Review - 2023 Ford Puma

The Ford Puma is often overshadowed by its main rivals in the ever-competitive world of small SUVs, and all things considered, that’s quite a shame because it’s a pretty impressive package.

Let’s take a closer look at what the Ford Puma has to offer buyers looking at the range of options in the compact SUV segment.

Ford Puma Competition

Starting Price: $30,840

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How Much Does It Cost?

The Ford Puma range kicks off from $30,840 for the entry-level Puma, with prices rising up to $33,190 for the mid-range Puma ST-Line, while the range-topping Puma ST-Line V is priced at $36,390.

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change and do not include on-road costs.

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You could save money by using one of OnlineAuto’s car agents to assist you in finding the best car for you. As one of the leading car buying services in Australia, our team have access to a range of dealerships across the country to help find you the best deal.

Ford Puma (ST-LINE V) Specifications

What Features Does the Ford Puma Have?

Ford’s entry-level Puma comes riding on a set of 17-inch alloys, and picks up LED head & tail lights with LED daytime running lamps, cloth upholstery with a leatherette steering wheel & gear lever, climate control, cruise control, a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors, wireless charging, interior LED lighting and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

Stepping up to the Puma ST-Line adds a sports suspension system, upgraded rooftop spoiler, chrome exhaust pipes, ST-Line seats & steering wheel upgrade and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Finally, the range-topping Puma ST-Line V receives 18-inch alloys, upgraded LED headlights, Sensico upholstery, keyless entry & start, a powered boot lift and an upgraded 10-speaker B&O sound system.

Range Features:

• 17-inch alloys

• LED head & tail lights, LED daytime running lamps 

• Cloth upholstery with leatherette steering wheel & gear lever 

• Climate control 

• Rear-view camera with rear parking sensors 

• 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto 

• Sports suspension (ST-Line)

• ST-Line seats & steering wheel (ST-Line)

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (ST-Line)

• 18-inch alloys (ST-Line V) 

• Powered boot lift (ST-Line V) 

• 10-speaker B&O sound system (ST-Line V)

Is the Ford Puma Comfortable to Drive?

While small SUVs are typically a very vanilla affair behind the wheel, the Ford Puma wastes no time in asserting itself as one of the dynamic compact SUV packages on the market.

It doesn’t offer a heap of power, with the pint-sized 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder pushing out a modest 92kW of power and 170Nm of torque which is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Off the line the Puma offers some zippy acceleration and snaps into the next gear thanks to the dual-clutch transmission, offering some decent pick up around town to get you up to speed.

Where it really shines, though, is just how nimble the platform is, even in the base model which misses out on the sports suspension package fitted to the ST-Line and above.

The Puma is more than happy to change direction on a dime, making for a great little city car that remains comfortable around town and at high speeds on the open road alike.

The package is made even more user-friendly thanks to its short wheelbase platform and the lightweight steering rack that makes it easy to slot into tight spots and glide through traffic.

All up, the Puma is a fantastic little city car that adds a sprinkle of much-needed excitement and charm to a segment plagued with unexciting compact SUV rivals.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Thanks to its pint-sized engine and some clever cylinder deactivation technology, the Ford Puma is impressively fuel efficient, returning combined cycle fuel economy figures of 5.3L/100km.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

The Ford Puma picks up a well-equipped and handsome cabin in entry-level form, speaking to Ford’s long standing experience in the automotive game.

Up front the driver and front passenger pick up a heap of space, with no issues when it comes to headroom for tall drivers and a decent amount of adjustment in the seats and steering wheel position.

There’s a large storage area at the base of the dash, paired with two cup holders and some added storage inside the folding arm rest and door bins, ticking all the important boxes in terms of practicality up front.

The same can’t be said, however, when it comes to space on offer in the rear of the cabin, which is a common problem for small SUVs that come built on a compact platform.

Headroom is fine, though legroom is quite limited for adults, meaning you’re better off throwing a smaller pair of legs behind the front row on any medium to long journeys.

The second row of the Puma picks up a pair of ISOFIX anchors and three top tether mounts for child seats, while the boot measures in at a very healthy 410L, putting most of its rivals to shame in terms of cargo space.

Is it Safe?

The Ford Puma has picked up a five-star ANCAP safety rating, scoring 94% for adult protection, 86% for child protection, 77% for pedestrian protection and 74% for safety assist.

As standard, the Puma comes packaged with AEB with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alerts with lane-keep assistance, a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors, traffic sign detection and curtain airbags inside the cabin.

Unfortunately, buyers hoping for blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alerts and even front parking sensors and adaptive cruise control will have to opt for Ford’s optional safety package.

Our Verdict: Is The Ford Puma Worth it?

Compact SUVs are a great option for those living in the city, and the Ford Puma asserts itself as one of the most charming and dynamic packages on the market.

While it’s admittedly too pricey to miss out on things like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alerts as standard, it remains one of the most appealing small SUVS on the market.

If you’re swamped with options in the world of small SUVs, be sure to reach out to one of our car buying specialists who can help find your dream car at a great price.

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty 

2. 5.2L/100km combined cycle fuel economy figures 

3. Five-star ANCAP safety rating 

4. 12-month/15,000km service intervals 

5. 410L boot space