Used Ford Galaxy cars

The Ford Galaxy was first introduced to the in 1995. Created in conjunction with Volkswagen Group, it answered consumers’ need for a seven-seat MPV suitable for family life. The second-generation model was launched in 2006, this time without the input of Volkswagen Group. It came with a range of petrol and diesel engines and good levels of technology. It was given an update in 2010 before making way for the Mk3 edition in 2015.

By the time the third-generation model arrived, Ford’s EcoBoost engines were already highly acclaimed, and the Galaxy benefitted from them. From the outset it rivalled models such as the SEAT Alhambra and Volkswagen Sharan with its practicality. The rise of seven-seat SUVs has created indirect competition from cars like the Honda CR-V and Peugeot 5008.

Time and again, the Ford Galaxy has proved why it is such a popular option. The Mk2 was voted ‘Best MPV’ by BusinessCar Magazine readers four times between 2007 and 2010, and the Mk3 was named ‘Best MPV for Large Families’ at the 2021 What Car? Awards.

Ford Galaxy updates and facelifts

The Mk3 Galaxy received a minor facelift in 2018. It retained the same engines, with only the 2.0-litre diesel receiving changes, and the automatic gearbox became an eight-speed unit. Adaptive cruise control was also introduced to the range for more comfortable motorway driving.

Practicality and style of the car

The Ford Galaxy has practicality at its heart, so it’s no surprise it has one of the biggest boots in its class. With all seats in place, there are 300 litres at your disposal, which is plenty for shopping or the kids’ sports kit. Fold the rearmost seats down electronically with the press of a button in the boot and this is expanded to an impressive 1,301 litres, plenty of room to accommodate your suitcases or make room for the family dog. Should you need a cavernous load space, you can fold the middle row seats down to create a capacity of 2,339 litres. This will enable you to accommodate items of furniture or awkwardly shaped cargo.

In comparison, the SEAT Alhambra offers 267 litres with all seats in place, 1,167 litres with the third row folded and 2,297 litres with all seats down. The Citroën C4 Grand Picasso, meanwhile, can hold a maximum of 2,181 litres.

The Ford Galaxy is a robust and competent tow car too. Models with a petrol engine can haul up to 1,800kg of braked weight. Choose a diesel option for a maximum of 2,000kg towing capacity. Either way, that’s more than enough for many caravans or even a horsebox.

Running costs

Ford cars typically provide excellent quality and low running costs, and the Galaxy is no exception. Most variants occupy groups 17–26 out of 50 for insurance, with a handful of the most powerful sitting in groups 27–31.

Many of the Galaxy cars produced after April 2017 incur the flat rate of £180 per year for road tax. Those with a list price of over £40,000, however, have an additional surcharge of £390 per year applied. This lasts for five years from the first tax renewal date, after which it drops to the annual fee of £180. If you choose a pre-2017 model, you will typically pay between £150 and £200 each year.

How a used Ford Galaxy drives

When the Mk3 Galaxy was launched in 2015, it came with a choice of two petrol engines and a diesel with three power outputs. The entry-level EcoBoost petrol engine is a 158bhp 1.5-litre, which accelerates from 0-62mph in 10.0 seconds and returns a combined fuel efficiency of 43.4mpg. For stronger performance, you can step up to the 2.0-litre unit, which produces 237bhp, reaches 62mph from a standstill in 8.6 seconds and delivers 35.8mpg on the combined cycle.

Both were later replaced by a 1.5-litre EcoBoost with an output of 163bhp. The results in a 0-62mph acceleration time of 10.0 seconds and fuel economy of 37.7mpg on the combined cycle. This variant is only available with a six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive.

The 2.0-litre TDCi was originally available with outputs of 119bhp, 148bhp or 177bhp. When the Galaxy was updated in 2018,four outputs became available. The lineup starts with a 119bhp option, which gets you from 0-62mph in 13.6 seconds. It’s the most economical, delivering a combined fuel economy of between 55.4 and 56.5mpg. It also comes with a front-wheel drivetrain and six-speed manual transmission. Next is the 148bhp, which takes 10.9 seconds to accelerate from 0-62mph and returns a combined efficiency of 48.7–56.5mpg depending on whether you choose six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive.

The 187bhp variant offers more power still and a reduced acceleration time of 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds. Like the 148bhp option, it is available with six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmission, and front- or all-wheel drive. Fuel economy is 46.3-55.4mpg depending on the setup you choose. At the top of the range is the 237bhp. This can take you from 0-62mph in just 8.9 seconds while still achieving a combined efficiency of 46.3mpg. It comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official MPG figures. 

2015 - onwards

Features you can expect in a Ford Galaxy

Interior

Space is a particular strength for the Ford Galaxy. Unlike many of its rivals, it boasts third row seats that can accommodate two adults, making it highly practical for a growing family. The middle row is flexible too, providing space for even the tallest occupants thanks to individually sliding seats. These enable you to maximise legroom or luggage space as necessary.

Getting in and out of the Galaxy is easy, thanks to the electronically operated rear seats. The middle row seats fold down electronically but must be put upright manually. Nevertheless, getting passengers in and out is simple. Plus, with its array of cubbies, pockets and trays for storage, the Galaxy can be kept clutter-free even with several children in the back.

Models produced before the 2018 update have Ford’s SYNC 2 system for infotainment. Galaxy cars manufactured after the update benefit from the upgraded Ford SYNC 3 system. This comes with an eight-inch high-resolution touchscreen with voice control as standard and provides access to DAB radio, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. You also get a USB port, and sound is delivered via eight speakers.

Technology

Following the 2018 facelift, all variants of the Ford Galaxy have cruise control, making motorway driving simple. All cars also get front and rear parking sensors, which are helpful when reversing, manoeuvring and parking.

The Titanium trim adds keyless go, a feature which negates the need to search for your keys to start the car. Simply leave them in your pocket or place them in a cubby and use the starter button to get going. Opt for the top-spec Titanium X trim and you’ll benefit from a reversing camera, which provides visibility of the area behind the car. The Galaxy’s optional extras include a hands-free tailgate, which some used models may have.

Safety

As a family car, the Ford Galaxy prioritises safety. In its 2015 test, it received five stars from Euro NCAP, with scores of 87% for both adult and child occupant protection. All middle row seats have ISOFIX points too, meaning you can carry three children in car seats safely. In addition to multiple airbags, this MPV provides Electronic Stability Control and Trailer Sway Control, which works to stop trailers and caravans from snaking. Hill start assist also comes as standard to prevent rolling backwards on an incline.

Following the 2018 update, Pre-Collision Assist and traffic sign recognition feature on the Galaxy. The former helps you to avoid low-speed collisions and the latter identifies speed signs to help you stick to the legal limits. Opt for the Titanium trim for the added lane-keeping system.

Trims available on a Ford Galaxy

Ford Galaxy Zetec

The well-equipped entry-level trim comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, sports seats and dual-zone air conditioning. Infotainment comes courtesy of the SYNC 3 system with an eight-inch touchscreen, voice control, DAB radio, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Technology highlights include front & rear parking sensors and cruise control.

Ford Galaxy Titanium

Upgrade to Titanium for exterior additions such as LED daytime running lights, chrome roof rails, automatic lights and wipers, and tinted windows. In terms of technology, sat nav and keyless go are featured.

Ford Galaxy Titanium X

Top-spec Titanium X includes an electrically operated panoramic roof, aluminium trim, leather upholstery and heated seats. This trim also adds a reversing camera.

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