Kuze is remarkably an intelligent and capable hacker. He has the ability to file and influence the consciousness of 3 million people into his own cyberbrain. He can also defend himself against software attacks, even the strongest ones such as Motoko's use of Chroma.

His body, despite being outdated, is extremely robust and can regenerate skin, as noted by Ishikawa in Episode 13: FACE Make Up. It is equipped with invisible camouflage, just like Section 9's members. Even if the shell is difficult to use, Kuze is extremely adept with it due to him possessing it for many years. Furthermore, he knows every notch of its capacity and limits.

Kuze's PFK-issued body is physically stronger and more durable than the cyborg bodies of Section 9 operatives, even compared to the likes of Motoko Kusanagi and Batou. Kuze had been able to defeat Batou in hand-to-hand combat, while Motoko spoke of Kuze as "a reinforced cyborg" upon their first encounter. When Kuze attempted to assassinate Prime Minister Yoko Kayabuki, he was shot multiple times by both Major Kusanagi and Batou without sustaining severe damage. Although, this is most likely due to the fact that Kuze operates with his pain receptors turned off, contrasting other full-cyborgs like Motoko, who still prefers to have connections to the physical world.

Strengths
-Expert hand-to-hand combat : Since he was able to defeat Batou, a well-versed fighter, even with a damaged body, Kuze can be considered a top-class fighter.
-Skilled marksman
-Skilled swordsman : Hideo Kuze is able to defend himself with a sword against Motoko. He easily killed the Individual Eleven member who attacked him. Also he managed to disarm Batou during a gun versus knife fight.
-Superhuman strength
-Enhanced senses and intuition : Kuze is able to understand and assume the most critical situations with the slightest hints of information and data.
-Genius-level intellect : Gathering the minds of 3 million refugees and understanding them individually has made Kuze a highly intelligent individual with knowledge in numerous fields.
-Tactical awareness
-Indomitable determination : Kuze's extreme resilience has freed him from the Individual Eleven's control. Even at the face of failure, he is able to keep his composure and pursue his plans.
-Extreme durability and pain tolerance : Due to the build of his body and the deactivation of pain receptors, Kuze can significantly take bullets without issues. He also survived a Jigabachi assault, which exposed him to explosions and high falls.
-Skin regeneration : Kuze's skin was good as new after he reappeared following Motoko and Batou shooting him.
Familiarity and knowledge of human and cyborg concepts
-Sleight of Hand : Kuze has practiced folding origami figures without the use of control software.
-Charisma and Management
-Hacking and systems programming.
Weaknesses
-Nigh-obsolete paraphernalia : Kuze wears clothes and has no armor.
Damaged Shell with heavily limited and reduced physical properties : Ever since he had his PKF body and left the army, Kuze never changed his body. However, he has come to master its potential abilities.
-Lack of adequate weaponry : Aside from a few rifles and second-hand weapons, Kuze is not well equipped in terms of weapons and gadgets.
-Terminated social insurance and civil protection
-Gradual loss of humanity : Hideo Kuze's deteriorating body and rise as a legendary figure gradually turn him into an inhuman warmonger.
-Public image sullied by media and news channels