Comparison · family SUVs

Ford Kuga vs Honda CR-V: which is more reliable?

The Honda CR-V does better at the MOT, with a score of 109 against 103 for the Ford Kuga, comparing each with cars of the same age. Based on 480,582 real MOT tests in 2024.

Ford Kuga

103Above average
MOT tests285,773

Honda CR-V

109Well above average
MOT tests194,809

By age

MOT Rank score for each age group (100 = an average car that age).

Age at testFord KugaHonda CR-V
3–5 years
102About average
107Above average
6–9 years
104Above average
112Well above average
10–14 years
103Above average
119Well above average
15+ years
102Above average
100About average

Year by year

Share that passed first time, same registration year.

YearFord KugaHonda CR-V
202190.3%92.4%
202089.7%92.6%
201985.3%91.6%
201884.6%88.9%
201783.9%86.6%
201680.2%86.3%
201576.7%85.0%
201473.2%82.3%
201371.8%81.0%
201264.1%75.3%
201161.4%72.2%
201059.2%71.1%
200959.7%67.0%
200858.7%62.5%

Problem areas

Failure items per 100 tests.

AreaFord KugaHonda CR-V
Lights & electrics9.315.7
Suspension3.211.4
Brakes6.26.8
Tyres6.35.4
Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.24.6
Emissions & leaks2.03.4
Body & chassis1.72.9
Steering0.92.6

Ford Kuga: top failures

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.7%
  2. Position lamp: not working2.7%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.2%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.5%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.1%
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.1%

Honda CR-V: top failures

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.1%
  2. Position lamp: not working1.8%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.8%
  4. Stop lamp: not working1.7%
  5. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn1.5%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.4%

Questions

Which is more reliable, the Ford Kuga or the Honda CR-V?

The Honda CR-V does better at the MOT, with a score of 109 against 103 for the Ford Kuga, comparing each with cars of the same age.

Which years of the Ford Kuga and Honda CR-V can be compared?

Both were tested for 14 registration years (2008–2021). The Ford Kuga had the higher pass rate in 0 of them and the Honda CR-V in 14.

What fails most on each?

Ford Kuga: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; position lamp: not working. Honda CR-V: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; position lamp: not working.