I changed from a Ford Kuga 2 163 Diesel AWD Titanium X to the XE 20d 180 Portfolio ...
When I bought the Kuga it was fairly new off the production line and waiting times were not dissimilar to the XE (6-7 months at one point). Ford got caught out with its popularity at first, had loads of issues with parts (autoboxes, certain alloys, paints, etc. etc.). Lets just say the forum topics were very similar!!
As to the Kuga vs XE,
1. Quality of Finish - Ford have done a great job improving quality over the years but its no match for the luxury finish and feel of the XE, and sound insulation is much better
2. Ride and comfort - not a fair comparison as the Kuga is a tall 4x4 - the XE handling is in a completely different league and much firmer
3. Performance - Yes its nice to have some performance back
4. Looks - I love the look of the XE B-)
What I've lost:
Panoramic sunroof - hardly ever used it though
BLIS - more frustrating than useful
AWD - hope the winters aren't too harsh!
Lane drift correction - but never actually turned it on
Boot space
Rattles - doors, sunroof controls, dashboard, seatbelt housings, etc. (hope they don't come back
)
Towbar - used it twice in 2 years so didn't bother on the XE
What I've gained:
Performance
Comfort
Style
Performance
Quiet
Better MPG (overall average in the Kuga 38, in the XE 54 so far if you drive ECO)
Improved infotainment - Kuga was good but now a little dated and Ford never updated it as they promised!
And Performance!