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· 22 Dec 2022

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Ford S-MAX review in 2022

WHAT IS IT?
Do you remember MPVs? They used to be very fashionable, until mom and dad decided they needed a sexier but less practical pseudo-SUV to transport their kids.

The growing popularity of crossovers over the past decade or so has led many manufacturers to abandon MPVs altogether, preferring instead to dress up their seven-seat family cars as SUVs. But there are still a few that are holding on, selling in relatively small numbers and giving their owners the kind of practicality and versatility that a crossover can't match.

Take the Ford S-Max, for example. When the S-Max appeared on the market in 2006, it was something of a revelation. It was closely related to the larger Galaxy, but here was an MPV that was not completely embarrassing to see in, and that drove really well. Just like a Ford should. You can even get one with a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine with 220 horsepower from the modern Focus ST hot hatch.

WHAT ABOUT TODAY'S S-MAX?
The second-generation S-Max, launched in 2015 and still closely related to the Galaxy, is no longer the car it once was. But it's still an excellent MPV with a massive, versatile interior and more dynamics than you might think.

WHAT ENGINES CAN YOU GET?
We're afraid there are no more hot hatch engines. Of the three engines available for 2021, two are diesels - both 2.0-liter, one with 148 hp and the other 187 hp. The smaller diesel engine comes with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, while the more powerful engine gets all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. The third option, and the newest addition to the range, is the S-Max Hybrid.

Not a plug-in hybrid like the Kuga, but a "full" hybrid or "FHEV" more akin to the so-called "self-charging" hybrid from Toyota or Lexus. In short, the S-Max Hybrid can't be charged from the grid and doesn't have a reasonable electric range, but it can still run on e-drive for short distances. The small battery pack is constantly charged (by the 2.5-liter gasoline engine and regenerative braking) and discharged while driving, and the car's computers determine how best to exchange gasoline and electric power for maximum efficiency. It works - more in the Driving tab.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE INSIDE?
Massive. There's room for seven people, and the glazing makes it feel light and airy. The rear seats are really just for kids, but they fold flat into the floor and are brilliantly easy to adjust and stow. I believe there is enough room in the middle row for three full-size child seats - check with your dealer before you decide - all three seats slide and recline individually. The only real problem here is design - this generation of S-Max has been around since 2015, so naturally the cabin and infotainment will feel a bit dated. On the plus side, you get the right buttons for all the main controls, as this predates the industry's fascination with all things touchscreen. More in the interior tab.

WHAT'S THE VERDICT?
"If you have a large family and are not set on a crossover, take a look at the S-Max. It's not glamorous, but it drives well and is very practical."
If you have a large family and are not set on a crossover, the S-Max is worth a look. While crossovers and SUVs are great these days, they can still struggle with the versatility of a more traditional MPV. The S-Max is extremely spacious, practical and comfortable, and drives better than an MPV really needs to. It may have been around for a few years and is feeling its age in some areas, but the touchscreen skeptics among you may like its relatively simple but very clear dashboard and infotainment. The hybrid is particularly refined and meets Ford's stated criteria for economy - you must have one.