The Ford Puma is a small SUV and one of the best-selling cars in the UK. It’s also Ford’s smallest car since the discontinuation of the Fiesta, so it contains quite a lot of that car’s DNA.
But how does it truly perform in all areas?
Is it the smartest buy in the segment?
Let’s find out.
Quick Overview
Overall rating: 3.8 out of 5
The Ford Puma comes with a mild-hybrid petrol engine. It is well-equipped and offers strong performance, sharp handling and impressive fuel efficiency.
Thanks to its innovative drivetrain, Puma outperforms rivals like the Nissan Juke and VW T-Roc in terms of performance and economy.
On the inside, Puma feels modern, but the material quality lags behind some competitors. However, it is a highly practical car with clever boot storage solutions.
Safety might be a slight concern for some buyers. Although standard safety features are comprehensive, its four-star Euro NCAP rating places it behind some competitors.
Pros:
- Strong performance and Efficient
- Engaging driving experience
- Practical boot
- Well-equipped entry-level trim
Cons:
- Interior feels very cheap
- Rear visibility and headroom could be better
- Infotainment screen is placed too low
- ST-Line X trim is pricey for the extras
Trims & Pricing
In the UK, the 2025 Ford Puma is available in four trims.
- Titanium: A decent choice for daily commuters.
- ST-Line: For those who prefer a sporty and stylish look.
- ST-Line X: Combines premium comfort with a sporty style.
- ST: The top-of-the-line variant, known for its power and equipment.
The price starts from as low as £25,650 and goes up to £34,650, depending on which variant and options you choose.
The base variant, the Titanium manual, is priced around £25,650, whereas the automatic gearbox is about £28,150.
The ST-Line, priced from £27,250 (or £29,050 for the auto), injects a bit of attitude.
You get a more assertive design, sportier suspension, and a driver-focused feel. This makes it an excellent choice for those who value comfort, appreciate sharper styling and a more connected driving experience.
Then there’s the ST-Line X. There are three options within the ST-Line X. Starting with the manual gearbox option, which costs about £28,800 and climbs up to £31,060.
Finally, the Top-of-the-line Puma ST starts at £33,600. You can also choose for an optional handling pack, which costs an extra £1,050. If you add the handling pack, it goes up to £34,310. On the plus side, the handling pack does improve the vehicle’s performance and driving dynamics.
Performance & Drive
Rating: 4.0
The Ford Puma’s engine lineup consists solely of 1.0-litre petrol units with 48-volt mild-hybrid (mHEV) technology. The high-performance ST model is an exception (We aren’t reviewing that variant here).
Even the entry-level EcoBoost mHEV 125 delivers impressive performance. It outpaces any Nissan Juke or VW T-Roc fitted with a 1.0-litre TSI engine.
The mHEV 125 comes standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, though car buyers can also pick a seven-speed automatic.
The mHEV 155, however, only comes with an automatic transmission.
Whichever option you pick, both gearboxes are smooth and responsive. However, the manual is our favourite as it provides a smoother & engaging experience.
Puma’s driving experience is dynamic and engaging. Considering it is a compact SUV, the Puma feels agile and responsive, with sharp steering.
In our opinion, the ST-Line version is the best among all variants. It comes with sports suspension, which is definitely a plus. It also keeps the body more controlled during cornering.
Bear in mind that Puma isn’t the quietest in the compact SUV segment. The engine has a sporty rasp, and tyre noise is noticeable at motorway speeds.
On the positive side, the precise gearshift, well-weighted clutch pedal, and progressive brakes make its drive really smooth.
Further, the engine’s start-stop system operates with remarkable subtlety (barely noticeable).
Due to these reasons, we consider Puma a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.
Interior & Tech
Rating: 3
The Ford Puma’s interior design is obviously more modern than before.
But does that translate to better quality?
Unfortunately, not quite. The dashboard still has that cheap-feeling plastic. They’ve added faux leather trim pieces in an attempt to add a premium touch. However, they still lack the softness you might expect.
Despite all this, Puma’s cabin still manages to feel more upmarket than its competitors. The interiors of the Toyota Yaris Cross and Nissan Juke may feel even worse.
But is that enough?
Comfort-wise, Ford gets a lot right. Adjustable lumbar support is standard across all trims, making long journeys less of a strain on your back.
The driver’s seat is well-cushioned, with height adjustment and plenty of movement for the steering wheel. So you can be assured of a comfortable driving position.
However, if you’re considering the entry-level Titanium trim, take into account that its seats lack side support. This is something the ST-Line models improve with thicker bolsters.
The front pillars are steeply raked, which could possibly obstruct your view at junctions or roundabouts. However, it also depends on your driving position.
Similarly, the rear visibility is also compromised due to the rising window line and thick rear pillars. Fortunately, reversing camera and rear parking sensors are standard across the range. Therefore, it doesn’t affect much.
Tech and Infotainment System
Let’s talk about tech now!
Puma’s new 12.8-inch touchscreen is larger and faster. It’s more responsive, too, as it’s running Ford’s Sync 4 software.
However, the screen position is somewhat inconvenient, in particular while driving. It’s placed lower on the dashboard, which makes it unnatural to glance down when driving.
Physical climate controls are now incorporated into the screen, which makes adjusting the temperature on the move more distracting than before.
ST-Line X models include a wireless charging pad and a 10-speaker B&O sound system. It delivers decent performance, but not quite as rich-sounding as the Bose system in the top-spec Nissan Juke.
Overall, we’d say the Puma’s interior is a step forward in design and tech. However, we see some compromises in practicality and material quality.
Space, Practicality, & Comfort
Rating: 4.0
The Puma won’t win awards for interior space, but it’s more than roomy enough up front. It packs in just enough practicality to get the job done.
Front space is adequate, unless you’re exceptionally tall, you’ll fit just fine. The Puma also provides good leg and headroom, though it’s not quite as spacious as the VW T-Roc.
There’s plenty of storage throughout the cabin. You get decent-sized door bins and a cubby in front of the gear lever. There’s another compartment beneath the front armrest, and a couple of cupholders between the front seats.
Moving to the rear, the small rear-side windows make the back seats feel a bit less airy and open.
Taller passengers may find the rear knee room slightly limited. Similarly, the headroom is tighter compared to rivals like the Skoda Kamiq, VW Taigo, and VW T-Roc. That said, even taller adults should be able to sit in the back without major complaints.
If you’re concerned about headroom, we’d suggest avoiding the optional panoramic roof as it lowers the ceiling and further reduces rear headroom.
Seat Folding & Flexibility
The Ford Puma’s rear seats come with a 60/40 split-folding function, which is standard across most compact SUVs. This provides decent flexibility. However, the lack of a ski hatch means that longer, narrow items (like skis) won’t fit as easily as they would in a VW T-Roc.
Boot Space & Practicality
Speaking of the Puma’s main boot compartment, it can easily accommodate up to six carry-on suitcases. Plus, there’s a deep underfloor storage area (often called Mega Box), spacious enough for two more — just lift the floor panel to access it. In total, you get 456 litres of usable space.
The boot floor itself is height-adjustable, adding even more flexibility.
Set it to its highest position. When you fold the rear seats down, you’ll have a flat, extended load bay. There’s only a small lip at the boot entrance, which makes it easier to slide in heavy items.
The tailgate-mounted parcel shelf lifts up when you open the boot, ensuring unhindered access to the space.
For added convenience, there’s a 12-volt power socket in the boot. It is quite useful for inflating camping gear, charging accessories, or even running a small cooler.
One feature we particularly liked is its removable plug at the bottom to hose out mud or dirt with ease.
While the Puma’s boot isn’t the biggest in its class, its clever features and practicality make it one of the most versatile in the segment.
Fuel Economy & Running Costs
Rating: 4.5
Ford Puma is a very affordable car to run. It’s safe to say that in terms of running costs, it’s one of the most economical small crossovers.
As for the figures, the manual 125-hp model is the most efficient on paper, achieving up to 52.3 mpg.
The 155-hp version, which uses the same 1.0-litre engine, is officially rated at 51.4 mpg.
There’s no big drop in efficiency with the more powerful option, and in real-world use, it can actually perform better. We averaged close to 41.5 mpg in the 155-hp model during testing.
If fuel economy is a top priority, you’ll want to avoid the automatic gearbox. It significantly reduces efficiency, with official figures dropping as low as 48.7 mpg.
One thing we’d highlight here is that.
All models featuring Ford’s mild-hybrid system are marketed and badged as “EcoBoost Hybrid”. However, this is quite misleading. In particular, for novice car buyers. Why? Well, Puma is not a full hybrid, which means it can’t drive on electric power alone like a Toyota Yaris Cross.
Instead, it uses a small battery and motor to assist the petrol engine during acceleration and stop-start driving.
Basically, it’s still a petrol car with a bit of extra efficiency tech in the background. Ford’s branding could easily confuse buyers who assume they’re getting proper hybrid functionality.
Anyways, in terms of efficiency, Puma has some promising figures, particularly for the manual gearbox.
Reliability & Safety
Rating: 3.5
Ford Puma offers a standard three-year/60,000-mile warranty (typical for the segment).
If you’re planning to keep the car longer, you can extend it to five years with a 100,000-mile limit at an extra cost.
If you’re after long-term reassurance, brands like Hyundai and Kia have the edge. For example, the Kona and Stonic offer longer standard warranties without the need to pay extra.
Safety & Security
Ford Puma is well-equipped with the modern driver assistance features you’d expect.
These features provide a solid level of protection for everyday driving. However, if you’d like a more comprehensive safety package, consider the optional Driver Assistance Pack. Not the cheapest add-on, but it does have valuable features such as:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Cross Traffic Alert
- Evasive Steering Assist
Feature-wise, we’re all good, but how does the Puma actually perform in crash tests?
In 2022, Euro NCAP awarded it four out of five stars. A slightly underwhelming result compared to some rivals that have secured full marks.
On the security front, Ford has ensured the Puma is well-guarded against theft. Every model comes fitted with a Thatcham Category One alarm and immobiliser, providing an extra layer of deterrence for would-be thieves.
In our opinion, Puma has some solid safety and security features. Still, if you’re more like a safety-conscious driver, we’d suggest that the Driver Assistance Pack is something worth considering.
Is the Ford Puma Worth the Price?
One of the Ford Puma’s biggest strengths is that even in its most basic trim, you won’t find a weak or underpowered engine.
That’s a rare quality in this segment and helps justify its higher starting price compared to competitors like the Nissan Juke and Skoda Kamiq.
Similarly, if you’re thinking of buying on PCP finance, the Puma is an appealing option. Plus, you can expect it to hold its value better than many other small SUVs.
For company car buyers, there’s another perk: the Puma produces less CO2 than many of its petrol-powered competitors. Therefore, you can expect to get some tax relief.
Which Trim Offers the Best Value?
Unlike its competitors, even Puma’s entry-level Titanium trim comes well-equipped with most standard features.
That means even the most affordable Puma doesn’t feel like a compromise.
Still, the ST-Line trim is our favourite. Especially when paired with the 155 mHEV engine. However, it’s marginally pricier than the Titanium. We see it as a better value-for-money option.
At the top of the line, the ST-Line X trim is harder to justify as it’s significantly pricier. However, if you want all the premium extras, it’s your only choice.
Our Verdict
We see the Ford Puma as a strong contender in the small SUV segment, considering its performance, outstanding driving experience, and running costs.
However, there are some considerations we’d like to highlight, specifically the interior. While the cabin design feels more modern than before, the material quality doesn’t quite justify the price tag, with some cheap plastics letting the cabin down. Rear space is also on the tighter side, and the safety rating, though respectable, doesn’t quite lead the class.
Still, in our opinion, the Puma is a well-rounded choice overall. Like any car, it comes with a few compromises, but none that overshadow its core strengths. Its combination of driving enjoyment, real-world efficiency, and strong value for money makes it a genuinely appealing option in today’s small SUV market.