Ford Puma ST-Line X (2025) Review
The compact crossover market is fiercely competitive, but the 2025 Ford Puma ST-Line X doesn’t just show up—it turns heads. With bold styling, practical features, and a surprising dose of driving fun, the Puma makes a strong case for itself in the small SUV class.
If you want a compact crossover that’s fun to drive, easy to live with, and full of smart design touches, the Puma deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Powertrain & Performance: A Tiny Engine with a Big Attitude
Under the hood, this particular Puma packs a 1.0-litre mild-hybrid EcoBoost engine paired to a 7-speed automatic PowerShift gearbox, producing 155 PS. That’s good for a 0–62 mph time of 8.7 seconds—not bad for a compact family car.
Ford’s infamous 1.0 EcoBoost has been controversial in the past (wet belt issues, anyone?), but thankfully, the current model features a more durable chain-drive system, addressing much of the old reliability concerns.
In everyday driving, it’s zippy and responsive, especially in Sport mode. The Puma feels more Fiesta than SUV when darting around town or carving up a B-road. However, it’s not without flaws—refinement isn’t its strong suit. There’s a fair bit of road and drivetrain noise, and the PowerShift auto gearbox lacks the polish of some rivals’ dual-clutch systems. Manual might be the better choice for some.
Ride & Handling: The Fiesta Spirit Lives On
Despite its extra size compared to the now-defunct Fiesta, the Puma retains a lot of its sibling's character. It’s agile, confident, and genuinely fun to drive, especially for a crossover.
That said, the ST-Line X trim comes with a firmer suspension, which can feel crashy over imperfect roads. If comfort is a top priority, the regular ST-Line or Titanium trims might be more your speed.
Practicality & Boot Space: The MegaBox Is the Game Changer
Ford has gone all-in on practicality with the Puma. You get a 455-litre boot, which expands to 1,200 litres with the rear seats folded. The standout feature here is the MegaBox—an 80-litre waterproof compartment with a drain plug tucked beneath the boot floor. Ideal for muddy boots, wet gear, or even carrying ice and drinks on a road trip.
The integrated parcel shelf that lifts with the boot lid is another small but clever touch, making the load area less fiddly than in many rivals.
Interior & Tech: Function Over Flash
Step inside, and you’re greeted with a straightforward, ergonomic cabin. The materials aren't premium—there's a lot of basic black plastic—but Ford has wisely spent the money where it matters:
SYNC 4 infotainment system with a clear, responsive touchscreen
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and even Ford’s beloved Quickclear heated windscreen
The driver’s digital display is crisp and easy to read, and you’ve got plenty of USB options (A and C), plus a wireless charging pad. There’s also a manual handbrake and traditional gear shifter, which will be comforting to many traditionalists.
One oddity? The steering wheel feels unnecessarily large for the size of the vehicle. Not a dealbreaker, but something you notice right away.
Rear Space: Roomy Enough
Rear seat passengers fare well, with decent head and legroom—even for those over 6 feet tall. The panoramic roof trims a bit off headroom, but not drastically. There's a 12V socket and USB-C ports in the back, though the materials on the rear doors feel a bit cheap.
Fitting two child seats is no issue, but squeezing three adults across the back row would be a stretch—especially with the transmission tunnel intruding in the middle.
MPG & Efficiency: Not Bad, Not Brilliant
Ford claims up to 48.7 mpg (WLTP) for this model. In real-world driving, we saw around 44 mpg in town and up to 47 mpg on longer runs, which is respectable—though not class-leading compared to hybrid-focused rivals like the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Verdict: Should You Buy the 2025 Ford Puma?
The 2025 Ford Puma ST-Line X is a great all-rounder, offering a blend of fun, functionality, and clever packaging. It’s not the quietest or most luxurious option in its class, and the ride can be stiff, but it compensates with lively handling, useful tech, and a boot setup that genuinely outsmarts the competition.
If you want a compact crossover that’s fun to drive, easy to live with, and full of smart design touches, the Puma deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Pros
- Zippy, fun-to-drive dynamics
- Practical and clever boot design (MegaBox!)
- Well-integrated infotainment and tech
- Strong real-world MPG
Cons
- Firm ride on ST-Line X trim
- Cabin materials lack polish
- Automatic gearbox could be smoother - Larger steering wheel feels oddly mismatched
Price Range: £26,500 – £35,000 (Petrol variants)
Also Available: All-electric Puma Gen-E
To find out the latest lease prices for a Ford Puma, Click here.
