Ford Puma Review: Why This Smart Crossover Is Stealing Drivers from Bigger SUVs

You know that moment when you're circling a cramped parking garage, sweating over whether your SUV will actually fit in that last remaining spot? Or when your "family car" feels like a sluggish, thirsty box on wheels that kills every bit of joy from driving? Modern crossovers promise to be the perfect compromise, but too many end up bloated, dull, and inefficient.

If you've started to suspect you're driving more car than you actually need, you're not alone. Urban streets are tighter, fuel is expensive, and most of your life probably happens in a 20-mile radius anyway. Yet you still want space, comfort, safety, and a car that doesn't feel dead inside.

This is exactly the gap the Ford Puma is aiming to fill.

The Ford Puma is Ford Motor Co.'s (ISIN: US3453708600) compact crossover designed to give you SUV-style space and stance without the bulk, mixed with the kind of playful driving feel that made small hatchbacks fun in the first place.

Meet the Ford Puma: A Small SUV That Actually Feels Smart

The Ford Puma takes the everyday car problem and flips it on its head. Instead of building yet another oversized SUV, Ford shrunk the footprint, tuned the chassis for fun, and focused on usable, real-world practicality—especially for European-style cities and suburbs where space is premium.

Available with efficient EcoBoost petrol engines including mild-hybrid (mHEV) tech, as well as a sporty Puma ST variant in some markets, the Puma sits in that sweet spot between a Fiesta-sized hatch and a full-on family SUV like the Kuga/Escape. On Ford's German site, it's positioned as a "Crossover-SUV"—which is marketing speak for: higher driving position, compact footprint, and flexible interior.

But the real question: what does that actually mean for you when you're just trying to get through the week?

Why this specific model?

On paper the Ford Puma looks like yet another small crossover. In practice, a few key design and engineering decisions make it stand out.

• Fun-to-drive handling: Reviewers consistently praise the Puma for feeling sharper and more agile than rivals like the Renault Captur or VW T-Cross. The steering is direct, the suspension is composed, and the whole car feels eager rather than lazy. If you've driven a Fiesta before, you'll recognize the DNA.
• Mild-hybrid efficiency: Many Puma models use Ford's EcoBoost petrol engine paired with 48V mild-hybrid technology. In everyday terms, that means smoother pull-away, better low-end torque, and reduced fuel consumption—especially in stop-and-go city traffic.
• Genuinely clever cargo space: The big talking point is the flexible trunk with a deep lower storage compartment (often referred to in reviews as the "MegaBox"). It allows you to store tall items upright or hide dirty gear under the floor—hugely useful if weekend life involves sports, DIY, or pets.
• Modern but not overwhelming tech: Depending on trim, you can get a digital instrument cluster, SYNC infotainment with touchscreen and smartphone connectivity, and a suite of driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, and parking aids (availability varies by market and configuration—always confirm on Ford's configurator).

What that translates to: the Ford Puma feels like a car you actually want to drive, not just tolerate. It's sized for real life, still fun on a twisty road, and clever enough inside that you don't miss the extra bulk of a bigger SUV.

At a Glance: The Facts

Exact specifications depend on market and configuration, but here are some of the headline features and how they matter in real life. Always verify the precise spec for your region on the official Ford site.

Feature	User Benefit
Compact crossover body with elevated seating position	Better visibility and SUV-like feel without the stress of maneuvering a big vehicle in tight city streets or parking garages.
EcoBoost petrol engines with available mild-hybrid (mHEV) technology	Improved efficiency and smoother power delivery, helping reduce fuel costs while keeping performance lively in everyday driving.
Flexible luggage area with deep lower storage compartment	Versatile cargo solutions for tall or dirty items, making it easier to handle sports gear, DIY materials, or weekend trips without sacrificing cabin comfort.
Available driver assistance systems (e.g., lane keeping, adaptive cruise, parking aids)	Extra confidence on long journeys and in dense traffic, plus less stress when parallel parking or navigating tight spaces (depending on trim and options).
SYNC-based infotainment with touchscreen and smartphone integration (on selected trims)	Access to navigation, media, and calls in a more intuitive way, helping keep you connected and entertained on the move.
Sportier Puma ST variant in some markets	For enthusiasts, a small SUV that doesn't give up hot-hatch fun—sharper handling and more performance while keeping practical benefits.

What Users Are Saying

Look at Reddit and car forums and you'll notice a pattern: the Ford Puma tends to surprise people.

• Driving dynamics: Owners regularly highlight how "fun" or "nimble" the Puma feels compared with other crossovers. Reviewers often call it one of the best-driving cars in its class, with a ride/handling balance that makes even mundane commutes lighter.
• Practicality: The split-level trunk and deep storage are constant favorites. People appreciate being able to throw in muddy boots, groceries, or a stroller without the cabin turning into chaos.
• Fuel economy: Mild-hybrid models, especially when driven sensibly, are reported as reasonably economical for a petrol-powered crossover, which fits the "smart downsizing" story.

It isn't all glowing, though, and you should go in with eyes open:

• Rear-space reality: Some taller passengers find the rear legroom and headroom adequate rather than generous. If you regularly carry adults in the back, it's worth testing in person.
• Ride firmness on larger wheels: Sportier trims or bigger wheels can make the ride feel firmer on rough roads, something a few owners mention. If comfort is your priority, pay attention to wheel size and suspension tuning when choosing a spec.
• Interior materials: While generally modern and functional, some users say certain plastics feel more "utilitarian" than premium, especially compared with more upmarket rivals.

Overall sentiment, judging by owner threads and reviews, leans strongly positive: most people bought the Puma for its looks and size, and end up most impressed by how it drives.

Alternatives vs. Ford Puma

The small crossover segment is brutally competitive. So where does the Ford Puma sit against rivals?

• Versus VW T-Cross / T-Roc: Volkswagen's cars lean more towards a conservative, solid feel with slightly more restrained styling. The Puma generally wins on driving fun and "character," while VWs might appeal if you favor a more understated interior and brand familiarity.
• Versus Renault Captur: The Captur is big on style and interior flexibility. The Puma fights back with sharper steering and that distinct, driver-focused personality. If you prioritize dynamic feel, the Ford tends to be the better choice.
• Versus Peugeot 2008: Peugeot brings a design-led, almost concept-car feel to the small SUV space. The 2008 can feel more premium inside in higher trims, but the Puma often comes out ahead if you care more about how it behaves on the road than how it looks parked.
• Versus traditional hatchbacks: If you're coming from a Fiesta, Focus, or similar hatch, the Puma gives you a higher driving position and more flexible boot space with only a slight step up in footprint. You lose a smidge of that low-slung hatchback feel, but gain perceived safety and comfort.

The upshot: the Ford Puma is not the biggest, softest, or flashiest option. Instead, it nails a more focused brief—compact, stylish, genuinely enjoyable to drive, and cleverly practical.

Final Verdict

If you're tired of driving a crossover that feels like a compromise, the Ford Puma hits a very modern sweet spot. It's small enough to slip into urban life without constant stress, yet smartly packaged enough to handle shopping runs, sports weekends, and family duty.

The mild-hybrid EcoBoost options soften the blow at the pump, the elevated seating position makes every journey feel calmer, and the chassis tuning brings back something a lot of crossovers quietly forgot: fun.

Is it perfect? No. Rear space isn't limousine-level, and you'll want to test drive different wheel and trim combinations to find your comfort sweet spot. But if you value how a car feels on the road and you want SUV attitude without SUV bulk, the Ford Puma deserves to be high on your shortlist.

In a market crowded with safe, forgettable small SUVs, the Ford Puma stands out by doing something simple yet rare: it remembers that your everyday car should make you smile.