Used Ford S-MAX cars

The practical, capable and versatile Ford S-MAX is a standout model in Ford's lineup of people carriers. Since its introduction in 2006, this smart model has offered a unique approach to MPV motoring, offering a unique blend of distinctive looks and seven-seater practicality. It’s a strong contender in its class, rivalling the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer when it comes to seven-seat comfort and quality.

The S-MAX is known for its driving performance, which is similar to that of a large hatchback. The interior style is uncluttered and is family-friendly. Safety has been a key consideration, resulting in the maximum five stars awarded in the Euro NCAP crash tests.

Practicality and style of the car

The Ford S-MAX is designed with practicality at its core. All versions come with seven seats as standard, featuring Ford's clever Easy Fold and Easy Entry seating system. This one-touch folding design ensures that even tall adults can access the rearmost seats with ease.

The boot space is versatile and accommodating, with the Easy Fold system allowing each of the five individual rear seats to be folded flat into the floor. This creates a cavernous 2,200-litre load area, perfect for carrying the largest of items. With five seats in place, space is a reasonable 700 litres, and with all seven seats in use, it's a manageable 285 litres.

Some variants have a hands-free electrically operated tailgate which adds to the car’s convenience, and the cabin materials have been specially tested to withstand the daily rigours of family life. The interior is spacious, with plenty of head and legroom in the front two rows, and the cabin is light and airy, with an abundance of storage options.

The S-MAX's driving position is typical of a saloon or hatchback, the available technology such as Ford SYNC 3 DAB Navigation System and traffic sign recognition further add to the premium feel offered by this MPV. Under the hood, the S-MAX offers a range of engine options, including 1.5-litre petrol, 2.0-litre petrol, and 2.0-litre diesel. The diesel engines are the most economical of the range, with up to 47mpg possible, while petrol alternatives return just under 35mpg.

The Ford S-MAX has seen continuous improvements since its launch. The current generation, available since 2015, impresses in both looks and drivability. With smart styling and high quality throughout, the S-MAX remains a top choice for those seeking MPV practicality without sacrificing style or driving enjoyment. Various trim levels, including the luxurious Vignale, offer options to suit different tastes and needs. Whether you're looking for practicality or refined comfort, the S-MAX has a solution for you.

Running costs

Depending on the engine option you select, fuel economy ranges from 34.9mpg for petrol engines to 47.1mpg for diesel. A newer hybrid petrol engine available in the latest range of S-MAX models, meanwhile, offers between 43.5–44.1mpg, making it a great option for those looking for efficiency.

CO2 emissions figures are also noteworthy, ranging from 147–148g/km for the hybrid model. This is a commendable result for a car of this size, leading to an annual road tax bill between £150 and £570 per year. Insurance groups range from 16 to 34 (out of 50).

How a used Ford S-MAX drives

Whether you prefer petrol, diesel or hybrid power, the S-MAX has a solution for you. Among the petrol options, the 2.0-litre engine with 145bhp really stands out, providing acceleration to 62mph in just 10.8 seconds, and fuel economy of 34.9mpg. The diesel options are equally as impressive, with the 2.0-litre diesel providing 140bhp and fuel economy of 44mpg.

Like many models in the Ford lineup, more recent editions of the S-MAX have embraced hybrid motoring. The 190bhp petrol hybrid powertrain offers both impressive acceleration and fuel consumption of 44.1mpg, with a 0-62mph time of 9.8 seconds. It combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine with a self-charging electric motor and produces 200Nm of torque for plenty of pulling power.

Engines and official MPG

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

2006 - 2015

2015 - onwards

Features you can expect in a Ford S-MAX

The Ford S-MAX’s sleek lines and sporty appearance give it an upmarket look, complemented by thin chrome bars and adaptive LED lighting options. The S-MAX's sportier aesthetic, with sharp creases and a curved roofline, adds a touch of athleticism not commonly found in other MPVs. The quality is evident throughout, with premium materials and solid-feeling controls.

Interior

Step into the Ford S-MAX, and you'll find a well-built and user-friendly interior. The controls are grouped together for ease of use and steering wheel-mounted buttons make controlling functions like the stereo easy. The silver centre console adds a touch of finesse and the layout is neat and functional. There are plenty of adjustment options, and the gear lever is positioned high, giving a sporty feel.

As an ideal family vehicle, the S-MAX ensures that comfort is a key attribute. The driving position, supportive seats, and easy adjustments make it a pleasure to drive or ride in. The optional heated steering wheel and seats add to the comfort, and rear air conditioning controls allow passengers to select their preferred temperature.

All seats offer excellent comfort and soft cushioning, with the middle row providing individual sliding and reclining options. Premium trims also come equipped with a thicker windscreen that reduces wind and road noise, making the S-MAX very quiet at high speeds.

Technology

Ford's SYNC 3 8.0-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system is a key feature of the S-MAX's technology offering. It's easy to use, with fast responses and voice activation for added convenience. The system also incorporates features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, providing essential connectivity and entertainment options when on the go.

Additional technology to be found throughout the model includes the Ford starter button for easy engine ignition. You can also benefit from measures including the rotary gear shift dial, dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, 12V power outlet in the centre console and ambient lighting. Higher specification models also come with features ranging from the 10-way power adjustable driver's seat with memory function to the heated steering wheel.

Safety

While specific features may vary by model and year, the S-MAX offers drivers many innovative and comprehensive safety technologies. These include front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring, intelligent speed limiter and adaptive cruise control. There’s also a lane-keeping aid which includes a driver impairment monitor and active steering with lane departure warnings. There is an anti-lock brake system with electronic brake-force distribution and an eCall emergency call system.

The rearmost pair of seats are suitable for children and pre-teens, and the overall build quality ensures a safe and secure ride for all passengers. With the maximum 5-star safety rating and adult and child occupant scores of 87% each, you can tackle any journey with complete peace of mind.

Trims available on the Ford S-MAX

The Ford S-MAX comes in a choice of trims, with additional levels available depending on the model year you choose.

Ford S-MAX Titanium

Replacing the Zetec as the base-level model, the Ford S-MAX Titanium provides plenty of useful features, such as Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment screen, front and rear parking sensors, DAB radio, cruise control and automatic wipers. There’s also privacy glass, automatic headlights with high-beam assist, satellite navigation and keyless entry.

Ford S-MAX ST-Line

Step up to the ST-Line and the model is enhanced by a body styling kit, 18-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension and heated front seats.

Ford S-MAX Vignale

The top-of-the-range Vignale is notable for its chrome exterior details, luxurious leather upholstery and an upgraded stereo system.

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