Ford Galaxy review - Engines, drive & performance (2015-2023)
The Ford Galaxy is surprisingly good to drive for a car of its size
Despite the fact that an MPV is usually bought for practicality rather than outright performance, Ford has worked to ensure its bulky family cruiser is enjoyable to drive. Passenger comfort is the first priority, though – the Galaxy is very quiet at low speeds and remains hushed on the motorway. The ride is well judged, too – it’s not so soft that it feels woozy and causes motion sickness, but is supple enough to lessen the effect of potholes and bumps in the road. From 2021, only hybrid powertrains were available in the Galaxy.
Anyone familiar with the Ford S-MAX will be impressed that the bigger Galaxy feels very similar to drive, with positive, confidence-inspiring steering and a real resistance to body lean, so it isn’t out of its comfort zone in corners. Grip is impressive, too – even more so in versions which were fitted with the optional four-wheel-drive system. True, the Galaxy doesn’t have the responses of a sports car and it always feels big and heavy, but as borderline buses go, it’s good to drive.
Ford Galaxy hybrid
The Galaxy Hybrid is fitted with a 2.5-litre petrol engine, which doesn’t sound particularly green. Luckily, it rarely has to work very hard, because it's assisted by an electric motor, powered by a small battery. Their combined power is 197bhp, which gets the MPV from 0-62mph in a respectable 10 seconds. Top speed is 115mph.
Ford Galaxy diesel engines
The 148bhp 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel was the best-selling Galaxy engine and enables 0-62mph in 10.9 seconds with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The more powerful 187bhp version of this engine was only available with a smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox that makes for a relaxing drive. You’ll also enjoy the extra power, which ensures decent progress when the car is fully loaded and reduces the 0-62mph to 9.6 seconds.
If you choose the range-topping four-wheel-drive model, which is only available with the 187bhp engine, extra weight increases the 0-62mph time to 10.6 seconds.
