New Ford Capri – A Practical EV That Struggles to Stand Out

An in-depth analysis of the new electric Ford Capri. Strengths in storage and efficiency, but questions remain about comfort, handling, and price.

When a car brand resurrects a name from the past, it’s usually a move to play the nostalgia card. But the new Ford Capri isn’t just a stylistic nod to the ’70s. It’s a conscious step into the electric future, one that tries to preserve some of the charisma of its namesake. While the name remains, everything else about this car is brand new.

Electric with a Practical Twist

The modern Capri is no longer a coupe—it’s a full-sized electric SUV with a coupe-inspired silhouette. And despite its sporty ambitions, one of its strongest features is practicality. The boot space is exceptional: it fits nine carry-on suitcases beneath the parcel shelf, outclassing rivals like the Kia EV6 and Cupra Tavascan. A height-adjustable floor, hidden compartments, removable bins, and clever storage solutions turn the boot into a cargo playground.

But the rear seats reveal a clear compromise. The sloping roofline means that even average-sized adults will feel cramped in the back. The central seat is especially tight on headroom, and the backrest configuration (60/40 split) is less versatile than some competitors. This makes the Capri’s rear space feel less family-friendly than one might expect from a vehicle of this size.

Interior: A Mix of Ambition and Trade-offs

The front cabin makes a solid impression. A large, vertically-oriented touchscreen can be tilted to reduce glare and hides a handy storage nook behind it. The SYNC Move interface is intuitive and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Still, the absence of physical climate controls is a problem—adjusting temperature or fan speed while driving can be distractingly cumbersome.

Material quality is mostly good, though hard plastics in places betray cost-saving choices. The steering wheel buttons are another oddity—neither fully tactile nor truly touch-sensitive, they make basic functions frustratingly imprecise. That said, front-row storage is among the best in class, with oversized compartments, trays, cupholders, and a cavernous cubby under the armrest.

Power, Efficiency, and Driving Feel

The Capri comes with three battery options and the choice of rear- or all-wheel drive. The top-spec version with a 79 kWh battery and dual motors sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. But it’s the efficiency that stands out: in real-world winter testing, the car achieved close to 300 km on a full charge—better than many of its direct rivals.

Charging speeds are decent: from 10 to 80% in about 30 minutes. However, only the AWD variant supports faster 185 kW charging; the RWD version tops out at 135 kW. On the upside, even the base trim includes heated seats, adaptive cruise control, and dual-zone climate—rare features at entry-level pricing.

Behind the Wheel: Caught Between Sport and Compromise

Though positioned as the sportier alternative in Ford’s EV lineup, the Capri’s driving dynamics don’t fully deliver. The suspension is firm, but body control is inconsistent—bumps are felt, and the cabin experiences noticeable sway on uneven roads. The light steering lacks feedback, and cornering is far from engaging.

Acceleration is brisk, but throttle response can be overly sharp at low speeds, making urban driving feel jerky. Braking has its quirks too: there's an excessive dead zone in the pedal before any actual deceleration begins. While stopping power is easy to modulate later, the initial delay feels unsettling.

In a segment filled with agile and comfortable electric SUVs, the Capri’s on-road behavior leaves it a step behind.

Price and Positioning: Straddling Two Worlds

At first glance, the Capri appears competitively priced. But the base model offers a smaller battery and limited range compared to similarly priced rivals. Upgrading to a longer-range version quickly pushes the price above that of key competitors.

Fully equipped, the Capri crosses the £60,000 threshold—territory where buyers expect near-perfection. And while the equipment list is generous, a heat pump is still optional at all trim levels. The standard 3-year/60,000-mile warranty is average at best, especially compared to Kia’s outstanding 7-year/100,000-mile coverage. As for reliability, it's too early to tell—Ford’s recent track record is mid-pack.

Conclusion: Practical, But Not a Game-Changer

The new Ford Capri shines in some key areas: cargo space, standard equipment, and impressive efficiency. But those strengths aren’t enough to elevate it above the competition. Ride comfort, driving dynamics, and pricing all pose challenges—especially in a market brimming with well-rounded alternatives.

This isn’t a reinvention of a legend. It’s a modern electric SUV with a famous badge and a few standout qualities, but not the all-around brilliance today’s buyers might expect. A bold return, yes—but not a revolutionary one.