2025 Ford Capri Returns as an EV With 400 Mile Range: Does It Live Up to the Name?
The iconic Ford Capri is making a comeback, but this time it’s not the sporty gas-guzzler many fondly remember from the 1970s. Instead, it’s a brand-new electric SUV. Designed for today’s roads and buyers, the new 2025 Ford Capri has sparked significant debate, particularly in the UK, where the original Capri was beloved as the “European Mustang.” While the name carries a lot of nostalgia, the all-electric Capri is a very different beast.
So, what does this new EV bring to the table? And does it live up to the expectations tied to the iconic Capri badge? Let’s explore its design, driving dynamics, interior features, and overall place in the competitive EV market.
Controversy: A New Capri for a New Era
For those who remember the original Ford Capri, the name conjures images of a sporty coupé built for the masses. It was an affordable car that felt exciting to drive—a European take on the American muscle car. Naturally, when Ford announced that the Capri would return as an electric SUV, some fans were less than thrilled.
Many critics argue that the new 2025 Ford Capri strays too far from its roots. Unlike the rear-wheel-drive, gas-powered classic, this version uses the Volkswagen MEB platform—the same architecture behind VW’s ID.4 and ID.7. However, Ford has added its own flair, assembling the car in Cologne, Germany, and tweaking its design and performance to reflect its unique identity.
This mix of nostalgia and modernization has divided opinions. While purists may balk at the changes, others see it as a bold step into the EV era. But sentimentality aside, how does the new Capri perform on the road?
Driving Experience: Smooth and Versatile
Ford has a reputation for making family cars that are fun to drive, and the Capri continues this tradition. It offers multiple driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, as well as Traction mode for challenging weather conditions. These options let drivers tailor the car’s performance to suit their needs, whether cruising in the city, speeding down the highway, or navigating tight country roads.
In Normal mode in the city, the 2025 Ford Capri feels perfectly balanced. With 340 bhp and 501 lb-ft of torque, it has enough power to tackle urban streets without feeling sluggish. The addition of one-pedal driving—something its VW cousins lack—gives it an edge in convenience.
In day-to-day driving, the Capri impresses with its balance. The steering is well-weighted, offering decent feedback, and the car feels agile despite its size—6.1 feet wide and 15 feet long. It’s also fast, accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.3 seconds in its top-spec dual-motor version. That’s significantly quicker than the original Capri and ensures the SUV delivers excitement when you press the pedal.
On the highway, the 2025 Ford Capri excels in refinement. Ford’s Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) team has done an excellent job, making the cabin remarkably quiet. Long journeys feel effortless, with road and wind noise kept to a minimum.
The suspension, while slightly firm, handles most bumps well, though the car’s weight of 4,828 lbs occasionally makes itself known. It’s not quite as sporty as some might hope, but it’s more engaging to drive than its VW cousins, such as the ID.5.
Range and Charging: Decent but Not Groundbreaking
The 2025 Ford Capri offers competitive charging capabilities, supporting fast charging at up to 185 kW. While not class-leading, this allows for quick top-ups during road trips. Charging to 80% is smooth and predictable, though one failed charger in a McDonald’s car park reminded us that infrastructure still has room for improvement.
- Real-World Range: Ford claims the Capri can achieve up to 3.8 miles per kWh, but mixed driving conditions yielded an average of 2.9 miles per kWh. Depending on the battery configuration, ranges span from 243 miles to 390 miles.
- Charging Experience: Most charging sessions were smooth, barring one faulty charger. The Capri reliably charged to 80% quickly and tapered off steadily.
In terms of efficiency, the 2025 Ford Capri averages 2.9 miles per kWh in mixed driving conditions, with Ford claiming a best-case scenario of 3.8 miles per kWh. These figures are respectable but not exceptional, particularly in colder weather or for drivers with a heavier foot. While the range and charging capabilities aren’t class-leading, they’re sufficient for most drivers. Ford’s reputation for reliability adds reassurance.
2025 Ford Capri EV Specs:
| Specification | 2025 Ford Capri EV |
|---|---|
| Platform | Volkswagen MEB |
| Powertrain | Single-motor RWD or Dual-motor AWD |
| Battery Options | 52 kWh, 77 kWh, or 79 kWh |
| Maximum Power Output | 340 bhp (top-spec AWD model) |
| Torque | 501 lb-ft (top-spec AWD model) |
| 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) | 5.3 seconds (top-spec AWD model) |
| Top Speed | ~112 mph (estimated) |
| Range (WLTP) | 243 miles (52 kWh) to 390 miles (77 kWh RWD) |
| Charging Speed | Up to 185 kW (fast charging) |
| Charging Time | 10-80% in ~30 minutes (on fast charger) |
| Drive Modes | Eco, Normal, Sport, Individual, Traction |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 15 ft x 6.1 ft x ~5 ft (approx.) |
| Weight | 4,828 lbs (top-spec AWD model) |
| Infotainment Screen | 14.6-inch touchscreen |
| Price (Base) | £56,175 (~$69,000) |
| Price (Fully Loaded) | £60,325 (~$74,000) |
| Production Location | Cologne, Germany |
Interior: Practical and Tech-Savvy
Inside, the Capri strikes a balance between practicality and modernity. It borrows some components from Volkswagen, given its shared platform, but adds plenty of Ford-specific touches. One standout feature is the 14.6-inch touchscreen, which is responsive, easy to navigate, and capable of over-the-air updates. The screen even slides vertically to reveal a hidden storage compartment—a clever and useful touch.
Comfort is another highlight. The seats are supportive, and there’s ample room for passengers, even those over six feet tall. Heated seats and a heated steering wheel add to the luxury, quickly warming you on chilly mornings. While the materials and overall design aren’t groundbreaking, they feel premium enough for the price point.
The 2025 Ford Capri also includes useful tech features like Apple CarPlay, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. Its driving assistance systems, while sometimes intrusive, are easy to disable via the touchscreen, ensuring a stress-free experience.
Exterior Design: Bold but Divisive
The new 2025 Ford Capri design has drawn mixed reactions. Available in a vibrant yellow that recalls the fun-loving spirit of the original, it stands out on the road. Some critics have compared its side profile to the Polestar 2, while others appreciate the subtle nods to the original Capri, such as the rear window swoop.
Love it or hate it, the 2025 Ford Capri doesn’t look like just another cookie-cutter SUV. Its bold design may not please everyone, but it certainly makes a statement.
Trims, Batteries, and Range Options
Optional extras include a heat pump (£1,050) and upgraded interior materials.
Ford offers the Capri with three battery options:
- 52 kWh (RWD): 243-mile range
- 77 kWh (RWD): Longer range (up to 390 miles)
- 79 kWh (AWD): Dual motors for better performance, but slightly less range
In the UK, the car is available in two trims: Select and Premium. The Select trim includes essential features like the 14.6-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. The Premium trim adds luxuries like a Bang & Olufsen stereo, panoramic roof, and power tailgate.
2025 Ford Capri: How Does It Stack Up?
| Feature | Ford Capri | VW ID.5 | Polestar 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Price (UK) | £56,175 (£60,325 as tested) | £54,500 | £48,950 |
| Range (miles) | 243-390 | 235-336 | 294-341 |
| 0-62 mph (secs) | 5.3 (AWD) | 6.2 (AWD) | 4.7 |
| Infotainment | 14.6-inch touchscreen | 12-inch touchscreen | 11.2-inch touchscreen |
| Charging Speed | 185 kW | 170 kW | 150 kW |
| Platform | VW MEB | VW MEB | Bespoke Polestar design |
Pricing and Value
Ford offers two trims for the Capri in the UK:
- Select:
- Standard features include the 14.6-inch screen, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors.
- Starts at £56,175.
- Premium:
- Adds a B&O stereo, panoramic roof, power tailgate, and larger wheels.
- Starts at £60,325.
The new 2025 Ford Capri isn’t cheap. Starting at £56,175 ($69,000) for the AWD version, the price rises to £60,325 ($74,000) with options. While it offers a lot for the money, some corners have been cut—such as the lack of an electrically adjustable passenger seat in the test model. For an SUV at this price point, that’s a disappointing oversight.
Cost vs. Value: The Capri’s price pushes it into premium territory, competing with brands like Polestar. While well-equipped, some missing features, such as an electrically adjustable passenger seat, are disappointing at this price point.
Old Vs new Capri
| Feature | 2025 Ford Capri (EV) | Original Ford Capri (1970s) |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric (RWD or AWD, dual-motor option) | Gasoline (RWD) |
| Performance | 0-62 mph in 5.3 seconds (top-spec AWD) | 0-62 mph in ~10-12 seconds (varies by model) |
| Platform | Volkswagen MEB | Ford-exclusive |
| Range | Up to 390 miles (77kWh RWD variant) | Not applicable |
| Charging | 185kW (up to 80% quickly) | Not applicable |
| Driving Modes | Eco, Normal, Sport, Individual, Traction | Not available |
| Interior Space | Modern tech features | Compact coupé |
| Infotainment | 14.6-inch touchscreen, OTA updates | Basic radio systems |
| Weight | 4,828 lbs (top-spec AWD model) | ~2,400 lbs (varies by model) |
| Price | Starts at £56,175 ($69,000) | £890 ($1,200) in the 1970s (adjusted for inflation: ~£12,000) |
| Design Appeal | Bold, SUV-inspired, yellow option | Sleek, sporty coupé |
| Heritage | Electric reimagining of a classic | Iconic sporty car for the masses |
| Customer Appeal | Modern tech-savvy EV buyers | Budget-conscious enthusiasts |
Is the New Capri Worth It?
The all-electric Ford Capri is a competent, comfortable, and well-rounded SUV. It doesn’t redefine the EV segment, but it doesn’t need to. It focuses on doing the basics well: smooth driving, practical interior design, and useful tech features.
However, its price tag and polarizing design mean it won’t appeal to everyone. Enthusiasts who loved the original Capri may struggle to see the connection, and EV buyers looking for cutting-edge innovation might feel underwhelmed.
For those willing to embrace its modern identity, the new Capri offers a pleasant, reliable driving experience. It may not be the show-stopper that Ford fans were hoping for, but it’s a solid addition to the growing lineup of electric SUVs.
Who Should Buy It?
- Families looking for a spacious, well-equipped EV with a touch of character.
- Nostalgia-driven buyers willing to embrace the Capri’s new direction.
Who Should Skip It?
- Purists longing for the rear-wheel-drive coupe of the past.
- Tech enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge innovations.
The new Capri may not please everyone, but it’s a solid addition to Ford’s electric lineup. For those willing to embrace change, it’s a competent and stylish choice.
Ford’s decision to revive the Capri name for an electric SUV was always going to be controversial. By embracing the future while nodding to its past, Ford has created a car that’s both familiar and fresh. While it doesn’t break new ground, it does a lot of things right—making it a great option for buyers seeking a versatile EV with a hint of nostalgia.
As EVs continue to dominate the automotive landscape, the Capri shows how automakers can adapt iconic models for a new generation. Whether or not it captures the hearts of die-hard Capri fans, it represents Ford’s commitment to electrification and innovation.
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