Ford S-Max review (2015-2023)

Driving position

The S-Max’s interior isn’t like a typical MPV. For starters, the driver’s seat is lower than you’ll find in rivals such as the SEAT Alhambra, so you don’t feel too much like your local bus driver.

You do still get a great view out because of the large windscreen and side windows, though.

The 2019 facelift added front seats with an even greater range of adjustment.

Don’t worry – it’s easy to find a good, comfortable driving position on a pre-facelift Ford S-Max, and you can alter the amount of lumbar support.

Tech and features

The dashboard is also very smart, with chrome-effect trim around the air vents, the centre console and the doors, plus soft-touch plastics where they matter.

An eight-inch touchscreen mounted high up on the dash controls the sat-nav (not standard on all trims) and audio, which can be upgraded to a properly good Sony unit.

All versions get front and rear parking sensors as standard. A reversing camera could be added as an option when new, so look for them in the specs list.

Handling and ride comfort

If you enjoy driving and dread the thought of having to buy a ‘dull’ MPV, the Ford S-Max should be right at the top of your family car shopping list.

Its comparatively sharp steering and good body control make it much less dull for driving down a B-road than the competition.

Yes, the body will lean a bit on roundabouts. That doesn’t take away from the fact it’s one of the best-handling MPVs out there.

As a result, the ride is a little firm, though it still does a good job of smoothing away patchy road surfaces.

Engines and power

Engine choice comprises a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol and a 2.0-litre TDCi diesel with two different power outputs – all powerful enough.

The more grunty ‘190’ diesel may prove the best for long-distance driving with a full family aboard.

MPVs usually excel in practicality, and the Ford S-Max is no exception.

Rear seats

As you’d hope, there’s plenty of room in the first row of five seats. The middle row slides back and forth to maximise legroom, boot space, or legroom for the third-row seats, which fold flat into the floor when not needed.

They’re great for older kids, even if you wouldn’t want to spend too much time back there as an adult.

While the larger Ford Galaxy fares better, the S-Max has a multitude of cubbies, door bins, and cup holders scattered throughout – even the furthest back seats.

Boot space

With bums on all seven seats, boot space is rather tight, with room for a few squashy bags stacked on top of each other.

Some S-Max models have Ford’s Easy Fold system that puts buttons on the boot to allow you to fold all five seats.

Do this to the rear pair, and you’ll have space for a few suitcases. Fold all five, and you’ll effectively turn the S-Max into a van.

Fuel economy

Smaller petrol engines tend to be less economical when fitted to larger cars, which is why the 1.5 EcoBoost unit has an official average economy figure of 38.7mpg (measured using the more realistic WLTP system).

If you travel long distances, the 2.0-litre diesel is the one to go for – it returns an official average of 53.3mpg in 150hp form and 51.4mpg in 190hp form.

In later years, Ford replaced all these engine options with the same 190hp 2.5-litre hybrid you get in the Kuga. It's fine, but it's not the most economical in such a big car.