Summary
The Ford S-Max is a large seven-seat MPV (multi-purpose vehicle, also known as a people carrier). This sort of vehicle has fallen right out of favour with car buyers over the years, and most manufacturers have abandoned car-based people movers in favour of SUVs. Yet Ford continues with not one, but two seven-seat troop transports in its range – the S-Max and the slightly larger Galaxy.
The current model S-Max is the second-generation version, which was launched back in 2015. Its most recent update came in late 2019. Currently only available with a diesel engine, a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain option is expected to join the range in 2021. Ford has made a significant investment in developing a hybrid powertrain for the S-Max five years after the car was first launched, which suggests that the current model is likely to live on for a while yet.
The S-Max used to sit at the top of a three-pronged range of car-based people carriers, above the C-Max and B-Max models. However, the declining popularity of this style of vehicle compared to SUVs and crossovers has seen both of the smaller models disappear over the last couple of years.
As of January 2024, the Ford S-Max holds a New Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 61%. It doesn’t fare as well in our used car calculations, however, with a rating of D and a score of 58%. Reliability is poor and running costs are only average, which affects our used car ratings more than new car ratings.
Key specifications
Body style: Large MPV
Engines: diesel
Price: From £38,565 on-road
Launched: Summer 2015
Last updated: Winter 2019/20
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
“The S-Max’s road manners are very impressive, the quite large vehicle staying composed and upright when pushed into corners.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Ford S-Max is a mature and grown-up family car that’s comfortable and practical.”
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Model reviewed: Vignale
Score: 6 / 10
“The Ford S-Max VIgnale will hold limited appeal to buyers. It’s not convincing enough as a luxury product, while a cheaper Titanium-spec model is just as good to drive, almost as nice to sit in and, crucially, offers the same practicality for less cash.”
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Model reviewed: AWD
Score: 6 / 10
“Adding all-wheel drive does little to dent the appeal of Ford’s excellent S-Max. In everyday driving, however, most owners won’t notice the difference between this and the standard car – and the price premium, higher running costs and extra weight to lug around, we would opt for the standard car.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel manual 150hp Titanium
Score: 8 / 10
“Ford has made a real effort to ensure the interior layout is as flexible as possible, with up to 32 seating and loading combinations. The third row of seats are tight for taller adults, but the middle row of seats slide and tilt forward in one smooth movement to provide decent access.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“The Ford S-Max is possibly the best seven-seat people carrier you can buy, with a great blend of space, comfort, practicality, plus one crucial ingredient so often lacking in people carriers: great handling for the driver.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“If you liked the original S-Max, chances are you’ll like the second-generation model. It’s a good car. But it’s no longer a great one.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual Titanium
Score: 7 / 10
“Ultimately, while you’ll save some cash by choosing petrol power as a private buyer, the fuel economy will be significantly less impressive. The bulk of buyers – especially company car drivers – will be better off with the diesel variants.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 190hp Vignale
Score: 8 / 10
“Few SUVs can offer the versatility and spaciousness of the Ford S-Max, while plenty of luxuries and a stylish look make this one of the most appealing people carriers on the market today, and undoubtedly a worthy option if you’re considering a seven-seat car.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The Ford S-Max is a stylish seven-seat MPV that’s also good to drive, without scrimping on practicality.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Vignale
Score: 5 / 10
“The Ford S-Max is one of the very best MPVs to drive and this Vignale version is luxurious and very well equipped, but it’s also very expensive.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Ford S-Max is a practical seven-seater that comes with a decent amount of kit and is even pretty good fun to drive. It feels cheaper inside than some alternatives, however.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 240hp Vignale
“Nice new gearbox and revised line-up of engines give the already-excellent Ford S-Max a little boost.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 180hp ST-Line
“A great-looking trim level in a great car, the Ford S-Max ST-Line looks good and has an attractive interior.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel manual 180hp Titanium
Score: 8 / 10
“The Ford S-Max does what it says on the tin. Officially, with 56.4mpg, it’s impressively economical. But figures gained on a rolling road in a laboratory don’t translate well with heavy cars with a large frontal area in real-life driving.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Ford S-Max is a unique proposition, offering the benefits of a seven-seat MPV in a more stylish suit, with the driving enjoyment of an estate car. If you’re after maximum practicality, buy the Galaxy. If you’re after a small dose of excitement, choose the S-Max.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“For drivers who don’t want to sacrifice an enjoyable drive and an upmarket interior for the sake of more family-friendly space, the Ford S-Max is ideal. There are more spacious options as well as cheaper alternatives, but as an all-round, do-it-all family car, the S-Max is hard to beat.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic
“Ford has managed to improve the S-Max in all the key areas without losing any of the strengths that made the original so popular. It’s not bad value, especially when you look at the standard equipment.”
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Motors.co.uk
Model reviewed: Rage overview
Score: 8 / 10
“With good trim from the base Zetec specification, including the SYNC 3 infotainment system and touchscreen and sports seats, this model is leaning towards the premium end of the MPV market and that could be let down by some refinement issues with the interior materials and finish.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.8 / 10
“Stylish people carrier that’s good to drive”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: Range overview
“I tested the Ford S-Max 2.0-litre diesel and the racier 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol (240hp) and they handled just like a Mondeo – but with a higher seating position. The dash is much cleaner with the touchscreen and you can juggle your rear passenger and boot space as needed.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Number one in a field of one”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid ST-Line
Score: 8 / 10
“Ultimately, its fancy-pants hybrid powertrain can’t hide the fact that the Ford S-Max is starting to feel a little bit dated. Yes, it’s versatile, but there are now other seven-seaters that do what it does better, sometimes for less cash.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Citroen Grand C4 Picasso has a more appealing interior, while the Seat Alhambra is a better choice if you regularly carry seven adults. However, the Ford S-Max beats both for driver enjoyment, and still offers an excellent blend of space and ride comfort.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“More useful than the biggest estates, and good to drive. Avoid the SUV rat-race.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Great to drive, but some rivals are cheaper to run.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: September 2015
Date expired: January 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 87%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 79%
Safety assist: 71%
Notes on safety rating
The Ford S-Max was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2015 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2022 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.
However, if you are comparing a used S-Max to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of January 2024, the Ford S-Max has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. If and when the S-Max is tested by Green NCAP, we’ll publish the results here.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 249
Average repair cost: £992.39
Last updated: January 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Ford S-Max has a very poor reliability score of 29% as of January 2024, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, MotorEasy.
The average repair bill for an S-Max is also high at nearly £1,000, which is obviously more than the cost of a used car warranty so it’s worth bearing that in mind.
The problems are spread across all different systems on the car. Watch out for gearbox issues – they are both the most common and most expensive faults, with an average repair bill of about £2,300.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Diesel models | 44 mpg | C | 41 – 46 mpg | C – D |
| Hybrid models | 44 mpg | C | 41 – 44 mpg | C – D |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Diesel models | 169 g/km | C | 157 – 181 g/km | C – C |
| Hybrid models | 147 g/km | B | 147 – 148 g/km | B – B |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 22 | A | 20 – 24 | A – B |
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Ford S-Max has received
2021
- Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Large MPV
2020
- Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Large MPV
2019
- Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Large MPV
2018
- DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Best Large MPV
2016
- Honest John Awards – Most Popular MPV
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Ford S-Max, you might also be interested in these alternatives
BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer | Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer | Ford Galaxy | Volkswagen Sharan
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