The sub-compact SUV market has a new electric contender, and it’s wearing a familiar face. Ford’s Puma Gen-E has officially joined the lineup in Europe as a fully electric alternative to the popular mild-hybrid Puma. With ST-level power, a respectable (if not groundbreaking) 376 km (234 miles) of range, and increased interior practicality, the Puma Gen-E steps into the EV ring with plenty to prove.

But does it deliver enough to hold its own against Stellantis’s electric arsenal or the reborn Renault 4? Let’s dive in.

A Familiar Punch, but Not Quite a Knockout

The Fiesta-based Puma Gen-E runs on a single electric motor mounted on the front axle, producing 166 hp (124 kW) and 290 Nm (214 lb-ft) of torque. This makes it technically less powerful by 2 hp than the hybrid Puma ST, which is the most potent version of the small SUV, but with a welcome bump of 42 Nm in torque. However, tipping the scales at 1,553 kg (3,426 pounds), the Gen-E gains some heft courtesy of its 43 kWh battery pack.

That added weight shows in the numbers: a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 8 seconds flat, making it 0.6 seconds slower than the ST variant. The top speed is capped at a modest 160 km/h (99 mph), signaling its city-focused intentions. It’s certainly not going to embarrass hot hatches at the lights, but for an electric crossover in this class, these specs land squarely in the “adequate” column.

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And the range? Depending on trim, Ford claims between 347-376 km (216-234 miles) on a single charge. That’s a little behind competitors like the Jeep Avenger or Peugeot E-2008 from Stellantis, which feature slightly larger battery capacities in the 50-54 kWh range. The Puma Gen-E’s smaller pack is reflected in its WLTP numbers, but Ford touts an impressive efficiency of 13.1 kWh/100 km.

On the plus side, it supports 100 kW DC fast charging, juicing the battery from 10-80% in about 23 minutes, a stat that softens the blow of its middling range. If you’re wondering, the charging port is located in the same spot with the fuel cap in the ICE-powered Puma.

A Mustang-Inspired Nose and More Room for Junk in the Trunk

Where the Puma Gen-E makes a stronger case for itself is in its design and practicality. The SUV receives a revised front bumper with a closed-off grille and sleeker intakes that nod to the Mustang Mach-E. Beyond that, it’s business as usual, with minor updates like unique alloy wheels, a slightly tweaked rear spoiler, and—of course—the absence of tailpipes.

Inside, Ford plays the practicality card, leveraging the compact electric motor to carve out more storage. The boot offers a generous 574 liters (20.3 cubic feet), plus a 43-liter (1.5 cubic feet) frunk, perfect for charging cables or groceries. Even better, the cleverly named “Megabox” under the boot floor has been upsized to a “Gigabox.” Marketing semantics aside, it seems genuinely useful.

The digital cockpit is shared with the regular Puma, including the 12.8-inch digital instrument cluster and the 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, introduced earlier this year as part of the mid-lifecycle update. However, the electric version features a raised center console with a new storage compartment taking advantage of the space normally occupied by the gearbox.

Pricing And Rivals

The Puma Gen-E is being produced at the Ford Otosan plant in Craiova, Romania, although the electric drive units are being shipped from Halewood, UK. Ford has already started accepting orders, with deliveries expected to commence in spring 2025.

The Puma Gen-E enters the European market with a starting price of €36,900 ($38,800) in Germany, making it Ford’s most affordable EV offering in the region. For context, the gas-powered Puma starts at €28,900 ($30,400), while the hybrid Puma ST goes for €40,600 ($42,700). That puts the Gen-E in a competitive sweet spot for buyers willing to go electric but not quite ready to splurge on a Mustang Mach-E or the Capri EV.

Rivals of the Ford Puma Gen-E include the Jeep Avenger, Fiat 600e, Alfa Romeo Junior, Peugeot E-2008, and Opel Mokka Electric from Stellantis, alongside the Renault 4 E-Tech, and the Mini Aceman.

Ford

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is reaching middle age, but the company is keeping things fresh with a handful of updates for 2025. While the changes aren’t dramatic, there are a few welcome additions including a newly standard heat pump that helps to optimize energy consumption in cold climates.

Besides that handy little feature, the crossover will be offered with a new Sport Appearance Package. Available on the Premium trim, the package cribs the front fascia and grille from the Mustang Mach-E GT. Buyers will also find 19-inch gloss black wheels, black accents, and red Brembo front brake calipers. Inside, there are sport pedals and red contrast stitching.

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The Premium trim sees further refinements with the addition of ventilated front seats. All 2025 Mustang Mach-Es also have a new column-mounted shifter, which replaces the the previous center console-mounted dial.

On the tech front, the 2025 Mustang Mach-E rolls out a new Ford Connectivity Package, which includes a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, connected navigation, and in-vehicle apps. The latter include everything from YouTube to karaoke.

Sticking with the tech theme, the 2025 Mustang Mach-E offers BlueCruise 1.5. It has a new Automatic Lane Change function, which is automatically initiated when a “vehicle ahead is slower than the set speed or if a vehicle is following too closely in the passing lane.” Ford said the feature “keeps drivers engaged longer in hands-free mode and helps navigate traffic” and added that “internal testing shows BlueCruise 1.5 automates up to 45% of driver-initiated lane changes on a typical drive.”

Rounding out the highlights are a revised color palette that gains three new options known as Desert Sand, Velocity Blue Metallic, and Molten Magenta Metallic Tinted Clearcoat. Customers will also find three new wheels including a Dark Carbonized Gray design for the Mustang Mach-E Rally.

The electric crossover will hit Ford dealerships early next year with a starting price of $36,495—a sizeable drop from the current base price of $39,995 before destination fees.