Ford S-MAX review

Vast. Which is entirely the point. Easiest way to do this is to go through the S-Max’s cabin row-by-row, starting with where you’ll be sitting…

The S-Max’s front seats are big, soft armchairs you’ll have no trouble manipulating into a comfy position. Visibility is predictably superb, thanks to the characteristic MPV-style windscreen that stretches way out into the distance, and those front quarterlights are especially handy mid-corner. The sheer amount of glass makes this a generally light and airy cabin, even with black upholstery and without the optional £900 panoramic roof. 

Where the S-Max feels its age is in the layout and operation of the dashboard. Launched in 2015, the seven-seat Ford pre-dates the car industry’s obsession with replacing as many physical controls as possible with touchscreens or, at the very least, touch-sensitive buttons/sliders. Which means that yes, it looks a bit old fashioned. But on the flipside it is very easy to use, with a big volume knob and straightforward climate controls. Same goes for the infotainment – it’s got CarPlay and so-on, but feels last-gen to operate. 

As for storage, the door bins are massive, there’s a handy compartment on top of the dashboard and loads of room under the centre armrest. 

HOW ABOUT THE MIDDLE ROW?

The three seats slide, recline and fold individually for maximum versatility, and of course there’s loads of legroom. I reckon you’d be able to fit three full-size kids’ seats side-by-side in the back of the S-Max, but by all means take yours to the dealer with you and have a go before you buy. Tray tables flip up from the backs of the front seats, and there’s a household three-pin plug socket and 12-volt outlet for power. No USBs unfortunately, but that’s a problem easily solved. 

Flipping the outermost middle-row seats forward to get to the third-row is a cinch – you can do it with one hand with a writhing, screaming child in the other. Same goes for folding them flat – there’s a control panel in the boot with buttons to flip down each of the five rear seats separately. You’ll have to put them up manually, though. 

AND THE THIRD ROW? 

You’ll want the bigger Galaxy if you regularly carry seven people. Especially if those people have luggage. The S-Max’s two flip-up seats are fine for kids and, just like the middle row, easy enough to erect and stow. With all seven seats in place boot space is obviously limited, but with the two of five rearmost seats folded flat the S-Max is truly cavernous.