2016 Ford Kuga gains standard reversing camera, SYNC2

Ford’s latest Kuga update adds a reversing camera across the board and SYNC2 multimedia for Trend and Titanium variants, amid minor price rises.

Ford will give its Kuga mid-size SUV a tech and safety boost from December which will see a reversing camera fitted as standard on all models for the first time.

Along with the reversing camera the entry level Ambiente receives a 4.2-inch colour centre screen, a 4.2-inch colour instrument panel cluster screen and Digital DAB+ radio.

The mid-spec Trend also gains standard satnav, as part of the upgrade to the SYNC2 multimedia interface that is also applied to the top-spec Titanium.

This latest iteration of Ford’s media system brings Wi-Fi hotspot technology, live traffic updates for the satnav, enhanced voice controls, emergency assistance, an extra two USB ports and an 8-inch colour touch screen to replace the outgoing 5-inch display. 

The Titanium’s panoramic roof has also been revised with improved ventilation and a remote opening function through the key fob.

The new technology does come with a price increase of $200-$500 across the seven-variant Kuga line-up that sits above the EcoSport and below the Territory in Ford’s SUV arsenal.

Styling is otherwise unchanged, as is the petrol and diesel drivetrain line-up.

The update also sees a change in exterior paint colours for the Kuga with Shadow Black replacing Panther Black while Green Instinct replaces Ginger Ale.  

Styling is otherwise unchanged, as is the petrol and diesel drivetrain line-up.

Ambiente variants continue with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol with a choice of manual with two-wheel drive or auto with all-wheel drive. The Trend and Titanium retain the same choice of 2.0-litre turbo petrol or diesel engines with an automatic and all-wheel drive. 

The technology update is the first upgrade for the Kuga since December 2014, which saw the introduction of more powerful and efficient engines.

Is the new Kuga's extra safety and tech worth the price rise? Tell us what you think in the comments below.