Ford Kuga Overland
A One-of-a-Kind Adventure Build
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This Ford Kuga overlanding project shows you do not need a traditional 4×4 to get out and explore. With some planning, research, and the right parts, I turned a regular SUV into something that can handle real adventures.
Ford Kuga Tyres: Performance, Comfort, and Control for Every Drive
Build Spec – Ford Kuga Overlanding Kit
- 40mm lift kit
- Custom rear dislocation cones (Built by an ethird party workshop)
Exterior
- Cargo roof rack with full-size spare wheel and spotlights
- Misutonida 4×4 bullbar with integrated spotlights
- Wind deflectors
- Bonnet deflector
From Family SUV to Overland Build
I have had this Ford Kuga for a little over four years, but it has been in my family since my dad bought it new in 2010. It looked nothing like this back then. From the first day I got it, I wanted to make it more capable off-road and turn it into something special.
Right from the start, I knew what I wanted: lift the suspension, put on all-terrain tyres, add a roof rack, and build a real overland setup. In summer 2025, I finally decided to go for it. I soon found out that building an overland kit for a Ford Kuga is not easy, since hardly anyone has done it before.
Suspension – The Foundation of the Build I started by fitting a cargo roof rack, which was a cheap and straightforward way to make the Kuga look ready for adventure. After that, I got to work on the suspension.
I found out that Delta4x4 had lifted a Mk1 Kuga by 40mm before, which let them fit 235/70/16 tyres. That size has lots of all-terrain options. To keep costs down, I ordered a 40mm lift kit from a company in Lithuania. The kit came with polyurethane strut spacers for the front and rear, as well as rear spring spacers.
Fitting the kit was easy, but I ran into problems right away. On the way home, I hit a pothole and one of the rear springs popped out. I used what I knew from off-roading and made custom rear dislocation cones, like the ones used on Land Rovers. Since you cannot buy these for a Kuga, I had to make them myself. After that, the setup was reliable, even when the rear wheels lifted on rough ground.
Wheels, Tyres, and Stance
Next, I changed the wheels and tyres. I went with 16-inch Tuff Torque Modular steel wheels and BF Goodrich KO2 all-terrain tyres. This made the Kuga look entirely different.
The new tyres gave me better grip and durability, and the bigger size added some extra ground clearance. I also added 25mm rear wheel spacers to widen the track. This gave the Kuga a tougher look on and off the road.
Overland Styling and Functionality Once the main upgrades were done, I focused on the details. I fitted spotlights to the roof rack and a custom Misutonida 4×4 bullbar from Italy, along with more lights. I also mounted a full-size spare wheel on the roof rack, which I got from 4x4tyres. This finished off the build.
Ford Kuga Overlanding Review – Final Thoughts After extensive research, problem-solving, and hands-on work, the Kuga overland build is finally complete. Looking back, I am proud of what I have built. It is practical, capable, and looks ready for adventure. I have not seen another Ford Kuga overland build like this anywhere. Now, it’s time to do what it was built for.
Adventures await. 👉 Follow the journey on Instagram: @overlander_kuga
photo credit @g3_cxo
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