliable? Yes, early owner feedback and Ford’s improving reputation point to solid long-term dependability.

For more on versatile family haulers, explore our Skoda Roomster guide.

Trims & Pricing: Great Value Across the Range

The Ford Puma starts around $28,000 for the entry-level Titanium trim and climbs to $38,000+ for the sporty ST-Line X or luxurious Vignale models. Even base versions come well-equipped with LED lights, cruise control, and the 8-inch touchscreen.

Higher trims add bigger wheels, matrix LED headlights, and premium audio. Resale value is strong thanks to demand and the mild-hybrid tech.

For the latest official specs and configurations, visit Ford’s Puma page.

The Good, The Bad, and The Brilliant

Pros:

• Class-leading driving dynamics and handling
• Excellent fuel economy with mild-hybrid tech
• Clever interior storage and spacious boot
• Strong safety ratings and modern tech

Cons:

• Rear headroom slightly limited for taller passengers
• Base engine can feel a bit breathless when fully loaded
• Some rivals offer more outright power

Rival Showdown: Where the Puma Leads

How does the Ford Puma compare to the Volkswagen T-Cross? The Puma wins on driving fun and boot space, while the T-Cross offers slightly more rear legroom. Against the Renault Captur, it stands out with sharper handling and better efficiency.

Versus the Peugeot 2008 or SEAT Arona, the Puma feels more engaging and premium inside. It remains one of the most complete small SUVs on sale today.

Perfect Match: Who Should Drive a Puma?

This crossover is ideal for young professionals who want style and fun without sacrificing practicality. Small families love the clever storage and safety features, while commuters appreciate the low running costs. If you’re after a small SUV that feels special every time you drive it, the Puma is hard to beat.

Final Thoughts: A Crossover That Delivers on Every Front

The Ford Puma combines thrilling dynamics, impressive efficiency, clever practicality, and modern tech in one very desirable package. Minor limitations aside, its strengths make it a standout choice in the crowded small SUV segment. Is the Ford Puma worth buying? Absolutely head to a dealer for a test drive and discover why it’s winning so many fans.