In some international markets, the Ford Escape is sold as the Ford Kuga. That doesn’t change the fact that the compact crossover offers customers of any region a smart mix of sophisticated styling, a roomy interior, several trim levels at varying price points, and impressive driving dynamics. And now, car shoppers in Argentina will have the opportunity to pick up the Ford Kuga Titanium Hybrid, the first-ever luxury hybrid crossover Ford has sold in the South American country.
Like its Escape-badged U.S. counterpart, the Ford Kuga Titanium Hybrid features an Atkinson cycle Ford 2.5L I-4 that produces 165 horsepower and 210 Newton Meters of torque (155 pound-feet). It’s paired to an electric motor rated at 130 horsepower and 235 Newton Meters (173 pound-feet). The electric motor and internal combustion engine, along with a regenerative braking system, generate energy that is stored in a high-voltage battery. Both of those motors can also charge the battery.
The Kuga Hybrid utilizes what’s know as a power split system, meaning the crossover can use the electric motor and internal combustion engine as it sees fit, in conjunction with each other or on their own, depending on power demands. Ford mates the engine to a planetary gearset, which it calls an ECVT.
The refinement of Ford’s hybrid powertrain will be equally matched by the luxuriousness of the Kuga Hybrid Titanium, which comes packed with features like a full LED lighting setup, 19-inch alloy wheels, a two-tone panoramic roof, functional roof bars, and chrome accents.
Additionally, the Kuga Titanium Hybrid will offer several class-exclusive features including keyless access and engine start, remote start, and an automatic tailgate with hands-free functionality.
A number of impressive semi-autonomous driving aids will allow Kuga Titanium Hybrid owners extra piece of mind when navigating traffic-filled streets. They include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go technology, Parking Assistance 2.0 with pull-out functionality, and speed sign reading, which will appear on the gauge cluster as well as on the Head-Up Display.
And if that’s not enough, the Kuga Titanium Hybrid will feature a 10-speaker B&O premium audio system, wireless smartphone charger, dual-zone automatic climate control, and automatic lights and windshield wipers.
For those not familiar with Ford’s trim level structure, the Titanium trim is positioned at the top end of the Kuga Hybrid lineup. As previously covered by Ford Authority, it builds upon the content offered on the Kuga SE Hybrid, which is also available for Argentinian shoppers.
The Ford Kuga Titanium Hybrid is produced in the U.S. at the Ford Louisville Assembly plant alongside the Escape, and is available now with a suggested retail price of $56,000. It carries a three year or 100,000 kilometer (62,000 miles) bumper-to-bumper warranty and an additional eight year or 160,000 (100,000 miles) warranty for the battery.
We’ll have more on the Kuga soon, so subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Kuga news, Ford Escape news, and 24/7 Ford news coverage.
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