Used Ford Galaxy for sale: everything you need to know
The Ford Galaxy finally went off sale in 2023, having sold in three generations since the first model arrived in 1995. And right until the end, it was providing sterling service for family car buyers who needed more than just five seats, and wanted more practicality than increasingly popular but not always useful SUVs could offer.
Falling out of fashion means the Galaxy makes a superb used buy though for practicality-focused drivers. Models just a few years old now look surprisingly affordable, yet they’re nearly as full of technology and features as Ford’s latest models, and later Galaxys even came with hybrid drivetrains. Read on to discover more about Ford’s biggest people-carrier.
Should you buy a Ford Galaxy?
Car buyers have moved away from MPVs and into SUVs in their droves, but don’t be fooled into thinking MPVs are no longer useful. The Galaxy is proof of that, as by the time it went off sale in 2023, it was still incredibly practical, good to drive, and far more useful for carrying people around than most equivalent seven-seat SUVs.
It’s not as stylish as an SUV of course, but then MPVs have always prioritised utility over aesthetics. The big single-box body means maximum space, with a side effect that the huge windows make for fantastic visibility - good for both the driver, and for all those (typically younger) passengers who like staring out of the windows. The Galaxy’s cabin looks good and is built well, so should stand up to the rigours of family life, and Ford was generous with the equipment too.
Being a Ford, it also comports itself well on the road. Ride quality is the priority here, but the Galaxy still handles well, with precise steering and not too much body lean. The engine lineup is well-judged too - the petrol models do drink more than their diesel or hybrid counterparts, but all of them do a good job of shifting the Galaxy down the road. Talking of shifting, the manual and automatic gearboxes are effective, too.
The newer you go, the slimmer your options get for adequate alternatives to the Galaxy, though the SEAT Alhambra lasted a good while on the market and is just as useful as the Ford. The Citroen Grand C4 Picasso is a stylish choice and practical too. Don’t rule out van-based MPVs though, which have mopped up the market from more car-based models - cars like the Citroen Berlingo and Ford Tourneo Connect have satisfyingly chunky looks and huge and adaptable cabins.
What’s the best used Ford Galaxy model to buy?
Basic is best with the Ford Galaxy. The well-equipped Zetec entry-level model already has most of the kit you’re likely to need in daily family life, while the 150PS 2-litre EcoBlue diesel does the job perfectly well too, with enough torque to make light work of a fully-loaded car, and respectable economy for something of this size. We’d recommend you look at later models over earlier ones though - post-2018 diesels are better than their earlier counterparts, and later models also got slightly more equipment. Post-2021, only the hybrid engine was available.
Used Ford Galaxy fuel economy and performance
- Ford Galaxy 1.5 EcoBoost: The 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol produces a more than respectable 165PS, capable of shifting this large MPV from 0-62mph in 10 seconds, with 43.5mpg economy.
- Ford Galaxy 2.0 EcoBoost: The larger 2-litre petrol makes 240PS, more what you’d expect from a hot hatchback, though the performance improvement over the 1.5 isn’t as large as you might expect, with an 8.6-second 0-62mph time. Fuel economy also drops, to 35.8mpg.
- Ford Galaxy 2.0 TDCi: The 2-litre turbodiesel came in several outputs, from 120PS to 150PS and 180PS at the top end - the 150PS model could achieve 0-62mph in 10.6 seconds, and 54.3mpg.
- Ford Galaxy 2.0 EcoBlue: These later 2-litre diesels were offered in 150PS, 190PS, 210PS and even 240PS variants. The 210PS car, with a standard automatic transmission, could cover 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds and reach 51.4mpg.
- Ford Galaxy 2.5 Duratec 190 FHEV: With a 2.5-litre petrol hybrid setup you get 190PS and a 10-second 0-62mph time. Economy splits the difference between the regular petrols and the diesels, at 43.5mpg.
What used Ford Galaxy trim levels are available?
- The Ford Galaxy Zetec starts off strongly with 17-inch alloy wheels, parking sensors all-round, electrically folding door mirrors, climate control, SYNC 3 infotainment with 8-inch touchscreen, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- The Ford Galaxy Titanium adds further equipment including touchscreen infotainment with sat-nav, rear privacy glass, keyless entry, and full interior ambient lighting.
- The Ford Galaxy Titanium X is the range-topping model, with features such as a panoramic glass roof, powered tailgate, and leather upholstery
Used Ford Galaxy dimensions and boot size
The Ford Galaxy’s exterior dimensions are:
- Length: 4,848mm
- Width: 1,916mm
- Height: 1,747mm
- Ground clearance: 124mm
The Ford Galaxy’s boot space is:
- 300 litres
- 2,309 litres with all rear seats folded
Used Ford Galaxy road tax
If you’re looking at a Galaxy registered prior to April 1, 2017, then the car’s tax rate is based on CO2 emissions, and the most frugal, the 2-litre turbodiesel with 150PS and 134g/km emissions, will get a £190 annual bill. Coincidentally, that’s the same as all April 2017-on models attract as a flat rate. The only exception is the hybrid, which is £10 cheaper, and any Galaxy that cost more than £40,000 new gets a surcharge, lifting the annual bill to £600.
How much is it to insure a Ford Galaxy?
The Galaxy’s a large car but insurance costs shouldn’t be too bad, with group ratings between 17 and 31 depending on the model. That’s a little more than Ford’s SUV, the Kuga, which spans groups 10-26, but less of a gap to the 13-25 group ratings of the SEAT Alhambra MPV.
