2023 Ford Puma review - still the best small SUV? | What Car?

#FordPuma #SmallSUV #NewCar #WhatCar
In our new Ford Puma review, we find out if this is still the best small SUV in 2023. Or would you be better off buying a rival, such as the VW T-Roc?
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[@douglascheung5815]

Thanks for your always practical and honest answers to questions we potential buyers will have - other car review sites often avoid negative but important feedback. The Comments section feedback is also very useful!

[@whatcar]

Thanks for watching!

[@RideOnTime1]

Totally agree. It's just a hatchback.

[@catpowerro1110]

I have one PUMA since 2022, absolutely amazing car. No problems with it, fun to drive, feels very good when in sport mode, decent fuel consumption, fun car overall, love it.

[@brendenc8376]

I’ve had my Puma for 2 years now. Absolutely love it. Zero issues with it. Happy to keep it for a few more years yet…

[@666JGNotts]

If the T-roc has touch screen options replacing physical buttons then I’d rather have the “out of date” interior of the Puma

[@Lando-kx6so]

I don't think this is really an suv. It has the dimensions of hatchback and is actually lower and a bit shorter than the VW ID. 3. It's in between the Fiesta & Focus in size. Also Ford stopped production of the Fiesta for awhile and people who couldn't wait just bought a puma. Ford purposefully sabotaged the Fiesta which people still want & if Ford kept producing it it would've probably surpass the Puma in sales.

[@user-pu1rc6zh6o]

Yaris cross is the best

[@fus149hammer5]

My local dealer has around 20 used fiestas sitting at the front of his forecourt. They are desperate to shift them although they are still flogging new ones.

[@gavinreid2741]

I just test drove a Puma. Didn't like it. I found the raised headlights distracting. Kept my Fiesta. But what car next?

[@stuartjobling9360]

Love my puma, great look, comfortable and great to drive

[@gavinreid2741]

@@fus149hammer5 my dealer had several second hand Pumas, all 2 years old .

[@alanpotter7988]

Just got rid of my puma, great car, lovely drive, but plagued with problems, mine had a new dash and new complete engine, not to mention battery issues, thankfully all fixed under warranty, went for the Yaris cross, pleased with it so far,

[@motioncreations7168]

I just bought mine, I hope your problems were an isolated case.

[@filipepaninho6558]

Not good...

[@motioncreations7168]

@@alanpotter7988 they fixed that issue for all I know

[@RighteousBrother]

That sucks - I've got the Ford Puma ST Line - haven't had any problems with it so far (touch wood)

[@DeletedMemoriez]

@@RighteousBrother When did u get it? Got mine last week

[@petecox5552]

I’ve had my Puma for three years without any problems and I’ve just ordered a ruby!

[@Pinash1970]

I do believe that when you review a model with already some time in the market you Should include reliability reports on it! For example the 1.0 ecoboost engine reliability

[@RR-kb2ks]

My wife and I share our 22 plate Puma, after many many Fiesta's - The Puma is a great car, looks great, drives good, economical, good - very happy.

[@SpearmintTyger]

Hi, after 4 months are your thoughts the same? Me and my girlfriend are Getting a 22 plate soon but have seen a few say they've had reliability issues. Thanks

[@RR-kb2ks]

@@SpearmintTyger Hi, Our 22 plate is our first Puma, bought new so as should be expected it's been excellent, no issues. We'd had so many of the Fiestas that as much as we liked them we knew we had to try something else, especially as over the years I'd be struggling getting all the gear in the car for my daughters when they were doing Uni. You get used to it's slightly higher driving position in literally no time, as well it's slightly bigger size, it's barely noticeable from a driving perspective anyway so you're used to any difference after a drive or two - I really like how they drive. It's a clever design, the car isnt actually bigger in a way that would trouble anyone after a Fiesta and the extra space is very noticeable when needed and very welcome. I actually think they look great and better, more eye catching and interesting that the Fiesta's especially in some of the colours available. We bought ours's in the Solar Silver and had a lot of comments from various people, saying how good the car looked. When we went to pick it up a potential customer who'd just arrived asked the sales man if ours was for sale as it they really liked it. I wouldn't hesitate if you are thinking about it after Fiestas, they are kitted out nice from basic, the heated screens etc. Just search the best you can, low miles as it will be like new. We are definitely going for another. All the best with it.

[@SpearmintTyger]

@@RR-kb2ks I'm in the same boat, need more space for all of the kids stuff haha! I think they look great and you can get all the luxury add ons for a reasonable price it seems. Thanks a lot for the review 😅

[@RR-kb2ks]

​@@SpearmintTyger 😃👌👍

[@user-hy4gl6gf8d]

I have had my ST-X 155 5 months , economy is impressive but its fun to drive , even on Eco contact tyres.

[@MrVroom1]

I had a Ford Puma ST-Line X for a year with the DCT automatic & it was a fantastic car. I’d happily get another but this time a proper ST with the manual transmission!

[@k8vnl]

I have the puma ST manual. Absolutely love it.

[@thormaster06]

I travel a lot for work and change cars on weekly basis. I had Puma in ST line and right after Peugeot 2008 in GT. I do have to say 2008 interior felt like its a decade ahead of Puma.

[@gavinreid2741]

I just test drove a Puma. Didn't like the raised headlights. Found them distracting. Still in my Fiesta.

[@dominicr4740]

I watched a strip down of a Ford 1 litre ecoboost engine at relatively low mileage a few days ago and it had serious cylinder damage that was down to poor design and build. No level of maintenance could cure the issues by the look of it.

[@buijs1967]

That poor design was engine of the year like 5 years in a row. Had one myself in a 2012 Focus, did 120.000km with no problems. Now upgraded to the mild hybrid 2022 Focus.

[@bondjamesbond9041]

@@buijs1967 You were VERY lucky. dominicr4740 is right with his comments.

[@adamspencer95]

Wet belt? 2019 onwards are chain driven.

[@ZaphodBeeb1]

The 1 litre ecoboost engine had its problems in the first year, but it has been reliable ever since.

[@bondjamesbond9041]

@@ZaphodBeeb1 if only you were right. There are still problems with these. 2023 models are still giving serious problems.

[@paulwhitehead6749]

I love my Puma ST-line. I have now done 20k miles and the only problem I have had is the seals that are located on the rear wheel arches, keep coming out of their seating. Replaced twice under warranty. Various experts have warned me of the fragility of the Ecoboost engine. They have stressed that it is vital to use oil to the correct specification and to check the level frequently. I never skip the 9k mini-service and always use good quality fuel (preferably BP).

[@lvhle04]

Well the oil and belt problems were from the old eco boost engine. The new one has a timing chain. I think there is one other belt that runns in oil but its not "as important" as the timing belt. Just fill it up with the right oil and youre fine. Btw. Im waiting for my stx 200hp with all options (except the sunroof) to be delivered at the end of march.

[@catpowerro1110]

Those problems with the engine were ages ago, now the engine have timing chain, no worries.

[@ainalrami]

Fantastic car.. I bought mine 2021 April and just sold it bc i am moving abroad. But i ll buy again another Puma..

[@ingopaul67]

A great looking car, shame its only available with that Ecoboost engine because that's a deal breaker for me.

[@bondjamesbond9041]

Completely agree

[@dean6125]

no problems, know of a few people with ecoboosts. just keep do your oil changes on time

[@denniss2474]

I’m loving the 1L turbo boost engine. Very happy with the power and rather fast to take off, particularly with the sport driving mode on.

[@catherinebrown3733]

I have Vignale version in automatic and I love it❤

[@alphamoondoggo]

Where does the spare wheel go? Assuming it comes with one? The Peugeot Allure 2008 has a bottom part too but under that it has the spare wheel.

[@gavinreid2741]

When I saw one , just like my Fiesta, it has no spare wheel.

[@rudyardharrison4177]

Thanks for a great review.

[@windycity1828]

I am very happy with my puma. I have the ST version but cant find tyre pressure readings, is it not available on this level?

[@kevinmills5293]

I’ve the ST and it does have TPM.

[@windycity1828]

@@kevinmills5293 oh! Are you able to give a step by step run through please? Really would appreciate it 👍

[@kevinmills5293]

@@windycity1828 press the menu button on the steering wheel, scroll to display setup, scroll to tyre pressure and select it. This is in your user manual.

[@garymarlow7685]

I’ve recently got another one ,both automatic wouldn’t go back to a manual easy to drive ,got different driving modes ,but they have dropped the tiny paddle shift on steering wheel probably due to full electric puma next year

[@fuzzy-daddy83]

I love mine, but i certainly wouldn't class it as an SUV, not even a small one. Yes it's slightly longer and wider than the Fiesta on which it is based, but the ground clearance is only 3cm higher. I've seen normal hatchbacks ride higher than this. As such it does drive great, and the economy is excellent. Great small family hatch, especially with the extra boot space over the Fiesta. 👍

[@filipepaninho6558]

It's a crossover, a raised hatchback.

[@Ambienfinity]

If anything, the design has improved with age. A neighbour of mine has one in black, and it's a good looking car next to all our boxy motors!

[@Chunx81]

Great and detailed/unbiased review. This has really helped me make my decision about this car and one that I feel will suit me and my family. Thank you WC.

[@roberthunter-jones1595]

Can you put a spare space saving tyre in the Megabox?

[@fus149hammer5]

Yes we are getting one next month and the dealer is supplying one. Anything but that can of shaving cream they offer these days.

[@panashejohnmangwendeza2037]

Any suggestions i'm looking to get a diesel suv hybrid that i can also use to tow a boat to go fishing ?

[@SeanMcklo]

Ford have the design but they absolutely need to update their line up of cars, especially the interiors. They want to be seen as premium and they are miles behind everyone in that terms. Good looking cars, basic interiors. Engine line up could be stronger too.

[@brianhume4743]

Agree

[@dominicr4740]

Ford won’t update as they are solely focussed now on expensive EV’s. Not even interested in small cheap ones by the looks of it. All their eggs in one basket with a whole in the bottom!

[@ingopaul67]

Not investing anything into passenger vehicles because in a few years they will be rebadged VWs. Mondeo gone, Fiesta gone, Focus going.

[@Rad-lc8gf]

But VW wont have that lineup either (Polo, Passat,Golf) they are going to let them lose as well so what to rebadge exactly? VW rebadged the Ranger though.@@ingopaul67

[@scooby0000]

Good review ! Thank you.

[@John-se7rc]

Does it have fords powershit gearbox or a ecoboom engine that over heats and kills the engine or burns the driver to death.

[@commandertopgun]

VERY NICE SMALL SUV--THANK YOU --WHATCAR...QUITE INFORMATIVE TOO.

[@jimblack8104]

Done over 28k miles in the titanium since July 2022, suspension is a bit stiff over speed bumps other then that it drives well and gives good fuel economy. Fiesta drives a bit better but the puma is easier to get in and out of due it being higher up. The interior is decent. Never used that silly box in the boot.

[@fus149hammer5]

Oh yeah the box that originally held a spare wheel! They go on as if they've done you a favour by taking it away.

[@jimblack8104]

@@fus149hammer5 your right but mine has a spare wheel

[@fus149hammer5]

@jimblack8104 We got a new one a week ago and the condition was it must have a spare wheel. Picked it up last Saturday and where there should have been a spare was just an empty space. The salesman said they don't have spare wheels anymore, they don't supply them. I referred him back to the spec sheet he gave us at the start clearly showing it as an optional extra. The manager wasn't available that day but Monday I was due to take it back to be diamondbrited. The manager was there so I grabbed him because it was him that offered us the car that was a cancelled order but a higher spec than usual and "definitely has a spare wheel". He ended up running around opening the boots of all the showroom models to find us the spare we should have had at the start. He couldn't find one. He has ordered one to be supplied free of charge. That stupid box isn't much use when you're stuck on the hard shoulder of a motorway in the rain with a shredded tyre and facing a three hour wait for help.

[@rasherbasher8203]

9:57 😂😂😂Brilliant

[@Poseur2]

I need to go drive one in Spain - all the car I need

[@user-fb6jl5my1j]

Love mine so far.. Apart from the thin paintwork and the questionable build quality. As a wheelchair user I love that my chair fits perfect in the Megabox. But the 155bhp/Automatic gearbox is a joy But I'm only 1,400 on the clock So far.

[@TundeEszlari]

Wonderful video.

[@jonathanreder7309]

Apart from the additional height the dimensions are the same as a Focus. So why are all the comparisons to the smaller Fiesta. own a Focus and hired a Puma on a recent holiday.

[@richardjohnson5529]

2 things i prefer the Ford when it had the Aston Martin type front grill, and when is the Puma going electric?

[@nickbromhall]

Launches in an EV version in 2024

[@richardjohnson5529]

@@nickbromhall thank you i have a Fiat 500e at the moment but might consider the Puma EV

[@Ulishbona]

Would you go for a Puma 1.0 125HP or a Vauxhall/Opel Mokka 1.2 130HP?

[@shaunofthedead5059]

Puma hands down

[@markmw123]

Can’t see the point of this review if a new model is due 2024

[@aye3678]

Will that be the face lifted version?

[@eDENTECHNOCYBERHUB]

YOUR BIGGEST KENYAN FAN RIGHT HERE, 21/07/2023

[@Sanpedranoazul]

Always thought the e-Pace Jag looked just like this but bigger

[@clawrence6190]

I owned the original Ford Puma many years ago and that was a fabulous, fun coupe. I loved it. This current incarnation is not a Puma. I had a test drive in one and found it cramped, far too small to be called even a mini SUV, complicated dashboard and not nice to drive. I didn't like the engine much either. Not for me I'm afraid, sorry.

[@IamZukes]

Just bought the ST, love it! Come from a 2.0L diesel BMW 3 series m sport haha

[@chitpaul]

The Toyota Yaris cross can run on electric only for short bursts.. boosting the MPG.

[@flaw3dgenius222]

Defo about time its had a face lift for sure.

[@johnwhite2143]

I think they should leave the exterior of the puma as it is, it looks great, love look of the vivid ruby edition, for me it would either be vivid ruby edition,st line x in grey matter or the puma st in azura blue in either 1.0t 170hp powershift st or the 1.5t manual st really are lovely looking cars 👌🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@princenemesis]

Yes the facelift has been seen testing

[@paultaylor9652]

They should of called it the Fiesta when it was released, older buyers will look elsewhere. Exterior looks fresh, dash looks a little dated sadly.

[@thelightnigplaz3760]

Can anybody tell me what the blue and white foot on a pedal symbol is that appears when your driving just got this car a couple of weeks ago

[@marinamarinx7655]

One of that stand outside at us and have nothing in common with the original Puma. I drove the First. That was a small fast car (230km/h) But that??

[@garydavis1528]

If you enjoy driving you want the Puma over the t-roc everyday of the week. The roc was naff when launched and though they’ve improved its original terrible cheap interior the Puma remains the better car of the two. We buy cars that are more dynamic over stale to dull bland with a slightly better plastic within it.

[@paulpilkington1797]

The VW has by far the more reliable engine..whatever the drivability

[@garydavis1528]

@@paulpilkington1797 No ones trusts Vw group engines as they fitted cheat device to their petrol engines and not just diesel as widely wrongly believed. Even fitted new cheat devices to engines that failed to put right in US and Germany so they never learn.

[@KnowTheNewOfficial]

Have any diesel varient?

[@garymcnidder9688]

No, all petrol

[@rossdev]

Yes my wife has the 1.5tdci engine in her Puma. It drives nicely and is extremely economical, about 3.9l/100km average. The 2024 launch model has dropped the diesel option.

[@miklu26]

When it was the best?

[@raynesispearl2650]

This car just looks so damn nice! I just kove the way ir looks

[@roconnor01]

I still prefer the Fiesta,and I'll miss it.

[@tenzingyatso1589]

This car looks exactly like the car I dream to own, this exact color. But I am in India, no chance for me to drive this ever.

[@davebullock5453]

from around 2020 the 1.0l engine is totaly differant

[@leswall3061]

Strange, my Ford Focus 2lt diesel is doing 48.4 to the gallon or so the car informs

[@jms.99]

Ford interiors are like the Audi's of a couple of years ago... Everything got changed but the interior still looks cheap or outdated

[@JohnSmith-mt5ok]

No way you’ll get 55mpg out of the 153 version, I’m getting 40 tops, use sport mode a lot and ur talking 25+ mpg

[@richardgroves8565]

Don't really understand why so many require off road capability nowadays. Have we all become farmers?

[@fus149hammer5]

No it's just the roads are so bad it's like going off road!😂

[@gpltd0097]

It is a good looking vehicle, are they reliable?

[@SuperEdge67]

No not at all.

[@brendenc8376]

I’ve had mine for 2 years, absolutely zero issues. Still drives as great as the day I got it…

[@k8vnl]

Love my puma ST.

[@nida1711]

It doesn’t look like small SUV it’s a hatchback and the engine is 1.0.

[@user-fs1jy9wx3l]

I just received 24 plate for Ford PUMA I will not recommend the car for anyone very basic car west of your money😢.

[@nljaaaa]

25k for Fiesta on steroids. Omg 😢

[@denniss2474]

Ford Puma is a brilliant car!

[@stevejewiss532]

Kamiq , all day and every day over this ,funny how in other countries reviews the Kamiq is the best , and I see loads of families in these and think how do you fit anything in that !? its hardly bigger than the Fiesta .It must just be the Ford badge and people thinking theyre still british made .

[@wendyhopkins2902]

How about mentioning Kia and hyhundai, far more kit for your money 💰 😊

[@paultaylor9652]

Yes, but they date very quickly sadly.

[@wendyhopkins2902]

@paultaylor9652 just look at the inside of the new kia sportage or niro , far more hi tech than that ford puma , just look at the graphics and size of screen 😆

[@fus149hammer5]

Seven year warranty with Kia. I saw the new EV9 the other day it's bonkers! Starting at 37k and going up to 75k it's like an electric Range Rover.

[@waynelogan8164]

I had a puma st with 200bhp and it slid into a curb in the snow so sold it because the damage cost 500 pounds to fix and blame the the Michelin pilot tyres.😢

[@rasherbasher8203]

Britain's favourite vehicle... Jesus!! What's happened to our great country.. 😂😂😂

[@phhuynh9881]

Reliable car?

[@flywalll]

Seriously? How could the Duster not top any small SUV chart? Please. Anything else is full of compromises. Besides the Puma looks like a raised Golf - semi-useless; up there with that compromised abomination from VW - T-Rock.

[@wayneheyes904]

That isn’t the NEW Puma is the Current Puma the NEW facelift is due in 2024! Very misleading title

[@WilliamMcBride]

The title never said ‘new’ it said 2023 signifying it is the current generation!

[@ciaranoconnor6525]

What are you on about Wayne. You’re the only person misled by this. Clearly says 2023

[@flaw3dgenius222]

Stop being a silly billy Wayne

[@signalorangers2k]

I picked up a new Puma ST Line 155bhp 2 weeks ago. It's identical

[@rasherbasher8203]

Puma or t-roc... 😂😂 time to get the bus.

[@Irishgamer01]

They (ford) are cancelling all their cars so its here today and gone tomorrow. Like fiesta/Mondeo and soon to go focus

[@FredMazo]

the Car is a Ford Fiesta engine with a different chasis. Don't get fool by the appearance. I rather stay with the Focus.

[@bondjamesbond9041]

One of the worst SUV's with that Ecobooooom engine. Ford used to be good at producing reliable , affordable great cars. Not any more with this disaster of an engine and despite changing from a wet belt to timing chain. Shame because the Puma looks really great.

[@GK-qc5ry]

Oh no, not the 1.0 litre ecoboost engine again. Enjoy the timing belt change and wet belt issues.

[@evan0556]

New puma have chain not belt.

[@paulpilkington1797]

Shame about the utterly abysmal Ford ecoboom engines with ridiculous rubber timing belts running through warm oil and throwing teet.h. Our local garage won't touch them

[@theBonus77]

Pumas dont have wet belts

[@plym1969]

Your comment is true for older cars with the ecoboost engines but newer cars have chains not belts. I've done 70k miles in 30 months and no problems at all.

[@bondjamesbond9041]

Agree. My garage would not touch one either.

[@bondjamesbond9041]

@@theBonus77 The timing chains have problems too. Plus the basic design of the engine is similar to the wet belt engine version together with its associated design issues.

[@bondjamesbond9041]

@@plym1969 You are very lucky. The timing chains have problems too. Plus the basic design of the engine is similar to the wet belt engine version together with its associated design issues.

[@etbadaboum]

All the engineers involved in the making of this car has been fired recently, Ford is toast in Europe

[@reardeltoit4644]

it is not peauma it is just PUMA.

[@keithisaacs6092]

Don't know how you can say a car is best in class purely on handling alone. A VW T ROC is streets ahead in build quality and practicality. And you failed to mention the Skoda Kamig that out performs both these cars in terms of build quality and comfort.

[@bondjamesbond9041]

Would not have a TROC or any VW product for two reasons. 1. The TSI engine when it has a few miles under its belt become very problematical. 2. I would not drive a car with VW's very questionable recent past i.e. Diesel gate shenanigans. That said I would not buy a Puma either with that Ecoboooom engine.

[@keithisaacs6092]

@@bondjamesbond9041 Done 53,000 in my 1.5 tsi Skoda karoq with no problems silky smooth engine and ride. Every body that travels in it says how comfortable and quiet it is and the quality of the interior.

[@kkiwi54]

The "headrests" aren't actually headrests - they're head restraints, a safety feature rather than a comfort feature 😏

[@SuperEdge67]

Looks good, but will break down all the time. Stick with Toyota, Mazda or Honda.

[@richiehumphreys3284]

These reviews are like trip advisor. All the same and daft complaints. Everyone is different so it doesn't matter what this person thinks cos we.are all different.

[@williama-d6]

lo zero percent? a few more of those and you will be driving all wobbely

[@managersamuel]

That's a hatchback not suv

[@marksapollo]

Ford quality. Better off with a second hand Mini or Audi.

[@jmcampbell]

Probably has average reliability

[@SuperEdge67]

Below average.

[@pradeepmagan6951]

If it was electric

[@Corsa15DT]

never was

[@mariawilliams4388]

L

[@cabottaxi]

Ford Eco boom

[@johnprice1331]

Overpriced and looks cheap

[@brianhume4743]

Wet belt engine =😧👎👎👎

[@theBonus77]

I’ve read the 1.0 puma engine doesn’t have the wet belt but an external cam belt

[@bondjamesbond9041]

@@theBonus77 No it does not. The new Puma has a timing chain. But these have been found to give problems too.

[@martinsmith9618]

​@@bondjamesbond9041I have a focus with a 1L ecoboost engine - 10 years old and NO ISSUES because I get it serviced regularly with the correct oil. No, I am not lucky and I am sure there are plenty of other owners with no issues. Like everything else, you only hear about the bad never the good.

[@barryhingston6426]

Pointless video. It is no different in content to when the car was new. Adds no value. How are 3 year od Puma's doing , how reliable are they ?

[@Nghtmare30589]

God Ford makes some fugly interiors

[@Decebal825]

OMG looks a little like a tesla but has the Hybrid scam battery that cannot drive by itself LOL ford