The Ford S-Max is a nice looking vehicle. It looks like a natural progression from the company's smaller flagship cars, the Fiesta and the Focus. It shares a similar design ethos, with a sporty and angular design. As a result, you may not notice it's a 7-seater unless you look closely. Inside, the space is phenomenal, and the 3rd row of seats is very practical - even adults will be okay back there. Boot space is excellent too, and it's the perfect IKEA companion. At this price point, the Ford S-Max is arguably the best ultra-practical car you can buy.
What you can expect to find in a Ford S-Max
There are only 3 trims available on the Ford S-Max: The entry-level Zetec, the mid-range Titanium, and the range-topping ST-Line. As a car that's likely to be full of kids, it's important that the S-Max has plenty of technology. Ford scores well here, as the S-Max comes with plenty of bells and whistles that will make it easier to live with - as well as more fun for your passengers. While the S-Max, like most 7-seaters, comes in at a premium price point, it's comforting to see that even the entry-level Zetec has plenty of features and tech onboard to keep most people happy.
- Automatic air-conditioning
- Touch screen infotainment system
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Leather steering wheel
Ford has a reputation as an 'everyman' manufacturer. With that being said though, don't be fooled into thinking that the Ford is lacking in 'premium manufacturer' features. The higher trims of the S-Max are brilliant, and you can adapt this car to be as high-tech as you want. If you'll only use certain pieces of tech, consider buying a cheaper trim and opt into the optional tech packs that you will actually use. If you want the maximum tech on board, just head straight to the higher trims, which pack some brilliant features.
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Optional sport suspension, with rear spoiler
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible
No one buys the S-Max for its good looks alone, but it's still nice to see a nice looking 7-seater. You won't be embarrassed driving it around, and it looks less like a minivan and more like an angular SUV. It's super practical inside but still manages to be upmarket and plush. The seats are brilliant, and all of the materials used inside are of high quality. While not entirely on the same level as the likes of Audi and Mercedes, you can't complain about the quality on offer at this price point. In terms of driving, the S-Max is excellent. Obviously not as fun as the smaller Ford Focus and Fiesta, but it shares much of the same driving ethos, so handling is brilliant. Ford's efficient turbo engines make sure that you won't have any problems overtaking on the motorway. 7-Seaters tend to hold their value quite well, so you'll be able to sell the Ford S-Max on for a decent price when you're ready to move on.
Read the latest Ford S-Max review