Used Ford S-Max for sale: everything you need to know
Being great to drive isn’t something you expect from an MPV, nor is it something many MPV buyers seek. But if you have to have as many seats as possible but still value keen handling, the Ford S-Max is probably the people-mover for you. While it was discontinued in 2023, Ford’s mid-size MPV was popular when new and makes a great used buy today - and not just because it drives well.
It ticks most of the boxes you’d hope for from an MPV, with seven seats (the rear pair are more of the occasional type, but still useful), great visibility, a sensibly laid-out cabin, and engines that balance economy with enough performance to occasionally carry a full complement of passengers. The S-Max has no direct replacement, so now is probably the best time to buy a nearly-new example and make use of all that space while you can.
Should you buy a Ford S-Max?
SUVs and crossovers might now be the family cars of choice for a lot of buyers, but MPVs still have plenty to offer. They remain unsurpassed for packing maximum passenger and luggage space into a relatively small footprint, and tend to offer full-sized seats for every occupant and have great visibility too.
The S-Max has all these characteristics despite not being the biggest Ford MPV you can buy - you’ll need to look for the Galaxy if you want something bigger. But it’s still able to seat seven passengers or, if you fold and remove seats in the right combination, rival some vans for storage capacity. The only real downside is that as Ford no longer offers the S-Max new, the supply of the very best cars will soon begin to dry up.
All the more reason to get one while you can, and for far less money than new. The S-Max drives well, in common with many Fords, with better steering, grip, and less body lean than you might expect, but it doesn’t ride badly either. Ford offered petrol, diesel, and hybrid engines over the years, and all are frugal for their size - hybrid models will be the most recent, if you’re looking for the newest car available.
If you’re not yet sold on the S-Max but still want an MPV, then cars like the Citroen C4 Space Tourer, Renault Scenic, and Vauxhall Zafira Tourer offer similar benefits, while another option is something more van-based - perhaps less stylish than a dedicated MPV, but cars like the Citroen Berlingo, Volkswagen Caddy Life, and Ford’s own Tourneo Courier are all incredibly spacious for their size, and all are still on sale if you’re wanting something as new as possible.
What’s the best used Ford S-Max model to buy?
In recent years Ford slimmed down to the S-Max range to only the hybrid, so if you’re looking at a later car that’s all you’ll find. But the older diesels still make a lot of sense as family wheels, as they’re pretty frugal (more than 40mpg on paper, similar to the hybrid) and have enough performance to carry people and their things without struggling too much. Go further back and you’ll also see some petrol models (either a 1.5 or 2.0-litre), and while they perform well, neither will be as economical as the diesels or hybrid. We’d not look too far beyond Titanium trim either - aside from already being well-equipped, its smaller wheels will offer the best ride quality.
Used Ford S-Max fuel economy and performance
- Ford S-Max 2.0 Ecoblue diesel 150PS: The first of two diesel models uses a 2-litre four-cylinder producing 150PS, with six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic gearbox options. Both get from 0-62mph in 10.8 seconds, but the manual is marginally better on fuel, at 46.3mpg to 44.1mpg for the auto.
- Ford S-Max 2.0 Ecoblue diesel 190PS: With the same 2-litre engine but 190PS, you get 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds and 44.1mpg. There’s also a 4x4 model though, which manages 0-62mph in 10.5 seconds, and 42.2mpg.
- Ford S-Max 2.5 Duratec FHEV: A full hybrid model gives you an alternative to diesel power, with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine making 190PS with electric assistance from a 1.1kWh battery pack. 0-62mph just lags the 190PS diesel, at 9.8 seconds, and economy is similar too at 44.1mpg combined.
What used Ford S-Max trim levels are available?
S-Max trim levels match those of several other Fords, with Titanium trim kicking off the range (and already having a decent level of equipment), rising through a sporty ST-Line to a more luxurious, leather-trimmed Vignale at the top of the range - akin to the old Ghia trim, if you’re old enough to remember it!
- The Ford S-Max Titanium is where the range starts, with 17-inch alloy wheels, auto headlights, navigation, privacy glass, and keyless go.
- The Ford S-Max ST-Line gets larger 18-inch alloys and a sporty body kit to justify the ST-Line badge, with a rear spoiler and sports suspension too. Other kit includes 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 Ford’s take on a luxury people-mover. Wheels are the largest yet at 19 inches, and other equipment includes adaptive LED headlights, 12-speaker Sony audio, Active Noise Control noise-cancelling, an electric 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
For the 2024/2025 tax year, you’ll pay either £190 for the diesel models in VED, or £180 for the 2.5-litre FHEV hybrid. However, you’ll need to check what the car you’re looking at originally cost, as certain models came in above £40,000 brand new, which attracts a surcharge, lifting prices to £600 per year, or £10 less for the hybrid.
How much is it to insure a Ford S-Max?
Even if tax is a bit steep on some models, insurance costs shouldn’t be too bad. An entry-level 150PS diesel in Titanium trim starts at group 16 out of 50, and this rises to group 27 for the range-topping Vignale. For comparison, a Renault Grand Scenic spans groups 12-24.
