As Australia’s city roads get tighter and fuel prices fluctuate, compact SUVs like the Ford Puma are becoming a practical solution for urban drivers who want more than just basic mobility. In 2025, Ford has updated the Puma with refined styling, smarter tech, and improved efficiency—while keeping the cheeky fun and agile handling it’s known for.
The Ford Puma has quietly built a reputation as one of the more underrated offerings in the light SUV segment. Competing against models like the Mazda CX-3, Hyundai Kona, and Toyota Yaris Cross, the 2025 Puma positions itself as a stylish, practical, and driver-focused SUV.
Let’s explore everything you need to know before buying the 2025 Ford Puma—features, design, performance, tech, safety, ownership costs, and how it stacks up against rivals in Australia.
What's New in 2025?
The 2025 Ford Puma retains its European flair while benefiting from minor but smart updates aimed at enhancing everyday usability. Some highlights of this year’s model include:
- New SYNC 4 infotainment system with over-the-air updates
- Refined front-end styling with slimmer LED headlights
- More standard driver-assist features
- Updated interior trim and usability tweaks
- Improved fuel economy figures thanks to revised engine tuning
Ford has not attempted a full redesign, but the incremental updates push the Puma to stay competitive in one of Australia’s fastest-growing segments.
Design & Styling
Exterior Looks
The 2025 Puma is immediately eye-catching. With its muscular haunches, elevated ride height, and wide grille, it looks far sportier than many of its rivals. The slimline LED headlights and refreshed bumper give the front fascia a modernized feel. From the side, the Puma’s coupe-like roofline and 18-inch alloys (in ST-Line and Vignale trims) add a premium touch.
You can expect:
- 7 paint options including premium finishes
- ST-Line models with sporty black accents
- Optional contrast roof and tinted rear windows
- Aerodynamic tweaks to improve fuel efficiency
Dimensions
- Length: 4186 mm
- Width: 1805 mm
- Height: 1537 mm
- Wheelbase: 2588 mm
These dimensions strike a great balance between compact footprint and interior practicality.
Interior Comfort and Features
Cabin Layout
Step inside, and you’re greeted with a European-style interior that feels refined and intuitive. The new SYNC 4 infotainment system is now the centerpiece, housed within a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Key changes for 2025 include:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Improved voice control & natural language recognition
- Updated trim materials with soft-touch finishes
- Wireless charging pad now standard across the range
Space and Practicality
Despite its compact size, the Puma surprises with clever packaging:
- Front seats are supportive and offer decent adjustability
- Rear seats are fine for average adults on short-to-medium trips
- Boot space: a class-leading 456 litres (with adjustable boot floor)
- “MegaBox” underfloor storage – deep enough to fit tall items upright
It's ideal for city errands, weekend getaways, or carting sports gear.
Engine and Performance
The 2025 Puma continues with the same 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder EcoBoost engine:
- Power: 92kW @ 6000rpm
- Torque: 170Nm @ 1500-4500rpm
- Transmission: 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch auto)
- Drive: Front-wheel drive only
Driving Experience
- Zippy acceleration in urban traffic
- Light, responsive steering and agile cornering
- Sporty suspension tune gives a composed, yet fun ride
- Engine note has a throaty charm—rare in this class
While it's not the most powerful small SUV, it’s easily one of the most engaging to drive in city conditions.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
One of the Puma’s strongest assets is its efficiency:
- Official combined cycle: 5.3 L/100km
- Real-world city use: ~6.0 L/100km
- Fuel tank capacity: 42 litres
- CO2 emissions: 121 g/km
This puts the Puma ahead of rivals like the CX-3 and Kona in terms of fuel cost over time. If you’re a city commuter, this car will help keep your fuel bills in check.
Technology and Connectivity
Ford has overhauled its tech game in 2025:
- SYNC 4 system with smarter navigation and cloud-based features
- 12.3-inch digital cluster with customizable layouts
- Over-the-air software updates for vehicle features
- USB-C ports front and rear
- FordPass Connect for remote start, vehicle status, and location
Optional upgrades include a Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker sound system, panoramic sunroof, and ambient lighting.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The 2025 Puma is equipped with a suite of advanced safety features, even on the base variant. Ford’s Co-Pilot360 system includes:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane-Keep Assist with Road Edge Detection
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Reversing Camera with Front/Rear Parking Sensors
ANCAP Rating:
The 2025 model retains its 5-star ANCAP safety rating (based on the latest testing criteria).
Variants and Pricing in Australia
Current Line-Up:
- Puma – Base model
- Puma ST-Line – Sportier styling and suspension
- Puma ST-Line V – More premium equipment
- Puma ST (TBC in Australia) – Performance version, not yet confirmed for AU
Price Guide (Drive-Away Approx.):
- Puma: $31,990
- Puma ST-Line: $34,990
- Puma ST-Line V: $37,990
All trims come with Ford’s 5-year/unlimited km warranty, roadside assist, and capped-price servicing.
Ownership, Servicing & Reliability
Servicing
- Service interval: 12 months or 15,000km
- Capped-price servicing: ~$299 per visit
- Total 5-year cost: ~$1,500–$1,800
Warranty
- 5-year/unlimited km warranty
- 7 years of roadside assistance (if serviced with Ford)
- FordPass integration allows easier service booking
Reliability
Ford’s EcoBoost engines have proven durable, and the Puma shares many components with the Fiesta and Focus, both known for mechanical reliability.
How It Compares to Rivals
| Model | Engine | Fuel Use (L/100km) | Boot (L) | Drive Away Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Puma | 1.0L Turbo | 5.3 | 456 | $31,990–$37,990 |
| Mazda CX-3 | 2.0L NA | 6.6 | 264 | $26,800–$37,400 |
| Hyundai Kona | 2.0L / 1.6T | 6.2–6.9 | 407 | $32,000–$42,000 |
| Toyota Yaris Cross | 1.5L Hybrid | 3.8 | 390 | $30,000–$38,500 |
| Volkswagen T-Cross | 1.0L Turbo | 5.4 | 385 | $31,000–$37,500 |
The Puma stands out with a unique combo of:
- Best-in-class boot space
- Zippy handling
- Competitive pricing
- Strong tech & safety package
Only the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid beats it on efficiency.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Stylish and distinctive design
- Engaging drive and light steering
- Best-in-class boot with MegaBox
- Great safety and infotainment tech
- Excellent fuel economy
❌ Cons:
- Rear-seat space is tight for tall passengers
- No AWD option
- Limited performance from small engine on highways
- ST version not officially available in Australia (yet)
Final Verdict: Is the 2025 Ford Puma Right for You?
If you're a city driver looking for a compact SUV that blends style, smart technology, driving fun, and efficiency, the 2025 Ford Puma is a top contender. It may not have the hybrid advantages of a Toyota Yaris Cross or the brand clout of a Mazda CX-3, but it offers:
- Practical daily usability
- A playful drive
- Premium features at reasonable prices
For singles, couples, or small families living in urban or suburban Australia, the Ford Puma ticks most boxes. It’s a hidden gem in the crowded small SUV market—worth test-driving before making your decision.
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