Ford Puma ST-Line X Review: The Crossover That Gets It Right

THE popular Puma remains Ford’s go-to model for drivers who want an SUV that’s more compact and stylish than the Ford Kuga. It’s more crossover than SUV and closer than anything else to the much-missed Fiesta, on whose platform it is based.

The Puma range starts with the Titanium model, from £26,580, while the middle-ground ST-Line model starts from £27,480. Both get a 125PS EcoBoost mild hybrid engine.

ST-Line X trim has always been aimed at those seeking a combination of performance-inspired styling and generous standard equipment. Now available with the 155PS version of Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost mild-hybrid engine, this 7-speed automatic model offers a decent experience without compromising comfort or efficiency.

It sits comfortably toward the upper part of the Puma range, just below the range-topping, sporty ST model and is priced from £31,580 for the 155PS, auto – although a 125PS, 6-speed manual is available for just £29,030.

There is now also a full EV Puma – the Puma Gen-E, which starts from £29,995 OTR.

You can build your own Puma on Ford’s official configurator, here.

Standard tech is generous with even the entry-level Puma getting five drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Trail and Slippery, along with plenty of safety systems like forward collison warning, auto lights and wipers, lane keep alert and traffic sign recognition.

Kerb appeal?

The 2024 update gave the Puma a sharper front end, with a redesigned bumper and grille along with LED headlights which are slimmer and now come with a sharper lighting signature. The ST-Line X builds on this with gloss black trim details, a full sports body kit, rear spoiler, and a set of 18-inch machined alloy wheels that fill the arches nicely; although my press car came with the £500 option of 19-inch alloys.

It’s a car that looks both purposeful and stylish, without trying too hard. It carries its sporty intentions well, and the facelift is subtle but has enhanced its visual appeal. In a segment full of anonymous-looking crossovers, the Puma can still turn heads and it’s still way, way better looking than its main rival, the ugly-bug Nissan Juke.

What It’s Like to Drive?

The 155PS variant of Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost mHEV engine gets along nicely with the smooth-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The power increase over the 125PS version is immediately noticeable. Acceleration is brisk, with a 0–62mph time of around 8.7 seconds, and the car feels more responsive and confident at motorway speeds and during overtakes.

The mild-hybrid system adds a little extra shove at lower revs and helps smooth out stop-start operation, but to be honest you won’t notice any performance gains over the older model.

The Puma feels agile and composed, with excellent body control and a confidence-inspiring feel through corners. The ST-Line’s firmer suspension strikes a good balance between sportiness and everyday comfort. Even over longer distances, the ride never becomes tiring, and road and wind noise are both impressively subdued for a car in this class.

One big plus is the bings and bongs aren’t too intrusive. They’re more subtle than most and don’t have you ripping your hair out every time the speed limit changes or you have the audacity to go 1mph above the limit.

I wasn’t too keen on the flat-bottomed, almost-flat-topped steering wheel; It’s chunky enough but feels a bit on the large size meaning you feel like you’re driving a mini-bus at times despite the steering feeling quite sharp. Oh, and the paddle-shifters have now disappeared.

The Puma remains impressively economical though, achieving figures of just under 50mpg during my week with the car — a mix of A-road cruising and motorway travel. The hybrid system recovers small amounts of energy during braking and allows the Puma to coast with the engine completely off. The Puma also benefits from a cylinder deactivation system that means you can run on just 2 cylinders when power demands are low. All clever stuff . . .

The Inside Story

Inside, the Puma retains its practical, driver-focused layout, but the tech has taken a significant leap forward. The headline change is the introduction of a 12-inch SYNC 4 infotainment touchscreen, replacing the older SYNC 3 setup. This new display is fast and far more visually modern, with crisp graphics and intuitive navigation – although most users will immediately head to Waze or Google Maps to find their way around.

SYNC 4 brings wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, and improved voice control. It’s a big step up in usability and helps the Puma feel more in line with more expensive rivals. The display is complemented by a 12.8-inch digital instrument cluster that is customisable and easy to read at a glance.

Sadly, Ford hasn’t retained physical controls for heating and ventilation. This may seem like a small thing to some, but in daily use, being able to adjust climate settings without diving into a screen makes a big difference.

Material quality inside is solid enough but there is still some nasty hard plastic about. I think more so than on the previous model. But if you can look past that, the ST-Line X features part-leather sports seats with red stitching, a flat-bottomed (large) steering wheel, and soft-touch surfaces in the areas that really matter. Everything feels well-assembled, with no rattles or creaks over uneven roads.

It’s great to see a good old-fashioned handbrake too. You might not be doing do-nuts in the local Asda car park, but its addition adds to the sporty feel of the Puma’s interior – and just feels so much better than its electronic counterpart.

Front seat space is very good, and both driver and passenger benefit from good visibility and comfortable, well-designed seats. The driving position is typically Ford, meaning it feels just right – and with plenty of adjustment in seat and wheel it doesn’t take long to get it spot-on.

In the rear, legroom is adequate for average-height adults and perfectly fine for children. Taller passengers may find space a little tight on longer journeys, but headroom remains generous thanks to the raised roofline.

One of the Puma’s strongest suits is its practicality. The boot remains class-leading, with 456 litres of space and an adjustable floor. But what really sets it apart is the inclusion of the MegaBox — a waterproof, washable underfloor compartment that adds extra vertical storage and allows you to carry taller items upright. Whether you’re stashing muddy walking gear or an awkward-shaped houseplant, it’s genuinely useful and unlike anything else in this class.

Rear seats fold 60/40, making it easy to extend cargo space when needed. Everyday usability is excellent for such a compact SUV and, I imagine, is a major part of the Puma’s appeal.

Verdict

The Ford Puma ST-Line X Automatic with 155PS is a very well-judged update to an already excellent compact SUV. The new SYNC 4 system brings the tech offering up to date, the subtle styling tweaks keep the car fresh and the power from the 155PS engine gives it confidence on the road and provides some genuine driving pleasure. Not as much as the ST model, but not a million miles away from it either. And you get to keep your fillings on rougher roads.

What makes it so compelling is that it doesn’t ask you to compromise. It’s quick but still efficient. It’s sporty-looking but still practical. It’s loaded with features but remains competitively priced. An all-round good-egg.