At Off-Road Handbook, our unwavering dedication to content quality is evident. Prior to publication, each piece of information undergoes a meticulous editorial process, which not only guarantees accuracy but also elevates the overall user experience.

How Do I Know If My Ford Kuga is 4WD?

Ford Kuga comes with several variants. If you are wondering how to check whether your model is 4WD, this article is for you.

Some Ford Kuga models are 4WD, while others are not. To determine if your Ford Kuga is 4WD, look for the 4WD symbol on the driver’s side door sill. If the 4WD symbol is not present in the dashboard, the Ford Kuga is not 4WD. You can also look for the 4WD mode selector on the center console.

Most times, when you are about to purchase a Ford Kuga, it does happen that you might want the one with the 4WD mode.

If you’re unsure whether or not your Ford Kuga has four-wheel drive, one of the easiest ways to do this is to check the car’s VIN.

Also, look for a 4WD emblem on the front or rear of the vehicle. If you can’t find a logo or the symbol isn’t clear, the vehicle likely isn’t a 4WD.

This VIN can always be found in your owner’s manual.

We have created the infographic below that shows how to know whether my Ford Kuga is 4WD. (You are welcome to use and share but please credit us if you do so.)

How Do I Know If My Ford Kuga is 4WD

How Do I Check If My Ford Kuga Is 4WD?

How Do I Know If My Ford Kuga is 4WD

If you are in the market for a new Ford Kuga, it is essential to check the model year to make sure it will be in the year range of Kuga that might be a 4WD model (if your Kuga is of a year that precedes 2011, then you can forget about it).

The Ford Kuga was initially sold in the United States as a 4WD model (Ford Escape). However, some models have since been discontinued and replaced by models with different engine and transmission options. If you are unsure if your Ford Kuga is a 4WD model, you can check the owner’s manual or contact Ford customer service.

If you’re looking to buy a Ford Kuga, there are a few things you’ll need to know to make sure it’s a 4WD.

The following ways are the most common “how” to check if your Ford Kuga is 4WD:

1. Check on the car’s Wheels from the Beneath:

One of the surest ways to check if your Ford Kuga is an AWD is to check your wheels; check if drive axles go into the center of the wheels. This is the most efficient way to check if your car is AWD as there isn’t any trick to cover this up as most dealers do.

Note that whenever you see the AWD sticker on the back of your car, you SHOULD NOT be dependent on this alone, as these stickers can always be ordered online for just $10. Yes, $10, you read me right.

So, laying your back on the ground is always better to check for the wheels. If they have drive axles, go into their centers. Dirtying your shirt or pants while checking for this is always better than rolling on the floor (in mud) when you realize your car can’t force its way through the muddy area.

2. Look at the Front and Rear Wheel Arches:

A Kuga with 4WD will have more prominent wheel arches than a Kuga with 2WD. Second, check the vehicle’s GVWR. A 4WD Kuga will have a higher GVWR than a 2WD Kuga.

3. Check for the Transfer Case and the Rear and Front Differential Locks:

4WD cars generally have the components they do not do without; the transfer case and rear differential

The transfer case locks power from the engine to either the front or rear wheels as situations demand. In contrast, the front and rear differentials ensure that energy from the engine is shared between the wheels when needed. This is very helpful in getting you out of that irritating sticky area while driving.

So, it is imperative to check for these components to check if your car is 4WD.

How Does the Ford Kuga 4WD Operate?

Ford Kuga 4WD operates on a 4×4 system that allows the vehicle to move independently on all four wheels. This gives the Kuga the ability to navigate through rugged terrain with ease. The system also allows for a high level of maneuverability in tight spaces.

How Do I Know If My Ford Kuga is 4WD

Additionally, the 4×4 system enables the Kuga to transition smoothly from a drive mode to an off-road mode. As a result, the vehicle can handle more challenging terrain in off-road mode than in drive mode.

The Ford Kuga 4WD engine operates using a 6-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2.0 liters. The engine is paired with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

The engine produces a maximum power of 127 horsepower and a maximum torque of 184 foot-pounds. The engine can provide a decent amount of energy and torque for the 4WD vehicle. The engine also features a 4WD system that gives the vehicle decent off-road capability.

Tips On How to Use 4WD in the Ford Kuga:

4WD is a great way to get around in the Ford Kuga. Here are some tips on how to use 4WD in the Ford Kuga:

  • Always use caution while driving in 4WD mode. 4WD can cause the vehicle to become unstable and difficult to control.
  • Be aware of the terrain around you. 4WD can give you more control over the vehicle, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
  • Stay alert while driving in 4WD mode. If you see something on the road that you don’t want to hit, quickly use the brakes to stop the vehicle DULY.

The Benefits of 4WD in a Ford Kuga:

There are many benefits to having 4WD in your car. 4WD helps you to drive through soft or muddy terrain and allows you to drive over obstacles that would be difficult or impossible to get over with a regular car.

4WD also makes your vehicle more stable in snowy or icy conditions and can help you reach your destination faster. Overall, 4WD is an excellent feature in your car, and it can help you get where you need to go safely and quickly.

4WD can also improve the car’s acceleration, handling, and braking. It can also give the vehicle better traction in wet or icy conditions.

The Ford Kuga AWD System:

The Ford Kuga AWD System is an excellent option for drivers who need good traction in snow and ice conditions. The system uses a V6 engine and an AWD system to provide excellent traction. The system also has a hill-start assist function that helps drivers get up hills easier.

This Ford Kuga AWD system operates on a viscous coupling principle, whereby a viscous coupling unit connects the front and rear differentials. The viscous coupling allows the vehicle to move in a straight line, while the differentials will enable the vehicle to rotate.

Ford Kuga for Off-Road Uses: Is It Ideal?

Ford Kuga is a perfect choice for off-roading. It offers a high level of off-road capability and has various features that make it an excellent choice for any off-roading.

Some key features that make the Ford Kuga an excellent off-road vehicle include its high ground clearance, 4WD capabilities, and robust suspension. The vehicle is also fitted with various off-road equipment, such as a tow bar and a roof rack, which can help carry equipment or supplies while off-roading.

Generally, whether you’re looking for a vehicle that can deal with rugged terrain and everyday daily uses, Ford Kuga is your best pick.

Problems Posed by the Ford Kuga 4WD:

More often than not, people wonder what the causes of their Ford’s heating are. So we will be talking about the top 5 reasons your car overheats, and they are as follows:

  • Bad thermostat
  • Messy coolant system
  • Faulty radiator fan
  • Faulty air pump
  • Blown air gasket

According to the books, the above listed are the most common reasons your car might end up overheating in the course of driving. Bad coolant overflow bottle cap and not maintaining your coolant system as due are the other 2 seldom reasons your car heats up like a steak.

However, you can’t take chances for any of these reasons if you don’t want your Ford (and other types of vehicles) to overheat.

Ford Kuga 4WD: Not Worth the Hype?

The company recalled the 2013 and 2014 versions of Ford Kuga based on some conditions that the vehicles were showcasing some defects that hindered their ability to perform as is always expected, given the expectation that’s always tagged to the industry’s products.

Although, the 2013 and 2014 models were recalled because of insufficient compression on the splices of the engine wiring harness to the engine sensors, which causes the engine to be rough idle and hesitate, among others.

The most common problems with this vehicle are as follows:

  • Wheel bearings in some of these vehicles tend to fail prematurely. This, in turn, makes them make to make growling noises when they are being driven.
  • High susceptibility to slip and jerk, and as the situation worsens, it ends up in overall transmission failure.
  • Frequent infotainment and navigation system issues
  • Water pumps in some of these vehicles equipped with 1.6-liter engines tend to become noisy and leak coolants before the engine walks 100,000 miles.
  • The battery also loses the ability to hold charges in less than 2 years.
  • Rear shocks of these vehicles driven on uneven roads regularly tend to develop fluid leaks and therefore fail prematurely.
  • AC compressors attached to the 2-liter engine in some models fail prematurely and stop blowing cold air.
  • The alternators in the 2-liter engines in some of the 2013 to 2016 models usually stop charging before their life expectancy.
  • Evaporator temperature sensors in some of these SUVs tend to malfunction, which causes the evaporator and air conditioning lines to freeze when AC is turned on.           

Common Issues and Effects on Your Ford Kuga 4WD:

Issue in Kuga 4WD

Effects

Faulty water pumps

The car gets heated more than it is expected. This might lead to ‘’overheating’’ and other related issues

Faulty evaporator temperature sensors

This causes the AC lines to clog on the inside and gets your air conditioning working below par

Faulty wheel bearings

This gets the vehicle to make noises when being driven

Short-lived rear shocks

Fuel leaks occur, which can reduce the overall performance of your car

The Ford Kuga 4X4 Review:

How Do I Know If My Ford Kuga is 4WD

If you are looking for a versatile and powerful off-road vehicle, the Ford Kuga 4×4 is a great option. Sedan or SUV, the Ford Kuga 4X4 offers a variety of engine options to suit your needs.

With a V6 or V8 engine, the Ford Kuga can power through most obstacles with ease. The engine operation is straightforward, making it easy to understand and operate.

The V6 engine offers a variety of options, including a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission, while the V8 engine offers a 6-speed automatic transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Regardless of the engine option, the Ford Kuga 4X4 offers great fuel efficiency and plenty of power.

The Ford Kuga is also a great car for those who are looking for a reliable and spacious vehicle. It has a lot of features that make it a great choice for those who are looking for a car that can handle all of their needs, as it has all of the verifiable features that make it a great choice for its users.  

The vehicle has a lot of space inside and out, which is great for those who are looking for a car that they can use to transport their belongings and friends. The Kuga Breed is also a great car for those who are looking for a car that can handle all of their needs on the road. The car has a lot of power and can handle all terrains thrown its way.

About the Ford Kuga Rear Differential:

The Ford Kuga Rear Differential is a special device that allows the rear wheels to rotate at different speeds while driving. It has a primary assignment of making the wheels turn at different RPMs while receiving power from the engine.

When a turn is to be taken while driving, normally, the rear wheel farther to the turning edge has to rotate through more distance than the other one, this, therefore, makes it need to turn at a higher speed. Also, assuming the wheels are connected by a regular straight shaft, there would be slippage.

It is generally also made up of a series of gears that allow the differential to function as a limited-slip differential, which is a differential type that defeats the major drawback of the open differential, where if the rear wheels find one of them on a slippery patch, the power is sent to the open on the slippery patch, which makes the car not to move.

Also Read:

Is Bronco 2 Good Off-Road? All You Need to Know
Can I Drive My F150 in 4A All the Time?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How does the 4-wheel-drive work in the Ford Kuga?

The transfer case is what locks power and sends it to the rear wheels which in return accelerates the vehicle more aggressively.

Is Ford Kuga AWD or 4WD?

Both can be found available at the car stores.

Why is 4-wheel drive better than all-wheel drive?

The 4WD is better because power is sent into all 4 wheels, which results in making the vehicle drivable in rough terrains.