Owner reviews for the Ford S-Max
No edits, no filters—just real feedback from verified vehicle owners to help you make confident decisions.
Overall rating 4.5/5While MPVs offer space and versatility, they’ve traditionally not given much to the person behind the wheel and that’s the gap that the Ford S-Max aimed to fill. It’s a spacious MPV, but one which has been designed to be a little more interesting to drive than your typical family car.
London
London
London
London
London
London
AA finance available
FORD S-MAX 2.0 TDCi Titanium AWD MPV 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps
Luton (33 miles)
Ford S-Max 2.0 EcoBlue Titanium Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
Hinckley (90 miles)
Ford S-Max 2.0 EcoBlue ST-Line Auto AWD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
Hinckley (90 miles)
AA finance available
Dunstable
AA finance available
Luton
Cambridge
Bury St. Edmunds
Peterborough
Hinckley
No edits, no filters—just real feedback from verified vehicle owners to help you make confident decisions.
Overall rating 4.5/5Ford S-MAX 2.5 FHEV 190 Titanium 5dr CVT
Crawley (25 miles)
AA finance available
FORD S-MAX 2.5h Duratec Titanium MPV 5dr Petrol Hybrid CVT Euro 6 (s/s) (19
Milton Keynes (43 miles)
Ford S-MAX 2.5 FHEV 190 Titanium [Lux Pack] 5dr CVT
Cambridge (51 miles)
While the first-generation S-Max was the one which truly revolutionised the MPV market, we’re focusing on the second-generation car here as it brings a greater level of technology as well as the more modern features that you might be looking for. Unashamedly family-focused, the second-generation S-Max was introduced in 2015. Interestingly, it was on sale alongside the rather similar Ford Galaxy, but whereas that car was all about outright spaciousness, the S-Max really is a little more into dynamics and fun.
But it’s still got a great level of practicality to offer, thanks to a cleverly flexible seating layout and a large boot that offers enough space for all types of occasions. A good mix of engines, including later hybrids means that the S-Max can usually suit drivers of different types and needs.
The Ford S-MAX comes equipped with a broad number of airbags, protecting all occupants. When crash-tested by Euro NCAP in 2015, the S-Max was awarded a full five-star rating, which reflects its high level of safety and on-board systems. All versions get pre-collision assist - which can lessen the severity of an impact - as well as pedestrian detection that can automatically apply the brakes if it senses a person walking into the path of the vehicle.
Petrol engines include 1.5- and 2.0-litre turbocharged units, while diesel options include a 2.0-litre option in numerous states of tune. There’s also the choice of both automatic and manual gearboxes, while even four-wheel-drive can be found on specific models. Later versions of the S-Max could also be equipped with a 2.5-litre petrol engine linked to a battery and electric motor for a more efficient hybrid setup.
Entry-level Zetec-grade cars still get a good level of equipment, with features such as parking sensors, digital radio and 17-inch alloys coming as standard. There’s also an eight-inch touchscreen which has a number of key features, though double-check to see if satellite navigation is fitted as it wasn’t standard on all cars. Popular Titanium Sport is a good option for those after a more dynamic look, as it brings a full bodykit with rear spoiler and even a sport suspension setup which lowers the ride height of the S-Max.
Opt for the diesels if you’re after the best fuel consumption, with 2.0-litre models able to return around 54mpg combined. Later, lower-powered versions will still return up to 47.1mpg, too. Petrol engines are less competitive in terms of fuel consumption, with the 1.5-litre model returning around 43.5mpg, while the more powerful 2.0-litre version can achieve around 35mpg.
Given its popularity as a family car, it’s a good idea to check the interior closely for any trim damage or scratches. Pay attention to the seatbacks and make sure that the seats themselves can still be folded easily with a smooth movement. Any sticking could suggest that some repair work is required. Any car needs to be reliable and to make sure that your new S-Max doesn’t have any underlying issues, consider an AA Vehicle Inspection as it’ll allow a trained engineer to take a look at the car and flag any potential problems.
The Ford S-Max is largely reliable, though like other cars of this size it needs to be serviced regularly to keep it in its best condition. Look through the service history for a good number of stamps, either from a main dealer or a specialised independent. Again, an AA Vehicle Inspection can help to take some of the guesswork away from buying a used car like the S-Max.
The Ford S-Max is available with engines ranging from 1.5- to 2.0-litres in both petrol and diesel.