Used Ford S-Max for sale: everything you need to know

Big seven-seat family cars like the Ford S-Max don’t need to be good to drive, but Ford has done it anyway, and that’s just one reason you might opt for this MPV over its ever-shrinking pool of competition - and for practicality, crossovers don’t even get a look in next to a proper people-carrier.

The S-Max is getting on a bit now but Ford has kept updating it over the years, so when you’re looking at a used Ford S-Max, spending a little more might get you one with better infotainment systems, more efficient engine options, and desirable kit like LED headlights.

The MPV segment has dwindled over the years, and the S-Max is one of very few models left. Ford’s own Galaxy is a larger, more spacious take on the same theme, while the Volkswagen Touran is still hanging on too. Used options are broader, from the Citroen C4 Space Tourer, to the Renault Scenic and Vauxhall Zafira Tourer - as well as new van-based people-movers like the Citroen Berlingo and Volkswagen Caddy Life.

Should you buy a Ford S-Max?

SUVs and crossovers have taken over the family car market in recent years, but for ultimate practicality there’s still little to beat a true Multi Purpose Vehicle or MPV. The Ford S-Max isn’t the biggest of the breed - Ford sells the Galaxy above it - but it makes maximum use of a relatively compact platform to seat seven passengers plus luggage, or various combinations of passengers and luggage that reach almost van-like levels of capacity.

It should be noted that Ford quotes its S-Max boot space up to the roof, which not all manufacturers do, so direct comparison with rivals is difficult. But suffice to say if you do manage to cram bits and pieces up to the headliner (and Ford does offer a kind of netted bulkhead to help), 285 litres with all seats in place to 2020 litres in two-seat mode is still pretty impressive.

Yet the S-Max is good to drive too, even without having to qualify it as an MPV. It’s a little more slow-slung than its Galaxy sibling, closer to an estate car. It has positive steering, plenty of grip, and keeps body lean in check, so even if you’re wisely not driving too quickly with the kids on board, the car’s dynamics shouldn’t leave them too green around the gills.

Punchy engines also help. In more recent years Ford slimmed down the engine options to just a pair of diesels and a hybrid, with manual and automatic gearbox options for the diesels, and the usual CVT for the hybrid, but they perform fairly well and if you drive primarily around town, the hybrid’s quiet, smooth power delivery could be ideal. All models are pretty frugal too, at least on paper.

The MPV market has shrunk massively from its 1990s peak, so the S-Max is one of only a handful of brand-new models left that fit the definition. Used models are easier to find though, and if you’re considering an S-Max, alternatives like the Citroen C4 Space Tourer, Renault Scenic, and Vauxhall Zafira Tourer should be on your list - some offering a similar seven-seat layout to the Ford. The larger Galaxy is also worth considering (it’s more spacious, but not quite as good to drive), while van-based options like the Citroen Berlingo and Volkswagen Caddy Life maximise interior volume and storage, at the expense of some of the Ford’s dynamics.

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What’s the best used Ford S-Max model to buy?

With the Ford S-Max now only offered as a hybrid, new-car buyers don’t get much of a choice, but on the used market, diesels should be more prevalent. Most newer models will be one of the 2-litre Ecoblue diesels listed below, and of those, you can happily stick with the 150PS variant, which is frugal and still more than up to the job of moving around people and stuff. The standard six-speed manual gearbox is slick, too.

You may also find petrol models for sale, in either 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre form, both turbocharged. They’re again plenty powerful enough to get you where you need to go, but don’t have the economy of the diesels, certainly with a few passengers on board. As far as trim level goes, we’ve no real preference - Titanium makes sense as a new buy for its healthy list of kit for a lower price than others, but when buying used, you may find a higher-spec model for a good price.

Used Ford S-Max fuel economy and performance

• Ford S-Max 2.0 Ecoblue diesel 150PS: Straightforward diesel engines still make a lot of sense in people-movers. The S-Max uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel making 150PS in its entry-level form, for 46.3mpg combined with the six-speed manual and 44.1mpg with an eight-speed auto. 0-62mph comes up in 10.8 seconds with either gearbox.
• Ford S-Max 2.0 Ecoblue diesel 190PS: The more powerful version of the same 2.0-litre turbodiesel makes 190PS. Ford offers this engine with front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, the former covering 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds and getting 44.1mpg, and the 4x4 taking 10.5 seconds to get to 62mph, and offering 42.2mpg.
• Ford S-Max 2.5 Duratec FHEV: This full-hybrid powertrain centres around a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine coupled to a 1.1kWh battery pack and an electric motor to assist. It develops 190PS of combined power, reaching 0-62mph in 9.8 seconds and offering up to 44.1mpg combined.

What used Ford S-Max trim levels are available?

Ford keeps things simple with the S-Max trim levels. You effectively get a regular one, a sporty one, and a luxurious one, with the Titanium, ST-Line and Vignale trims, though even the Titanium is well-equipped with most of the features you’d want in a family car. And if leather in the Vignale seems a little excessive for a seven-seater, just remember it’s easier to clean than fabric when the kids do their worst…

• The Ford S-Max Titanium is the de facto entry-point to the S-Max range, which is interesting if you remember when Titanium used to be a high-spec model. In fact, spec still isn’t bad; you get 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, navigation, privacy glass, and keyless go.
• The Ford S-Max ST-Line upgrades to 18-inch alloys, along with a sporty body kit including a rear spoiler, and sports suspension settings. Inside, there’s a heated steering wheel, 8-way power adjustable and heated front seats, aluminium pedals, and ST-Line floor mats.
• The Ford S-Max Vignale is the luxury model in the range. Wheels go up another inch to 19in in diameter. You also get full adaptive LED headlights, a 12-speaker Sony audio system, Active Noise Control noise-cancelling, a power tailgate, and leather trim.

Used Ford S-Max dimensions and boot size

The Ford S-Max’s dimensions are:

• Length: 4796mm
• Width: 1916mm (without mirrors), 2137mm (with mirrors)
• Height: 1655mm
• Ground clearance: 145mm

The Ford S-Max’s boot size is:

• 285 litres (seven seat mode, to roof)
• 965 litres (five seat mode, to roof)
• 2020 litres (all seats folded, to roof)

Used Ford S-Max road tax

VED or ‘road tax’ is an area you’ll need to check carefully before buying a Ford S-Max. Several models in the range, particularly those sold in recent years, cost over £40,000 brand new, which attracts a hefty surcharge on the usual VED rates.

Diesels below this will cost you £180 per year to tax after the first, CO2-based year, while lower-spec hybrids will be £10 less. Above the £40k threshold, this rises to £570 from the second to sixth year of registration for diesels, and £560 per year for the hybrids. Models registered prior to April 2017 will be taxed on CO2 emissions.

How much is it to insure a Ford S-Max?

Ford S-Max insurance costs shouldn’t be too expensive, particularly at the lower end of the range, where a diesel in Titanium trim starts at group 16, in the 1-50 scale. Even a hybrid in range-topping Vignale spec is in group 27. For reference, a Renault Grand Scenic spans insurance groups 12-24, so a little lower, but still in the same ballpark.

Read our full Ford S-Max review