BMW has given its smallest crossover a visual freshening for 2020, with larger front grilles, new front and rear bumpers, updated LED lighting elements, and fresh wheel designs. Last year's standard 6.5-inch infotainment display has been scrapped in favor of the previously optional 8.8-inch unit with navigation. BMW revised the eight-speed automatic transmission for 2020, but we haven't driven it yet so we can't confirm BMW's claim that it shifts faster and more smoothly than before.
Pros Eager powertrain, fun-to-drive nature, big cargo capacity.
Cons Bar-stool shaped standard seats, slow-reacting infotainment interface, anonymous exterior design.
The 2020 BMW X1 comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.Refreshed exterior with a larger grille that mimics those on other BMWs.8.8-inch touchscreen now standard.Some package content has been shuffled.
Pros Strong and responsive turbo engine Sharp handling makes it fun to drive Plenty of rear passenger and cargo room High-quality materials and fit and finish
Cons Ride quality gets a little jarring on rough roads Not particularly quiet on the highway
The new Kuga is safer and roomier than before. Less fun, but a better family car
Pros Safer, more affordable, more spacious and more convenient than before
Cons Not as fun as it used to be. It's grown up and got some proper trousers...
The Ford Kuga has recently been facelifted to keep it competitive, but its dashboard still lags behind some rivals.With attractive styling, decent practicality and an impressive safety record, the Kuga is a convincing family SUV. It can't quite match the extremely high all-round standards of some of its latest rivals – the SEAT Ateca in particular – but for the right deal it's worth considering.
PROS Good value and well equipped Economical diesel engines Spacious interior
CONS Too many buttons inside Outshone by several rivals Inferior automatic gearboxes
Amongst other family SUVs, the previous Ford Kuga was a good looking car. Now, though, it’s even more distinctive to look at and its engine choices are bang up to date.
Pros Good fun to drive for an SUV Keen price and generous equipment Plug-in hybrid has a decent electric range
Cons Alternatives have plusher interiors Smaller boot than alternatives Poor tow rating for plug-in hybrid
