Test drive Ford S-MAX Hybrid: one of the best family cars you can buy

There was a time when MPVs were in fashion, almost as much as SUVs are now. In fact, the formula came to be used in practically every segment of the market, just as has happened with SUVs.

In 2006, Ford dared to go a step further with a different proposal when it launched the first generation of the Ford S-MAX. It was a vehicle that kept the design and versatility of a large MPV, like the Ford Galaxy that the brand of the oval already had in its range. But with a lower body and a chassis that offered driving sensations less distant from those of classic saloons, and that could appeal to those family men who needed space but did not want to give up the dynamic qualities of a conventional car.

The formula not only worked wonderfully, but today it remains fully valid, judging by the results the Ford S-MAX Hybrid delivers. What is surprising is how well a car is holding up that, after the update received in 2010, saw its second generation arrive in 2015, on which the car we are looking at today is based, after the latest update carried out in 2021. The only thing is that “SUV fever” continues to cause a sensation, and the advantages of MPVs often take a back seat.

But if what you need is a car for mainly family use, with plenty of luggage space and versatility in configuring the cabin, capable of carrying three children in their respective child seats or even, occasionally, seven passengers, the proposal offered by the Ford S-MAX Hybrid has no rival on the market. These are the reasons.

1.- The only hybrid MPV in its class

Look no further: the Ford S-MAX is the only MPV of this size with a non-plug-in hybrid propulsion system -and therefore with the DGT ECO label– sold in our market with these characteristics. Granted, there is also the Ford Galaxy Hybrid, which has an even more family-oriented approach.

But if I had to choose, I would go for the S-MAX, which not only costs less than the Galaxy (6,000 euros less at list prices, about 3,000 euros less with all the offers applied), but also has a much more dynamic behaviour without giving up space or versatility. Other interesting alternatives among MPVs are the Renault Espace or the Seat Alhambra, but they also do not reach the dynamism of the S-MAX and do not offer hybrid versions.

The S-MAX is offered in four trim levels, with attractive discounts of between 9,000 and 10,000 euros, including the commercial offer and financing the purchase through the brand. With the discounts applied, the prices according to the brand’s configurator are as follows:

• S-MAX Hybrid Trend: 33,890 euros
• S-MAX Hybrid Titanium: 35,875 euros
• S-MAX Hybrid ST Line: 37,530 euros
• S-MAX Hybrid Vignale: 42,315 euros

Although the Trend versions already come very well equipped, our recommendation for a car like this is to start with the Titanium trim, which is much more complete. The ST Line adds an extra dose of equipment and sportiness that is hard to resist.

2.- An MPV with up to seven seats and plenty of boot space

As standard, the Ford S-MAX comes with three rows of seats and seven seats, although it can be ordered with five seats, which cuts the bill by almost 800 euros. This last row may be a deciding factor for many. But even if you think you do not need it, I recommend you do not dispense with it. When they are folded away you do not even notice that you have these two extra seats, as they sit perfectly flush with the floor. And you never know when you might need them, even if it is for short journeys where you could avoid moving two cars.

It is true that there is not much room in this third row, but they can be used by people of average height, once the difficulty of getting into them is overcome. Folding and unfolding them is very easy, and although about 70 litres of boot space are lost in the five-seat configuration compared with the S-MAX with only two rows of seats, the more than 630 litres of boot capacity is a very good figure.

As for the second row, it has three individual seats that can be moved up to 15 centimetres longitudinally, as well as backrest recline adjustment. There is enough width to take advantage of the three Isofix anchor points and fit up to three child seats, and plenty of legroom if adults are travelling and choose the furthest back position. Unlike the third-row seats, the second-row ones are removable.

One difference to bear in mind for those who are going to tow a caravan is that the five-seat S-MAX has a towing capacity of 1,750 kg, compared with 1,560 kg for the seven-seat version.

3.- The S-MAX’s hybrid engine: minimal consumption

And we come to another of the reasons that make the Ford S-MAX a highly recommended purchase: the operation of its hybrid propulsion system, which is also used in the Ford Kuga FHEV, and which has become the only one available in the range. This is by no means a problem, as it is capable of making you completely forget the turbodiesel versions with their low consumption -well, I have jumped ahead-, and offers a remarkable driving pleasure thanks to its smoothness and performance.

It uses a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 150 CV, coupled to an electric motor producing 125 CV with a transmission that Ford calls “Power-split”, which works with a planetary gear set. This type of transmission simulates gear changes, although in reality it works by adjusting the engine speed to the vehicle speed, as in Toyota hybrids. I must say, though, that Ford’s system “disguises” the lack of fixed gears much better, and the engine noise when revving up is not so noticeable depending on how far you press the accelerator.

The battery, with a capacity of 1.1 kWh and liquid cooling, is located under the boot floor. The total system power reaches 190 CV, with a maximum torque of 200 Nm.

The best thing about this propulsion system, and I think I have already hinted at it but it bears repeating, is that it offers a magnificent balance between performance and consumption. I would say it is even surprising, for a car that approaches 2 tonnes. And to this it adds a more than notable driving pleasure. Without doubt, one of the best hybrid engines on the market in its power category.

The sensations are as I describe: smoothness and very pleasant thrust from low revs, with a notable capacity to gain speed when you need it. And the figures confirm that the S-MAX Hybrid has plenty of performance, with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.8 seconds, and a top speed of 185 km/h.

But the best thing is the consumption, with an average during our test that closed below 7 l/100 km: exactly, 6.9 l/100 km. Mind you, I am talking about an average, driving normally and combining country roads, city and motorway. If you set out to do so, and drive with plenty of anticipation and paying attention to consumption, you can even see averages below 6 l/100 km. Surprising.

4.- Dynamic behaviour: an MPV that does not seem like one

Comfort is taken for granted in a car like this. After all, it is its main reason for being. And the S-MAX is a really comfortable car for travelling, thanks to the quality of its suspension over bumps, cabin insulation, smoothness of the engine, seat comfort…

What I find to be a very important plus in the case of the S-MAX is that, moreover, it is a car with an agility on winding roads that you will not find in any other MPV of this size, although the truth is that there are not many left. I will not say it is the same as a saloon, because in the end you sit higher, and that is noticeable; and let us remember that we are very close to two tonnes in weight. But under no circumstances will body roll interrupt your rhythm; what will do so first is the size (it is 4.8 metres long and over 1.90 metres wide), which takes its toll when manoeuvring in tight spaces, where the S-MAX can no longer disguise the fact that it is a big car.

On the debit side, and this is not attributable to its MPV nature but to being a hybrid car, the feel of the brake pedal requires a certain period of adaptation, especially when no strong deceleration is needed. The transition between regenerative braking and hydraulic brakes changes the feel of the pedal, sometimes just as you are about to stop; but you get used to it and learn the “trick”.

How could the Ford S-MAX Hybrid be improved?

So far, practically everything we have said about the S-MAX, from the headline onwards, has been positive. But it also has a few weak points. Despite being a veteran model in its origins, with the latest update it does not fall short in equipment options, driving aids or connectivity. However, the most advanced assistants .

The SYNC 3 system from Ford, in this ST Line trim with a 10.1-inch TFT screen, is intuitive and easy to use; the only thing missing is that the integration of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay could be wireless rather than cabled. The standard Ford Pass Connect system allows you to use the Ford app to control some functions from a smartphone (central locking, vehicle location, etc.) and create an on-board WiFi hotspot, as well as providing real-time information such as hazards on the route or traffic status.

The least “modern”, so to speak, is the instrument cluster, with digital graphics that simulate analogue clocks, but visually unappealing, with limited configuration options and a bit confusing at times because of the amount of information displayed. It should be noted in this respect that there is also no option to choose a mode on the instrument cluster or the multimedia screen that shows the energy flow when the hybrid system is operating, which is common in this type of vehicle.

But Ford has designed the S-MAX Hybrid to be as comfortable and easy to drive as possible, regardless of the propulsion system used. For this reason, there are also no paddles on the steering wheel to control energy recovery system levels, only a rotary dial to choose the “D” or “L” positions (with greater retention, in this case by means of a button in the centre of the dial), which invites you to select “D” and only worry about the steering wheel and pedals. Many will appreciate it.

Ford S-MAX Hybrid image gallery