New, refreshed Ford Puma Gen-e review. (Copy)

⚡ 2026 Ford Puma Gen-E Review | Best Small EV Yet? ⚡

The Puma has been one of Ford’s best-selling cars for years, but is the all-new 2026 Ford Puma Gen-E the small electric car we’ve been waiting for and can the electric version continue the petrol cars’ success story?

In this review, we take a detailed look at Ford’s latest EV, covering everything you need to know including range, charging, practicality, performance, technology and value for money.
And, as we get behind the wheel, we see if this compact electric SUV has what it takes to compete with rivals like the Renault 5, Kia EV3, Hyundai Inster, Peugeot E-2008 and more.

Could this be the best small EV on sale in 2026?

Design and First Impressions

Cosmetically, the Gen-E stays very close to its ICE sibling, with subtle tweaks for efficiency: aero-optimised bumpers and a flush, rounded-off front grille. In certain colours (especially black or blue metallic), it looks sharp; in others, the black trim can appear a touch odd. We tested the entry-level Select trim with 17-inch alloys — a practical, no-frills starting point. 

Inside, it feels familiar to the regular Puma, which is both a strength and a limitation. The cabin is comfortable up front with supportive seats, plenty of legroom and headroom (even for our 6’3” reviewer), and intuitive basics like a responsive climate slider and Ford’s excellent heated front screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work seamlessly, and there’s a wireless charging pad. 

Some quirks stand out: the large steering wheel feels oversized, wiper stalks are on the left (easy to confuse with reverse initially), and one-pedal driving requires digging into the touchscreen menus or unreliable voice commands — a notable miss for quick adjustments on the move. The car remembers your preferred settings, which helps. 

Driving Experience

The Puma Gen-E is no rocket ship, but it’s adequate and engaging for a small EV. Sport mode surprisingly delivers the best efficiency (thanks to more regenerative braking) and feels the most responsive. Eco mode is notably dull. The firm ride suits the 17-inch wheels well on UK roads, though larger alloys would likely harden it further. Steering offers good feel, traction is impressive (better than some other converted platforms), and the low battery placement lowers the centre of gravity for nimble handling around town, but it’s noticeably low and you can see the pack protruding down when approaching the car from the side

It’s a great little town car — quiet enough with music on, good visibility, and strong regen in one-pedal mode that brings the car to a confident stop. Highway noise (mostly tyre) is present but manageable. Overall, it drives with composure and is forgiving for new EV drivers or those downsizing from something like a Fiesta. 

Practicality and Space

Practicality is a highlight. Up front, it’s roomy and comfortable. The rear is adequate for shorter journeys or kids/teenagers but tight for tall adults on longer trips (knees up high, limited comfort for our 6’ 3” reviewer).
Boot space is excellent thanks to the “Gigabox” — a massive underfloor compartment created by removing the ICE components — plus a small frunk (around 40 litres) for the Type 2 cable. No V2L capability, unfortunately, due to hardware limitations.

Range, Charging, and Value

The 2026 refresh brings a new NMC battery with more usable capacity (around 47 kWh). Official WLTP range is 259 miles; real-world expectations are 180–220 miles depending on conditions, with less on motorways or in winter. 

Charging peaks at 100 kW DC, achieving 10–80% in roughly 23–26 minutes. It qualifies for the full UK EV grant (£3,750), and attractive lease deals (e.g., £139 per month) make it very accessible. 

Verdict: A Strong Contender for Everyday Use

The Ford Puma Gen-E is a solid, practical small EV that plays to the strengths of the Puma nameplate. It’s not perfect — compromises from its ICE origins show in areas like one-pedal access, rear space for taller passengers, and minor niggles — but it delivers where it counts: comfortable front seats, nimble driving dynamics, decent real-world range for most users, and strong value, especially with the government grant and lease offers. 

For new drivers, families needing a practical second car, or urban commuters, it’s an excellent introduction to EVs and something people coming from the ICe car will feel at home in. It’s very ‘petrol car like’ but it won’t replace a dedicated long-range EV for frequent road trips, but for everyday duties, it’s fine. . 

Would you choose the Puma Gen-E over its rivals? Let us know in the comments, and check out the full video review on our YouTube channel for more details, walkarounds, and real driving impressions. Stay tuned to Ctrl Alt Refuel for more EV news, reviews, and insights!

Article based on Ctrl Alt Refuel’s hands-on review of the 2026 Ford Puma Gen-E (Select trim).

Author

Newt is a lifelong car enthusiast and specialist in electric cars.

You can find Newt on𝕏 at @eV_Newt