The third-generation Kuga, also known as the fourth-generation Escape in the US, has only been around since 2019 but it seems that Ford is working on an early facelift. The updated SUV made its first spy appearance with light camouflage revealing most of its design details before its rumored debut sometime next year.
Unlike other facelifts that tend to be subtle, Ford designers did change quite a lot in the Kuga/Escape, especially in the front end. The fish-like face of the current model has been overhauled mostly thanks to a new and slightly larger grille which is positioned higher and incorporates the Ford logo – just like in the recently facelifted Fiesta and Focus models.
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The headlights are completely redesigned with Mustang Mach-E-inspired LED graphics for a more aggressive look in combination with the sculpted bonnet. The bumper is also new, contributing to a more SUV-like stance.
Unsurprisingly the profile looks identical to the current model, besides new wheel designs and color options that might appear. At the back, besides the camouflage, changes seem to be more limited. The taillights retain the same outer shape but benefit from redesigned graphics and blacked-out parts The tailgate and the rear bumper also appear to be unchanged.
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While we don’t have any photos of the interior, our spy photographers told us that the dashboard was covered – hinting at updates. The Kuga/Escape is likely to get the 13.2-inch touchscreen that appeared on the Focus facelift with Ford’s latest SYNC4 infotainment in combination with an updated digital instrument cluster and more ADAS equipment.
In terms of powertrains, the current Kuga/Escape is already offering plenty of electrified options including mild-hybrid, full-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid technology. Thus, Ford is likely to add mild updates to the ICE range of Ecoboost (petrol) and EcoBlue (diesel) engines.
Given that the C-SUV is only two years old, the facelifted version is expected to appear in 2022 the earliest, as a 2023 model.
