Ford Media Center

Upgraded Ford Kuga Adds Hands-Free BlueCruise Technology

  • New model year Ford Kuga adds sophisticated tech features including introduction of BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology
  • BlueCruise was the first system of its kind approved in Europe and is now the most widely available “hands-off, eyes-on” advanced driver assistance system
  • Kuga customers have the option to make a one-time purchase for BlueCruise or select a monthly or annual plan to suit a variety of needs

COLOGNE, Germany, Feb. 11, 2026 – Ford is redefining the driving experience for SUV customers across Europe by introducing its history-making BlueCruise 1 hands-free driving technology to the new model year Ford Kuga. 2

BlueCruise was the first system of its kind to receive regulatory approval in Europe when it debuted on the Ford Mustang Mach-E 3 in 2023. Now, BlueCruise is set to bring a new level of comfort and convenience to one of Europe’s most popular family vehicles.

BlueCruise joins Kuga’s extensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) 4 from April this year – making the cutting-edge semi-autonomous technology accessible to even more drivers.

These systems – alongside a wide range of powertrains including plug-in hybrid (PHEV), full hybrid (HEV) and efficient EcoBoost petrol engines that continue to provide options for every customer – have made Kuga a hit with SUV drivers across the region.

The upgraded Kuga also introduces an enhanced specification for the B&O Premium Audio system to deliver even better sound reproduction, as well as a Premium Connectivity option that allows customers to experience music, videos and entertainment through a number of popular streaming services.

“The Kuga has always been about offering our customers the best possible balance of style, capability, and technology,” said Christian Weingaertner, general manager, passenger vehicles, Ford Europe. “By bringing BlueCruise to the Kuga, one of our most popular vehicles, we are making our leading technology accessible to many more customers so that they can enjoy the benefits of hands-free highway driving whether it’s on their daily commutes or longer journeys.”

A new era of highway driving

BlueCruise is a "hands-off, eyes-on" technology that allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel when travelling in designated Blue Zones. These zones now cover approximately 95 per cent of highways across 16 markets in Europe, 5 providing a seamless experience for long-distance travel and international road trips.

Building on the capabilities of Kuga’s Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC), 4 BlueCruise actively manages steering, acceleration, braking, and lane positioning. The system maintains a safe distance from other vehicles and can operate at highway speeds as well as in demanding stop-and-go traffic. By reducing the need for constant steering inputs, BlueCruise can contribute to reduced driver fatigue, helping owners arrive at their destinations feeling more refreshed.

The introduction of BlueCruise complements the Kuga’s high-tech interior, which features Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system 6 with Alexa Built-in. 7 For those who use their SUV for towing, the Kuga also offers Trailer Tow Navigation, 4 which can calculate routes based on the size and weight of the trailer to avoid narrow roads or low bridges.

BlueCruise to suit you

BlueCruise is available on new model year Kugas with automatic transmissions starting this April. The technology comes as part of the Driver Assistance Pack, which is standard on the premium ST-Line X and Active X series, and available as an option for Titanium and ST-Line models.

Recognising that different drivers have different needs, Ford is offering flexible ways to access the technology. A one-time purchase enables BlueCruise without further payment for years of access, or monthly and annual plans are available for customers who want to trial the system or those who only require hands-free capability for specific times of the year, such as summer holidays or frequent business travel. All BlueCruise-capable Kugas can benefit from a three-month trial period.

Upgraded Ford Kuga Adds Hands-Free BlueCruise Technology

A world of entertainment at your fingertips

The enhanced Kuga also offers even greater choice for customers with significant upgrades to the infotainment options, making every journey more enjoyable and relaxing.

The B&O Premium Audio System, standard on ST-Line X and Active X Series, is upgraded from 575 W to 700 W, with higher-specification front-door “midwoofers” and separate rear tweeters and woofers, adding two additional audio channels to create a fully-active system that is more precisely tuned for accurate sound reproduction without distortion even at high volume levels.

In addition, a Premium Connectivity 8 option is now available on all Kuga series, which gives customers access to popular streaming services through the SYNC 4 infotainment system, as well as options to play games and even enjoy karaoke.

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1 Available in selected countries on selected Puma, Puma Gen-E, Kuga, Ranger PHEV and Mustang Mach-E models. Driver’s eyes must remain on the road ahead to enable use of BlueCruise hands-free driving. It does not replace safe driving.

2 Kuga Plug-in Hybrid homologated CO2 emissions 55-71 g/km, homologated fuel efficiency 2.8-3.9l/100 km and homologated pure electric driving range 60-68 km WLTP Euro 6e-bis.

Kuga Hybrid homologated CO2 emissions 121-146 g/km and homologated fuel efficiency 5.3-6.4 l/100 km WLTP.

Kuga 1.5-litre EcoBoost homologated CO2 emissions 144-178 g/km and homologated fuel efficiency 6.3-7.8 l/100 km WLTP. The declared WLTP fuel/energy consumptions, CO2-emissions and electric range are determined according to the technical requirements and specifications of the European Regulations (EC) 715/2007 and (EU) 2017/1151 as last amended. The applied standard test procedures enable comparison between different vehicle types and different manufacturers.

3 Up to 600 km driving range based on full charge of Mustang Mach-E extended range. Estimated range using Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Figures shown are for comparability purposes and should only be compared with other vehicles tested to the same technical procedures. Actual range varies due to factors such as temperature, driving behaviour, route profile, vehicle maintenance, lithium-ion battery age and condition.

4 Driver-assist features are supplemental to and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgement and need to control the vehicle.

5 BlueCruise is currently available for customers with equipped vehicles in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Great Britain (not available in Northern Ireland), Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden.

6 Don’t drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice-operated systems when possible. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones.

7 To use Alexa Built-in, drivers need to activate Ford app within their vehicle using the Ford smartphone app or in-vehicle settings. Access to Alexa requires an Amazon account, SYNC 4 or SYNC 4A, Ford app and complimentary Connected Service activated through the Ford app (see Ford Terms for details). Additional products and setup may be required. Amazon, Alexa and all related logos and marks are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

8 Feature availability varies by market. Customers with capable vehicles will receive a complimentary 90- day free trial which can be activated within 11 months of the vehicle’s first date of registration.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.  The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty.  Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services.  The company does that through three customer-centered business segments:  Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs.  Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  Ford employs about 171,000 people worldwide.  More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

Contact:

Stefan Tinnemann

Ford in Europe

+49 (0) 160 9083 1279

stinnema@ford.com