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  • 61 seven-seat models tracked
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  • 61 seven-seat models tracked
  • Boot space measured with all seven seats up
  • Cheapest new 7-seater from £18,995
  • 23 electric 7-seaters on sale
  • Recalls checked against DVSA data every month

UsedMPV

Used Ford S-Max 7-seater

Ford's seven-seat MPV, sold new until 2023, with three Isofix middle seats and a third row for children

Sold new
2006 to 2023
Boot, 7 seats up
285 L
Seats
7
Isofix points
3
Length
4,796mm

Quick answer

Is the Ford S-Max a 7-seater?

Yes. The second-generation S-Max is a seven-seater, with three individual middle-row seats and two smaller third-row seats.

The S-Max is shorter than the Galaxy and has the same three Isofix middle seats, but its third row is for children. Look for a diesel with proof of recall work and, on automatics, PowerShift servicing.

On this page
  1. Quick answer
  2. Specifications
  3. Boot space
  4. Dimensions
  5. Third row
  6. Isofix
  7. Euro NCAP
  8. What to check
  9. MOT pass rates
  10. Recalls
  11. Good to know
  12. Alternatives
  13. Used Ford S-Max FAQs

This Ford S-Max 7-seater guide covers the second-generation car, sold new from 2015 to 2023. Carwow says an adult in its third row sits with knees close to the chest, and Auto Express agrees the rearmost seats are for children.

Behind the third row the boot holds 285 litres. If adults will use the back row often, the longer Ford Galaxy is the better used buy; otherwise the S-Max offers the same five-star Euro NCAP result from 2015 in a shorter body.

Ford S-Max specifications

Seats and space
BodyMPV
Seats7
Seat layout2-3-2
Boot, 7 seats up285 litres
Boot, 5 seats up965 litres
Boot, maximum2,020 litres
Third row suitsChildren
Isofix points3 (all three individual middle-row seats)
Size and power
Length4,796mm
Width without mirrors1,916mm
Height1,655mm
Fuel, with seven seatsPetrol, diesel, hybrid
GearboxManual or automatic
Euro NCAP5 stars (2015)

Ford S-Max boot space

7 seats up
285L
5 seats up
965L
Maximum
2,020L

With all seven seats in use the boot holds 285 litres, 39 litres more than the median for the 4 new MPVs, on sale or coming soon, with a published boot figure. With five seats in use the boot holds 965 litres, rising to a maximum of 2,020 litres.

How it is measured Auto Express figures; carwow also lists 285 litres with seven seats up and 965 to 2,020 litres with seats folded. No Ford figure was checked.

Ford S-Max dimensions

Length
4,796mm4.80m · 15ft 9in
Width
1,916mm1.92m · 6ft 3in
Height
1,655mm1.66m · 5ft 5in
Ford S-Max: side and top views drawn to scaleLength 4,796mmHeight 1,655mmWidth 1,916mm
Side and top views to scale, from the official dimensions. The outline is a generic MPV shape, not the exact profile.

At 4,796mm (4.80m, 15ft 9in) long, the S-Max is 391mm shorter than the median new MPV. It is 1,916mm wide without mirrors and 1,655mm tall.

Compare the S-Max with other cars

Third row: who fits?

Third row suitsChildren

Auto Express and carwow both say the two rearmost seats are really only for children. carwow warns that an adult back there sits with knees close to the chest.

FRONTROW 1ROW 2ROW 3
  • Seat
  • Isofix point
  • Best for children
  • Driver

Isofix and child seats

3Isofix points

The S-Max has three Isofix points: all three individual middle-row seats. That is enough for three Isofix child seats, though whether three fit side by side depends on the seats you choose.

Euro NCAP safety rating

5 stars from Euro NCAP, tested in 2015. Ratings from different years are not directly comparable, as the tests get tougher over time.

Buying a used Ford S-Max: what to check

  • Make sure recall work is done: Auto Express lists recalls for headlights switching off, sump cracks on overheating diesels, faulty clutches and defective air-con compressors (Auto Express)
  • Some owners report interior plastics that do not wear well, so inspect the cabin closely (Auto Express)
  • The PowerShift automatic needs careful maintenance, so ask for evidence it has been serviced (Auto Express)
  • The Auto Express long-term test car suffered a few minor electrical faults (Auto Express)
  • Most used examples are Titanium models with diesels of 148bhp or more (Auto Express)

MOT pass rates

First-time MOT pass rates for the S-Max, by the year each car was first registered, next to the average for all cars of the same age.

  1. 200660.5%65.6%
  2. 200761.5%66.5%
  3. 200862.6%66.5%
  4. 200962.5%67.9%
  5. 201067.8%68.8%
  6. 201170.2%71.0%
  7. 201269.5%73.3%
  8. 201368.4%75.6%
  9. 201470.4%77.9%
  10. 201577.1%80.5%
  11. 201683.3%83.1%
  12. 201784.3%85.7%
  13. 201883.9%87.9%
  14. 201982.3%89.8%
  15. 202088.3%91.3%
  16. 202186.2%92.0%
This modelAll cars, same age
MOT pass rates for the Ford S-Max by year of first use
First usedTestsPass rateAll cars that age
20062,35260.5%65.6%
20077,01261.5%66.5%
20086,94462.6%66.5%
20098,45562.5%67.9%
201012,72667.8%68.8%
20119,33370.2%71.0%
201210,06269.5%73.3%
20138,90268.4%75.6%
20149,04470.4%77.9%
20154,56077.1%80.5%
20169,81783.3%83.1%
20177,66684.3%85.7%
20183,32183.9%87.9%
20193,47982.3%89.8%
20202,41588.3%91.3%
20211,68286.2%92.0%

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data, 2024.

Recalls

The DVSA lists 23 recalls for the S-Max. The latest 10:

  1. 5 May 2026 · Ref R/2026/181 · 67 vehicles

    Multi Vehicle Line (MVL): Telecommunications Control Module (TCU) loss of Function Software Update

    Affected vehicles may experience a loss of emergency call system (eCall) functionality which impacts both automatic and manual eCall events.

    Remedy: Update the Telematics Control Unit software to the latest level.

    Built 20 November 2020 to 27 March 2023

  2. 7 July 2025 · Ref R/2025/243 · 14 vehicles

    25S54 Kuga S-Max and Galaxy - Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Software Update

    Certain Kuga S-Max and Galaxy vehicles equipped with a 2.5L HEV/PHEV Engine may not have the remedy for Safety Recall 23S27 installed correctly but were recorded as having received the repair successfully. Because the correct software update may not have been installed on these vehicles the underlying condition specified in Safety Recall 23S27 potential under hood fire may still exist.

    Remedy: Dealers are to update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software.

    Built 24 November 2021 to 2 November 2022

  3. 19 December 2024 · Ref R/2025/094 · 805 vehicles

    X-Car Powertain Control Module (PCM) Software Update

    Affected vehicles may develop a crack in the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).

    Remedy: Update software to prevent a cracked DPF. Test and replace DPFs that are already cracked.

    Built 15 June 2018 to 21 September 2022

  4. 23 May 2024 · Ref R/2026/076 · 7,482 vehicles

    Brake Hose Leak

    On affected vehicles there is the possibility of the front brake hoses leaking.

    Remedy: Replace both front brake hoses and modify the hose routing and ride height sensor if necessary.

    Built 4 December 2014 to 3 October 2018

  5. 26 February 2024 · Ref R/2023/175 · 665 vehicles

    23S27 Kuga S-Max/Galaxy 2.5L HEV/PHEV Engine: Engine Compartment Issue

    Engine failure that may lead to a breach of the engine oil sump or engine block

    Remedy: Software update

    Built 17 March 2021 to 23 December 2022

  6. 29 July 2022 · Ref R/2022/239 · 9,388 vehicles

    THE eCALL FEATURE WILL STOP FUNCTIONING DUE TO A MALFUNCTION

    It may be possible that the eCall feature will stop functioning due to a malfunction.

    Remedy: The Telecommunication Module will need to be replaced

    Built 11 May 2022 to 29 July 2022

  7. 23 June 2022 · Ref R/2022/182 · 2,260 vehicles

    A NUMBER OF VEHICLES FITTED WITH ADAPTIVE HEADLAMPS WILL NOT DISPLAY A WARNING MESSAGE

    Vehicles fitted with Adaptive Headlamps will not display a warning message should a failure of the module that controls the Adaptive Headlamps occur.

    Remedy: Update the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) software.

    Built 9 November 2018 to 25 April 2022

  8. 22 February 2021 · Ref R/2021/005 · 39,441 vehicles

    THE REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK COULD CORRODE OVER TIME LEADING TO REDUCED MATERIAL AND LOAD CAPACITY AND FINALLY BREAKAGE OF THE BOLT

    The Rear Suspension Toe Link bolt is exposed to corrosion growth which over time leads to reduced material and load capacity and finally to a breakage of the bolt.

    Remedy: Replace the bolt utilising an alternative bolt supplier and update all affected vehicles.

    Built 20 January 2015 to 18 February 2020

  9. 30 October 2020 · Ref R/2020/013 · 219,738 vehicles

    TAKATA AIR BAG INFLATOR MAY RUPTURE ON DEPLOYMENT

    Drivers airbag may not deploy correctly

    Remedy: Replace Driver air bag assembly

    Built 5 January 2006 to 28 February 2017

  10. 29 August 2019 · Ref R/2019/212 · 56,154 vehicles

    POTENTIAL BATTERY ACID LEAKAGE AROUND NEGATIVE TERMINAL

    Possible thermal incident within the battery monitor sensor wiring

    Remedy: Install a fused jumper loom into the battery monitor sensor wiring

    Built 13 February 2014 to 11 February 2019

Recall data updated 4 October 2026. Ask a dealer to check a specific car by its registration.

Good to know

  • Euro NCAP awarded the S-Max five stars in September 2015 (Euro NCAP)
  • The Car Expert notes the 2015 Euro NCAP rating expired in January 2022 (The Car Expert)
  • Production ran from May 2006 to April 2023, ending at the same time as the Galaxy (Wikipedia, production dates only)

New alternatives to a used Ford S-Max

Dacia

Jogger

MPV · seven seats

From
£18,995
Boot, 7 up
212 L
Length
4,550mm
Isofix
2

Citroen

Berlingo XL

Van-based MPV · seven seats

From
£26,805
Boot, 7 up
209 L
Length
4,753mm
Isofix
3

Chery

Tiggo 8

SUV · seven seats

From
£28,545
Boot, 7 up
117 L
Length
4,725mm

Mercedes-Benz

GLB

SUV · seven seats

From
£42,070
Length
4,732mm
Isofix
5

Used Ford S-Max FAQs

What years was the Ford S-Max sold new in the UK?

2006 to 2023.

How big is the Ford S-Max boot with all seven seats up?

285 litres with all seven seats in use, 965 litres with five seats in use and a maximum of 2,020 litres.

How long is the Ford S-Max?

The Ford S-Max is 4,796mm long (4.80m, 15ft 9in), 1,916mm wide without its mirrors and 1,655mm tall.

How many Isofix points does the Ford S-Max have?

Three: all three individual middle-row seats.

Can adults sit in the third row of the Ford S-Max?

Not comfortably. The third row is best kept for children.

Should I buy a Ford S-Max or a Galaxy?

Buy the Galaxy if adults will sit in the back. Reviewers rate the Galaxy's third row as usable by adults but see the S-Max's rearmost seats as children's seats, and the Galaxy has a little more boot space with all seven seats up: 300 litres against 285 on Auto Express figures.

The S-Max is the shorter car, at 4,796mm against 4,848mm, and both have Isofix on all three middle seats. See our used Ford Galaxy guide.

Which used Ford S-Max engine is best?

Most used S-Maxes have diesels of 148bhp or more, according to Auto Express, so a diesel gives you the widest choice. A hybrid was also sold, but the sources checked do not confirm whether it is a full or plug-in hybrid, so check the details of any car you view.

With the PowerShift automatic, ask for proof of regular servicing.

What replaced the Ford S-Max?

Ford ended S-Max production in April 2023, alongside the Galaxy, and no direct replacement was confirmed in the sources we checked. For a new Ford with seven seats, the option is the van-based Grand Tourneo Connect; see all Ford 7-seaters.

Sources Auto Express, carwow, Euro NCAP, The Car Expert, Wikipedia Ford S-Max, DVSA