Ford Mondeo Estate review (2014-2022)

The Ford Mondeo has always been an impressive car and only its ‘everyman’ image prevents it from competing squarely with the BMW 3 Series Touring, Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes C-Class Estate. Instead, its direct rivals are the Mazda6 Tourer, Volkswagen Passat Estate, Peugeot 508 SW and Skoda Superb Estate, while the Kia Optima Sportswagon and Hyundai i40 Tourer are good-looking alternatives but are no longer available new.

With a long list of rivals, the Ford Mondeo Estate has been constantly updated to keep it competitive. The latest model has a classier, better-made interior than ever, as well as sharp looks and an impressive array of hi-tech features. The engine range is a bit limited now but those engines still available are pretty economical.

Those looking for a diesel can choose from 2.0-litre EcoBlue engines with 148 or 187bhp. The latter makes the Mondeo a pretty quick car, completing 0-62mph in nine seconds, while still returning 50.4mpg. The smaller diesel, meanwhile, offers 54.3mpg but the move to WLTP CO2 emissions figures means it no longer offers cheap Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rates for company-car drivers. An automatic gearbox is available on all models, although it does have a negative effect on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. If you’d rather have petrol, you’ll now need to look at the used market for the 163bhp 1.5-litre EcoBoost. The sprint from 0-62mph takes a shade over nine seconds and 41.5mpg is possible.

A Ford Mondeo hybrid is also available as a saloon or estate - which we've reviewed separately - with a 2.0-litre petrol engine, electric motor and small battery pack. It's not as good to drive as the standard versions and the boot space is smaller, but lower CO2 emissions reduce BiK liability.

Ford Mondeo hatchback review

While the latest Ford Mondeo Estate isn’t quite as sharp to drive as its predecessor, it’s a lot more comfortable on a bumpy road. So, while enthusiastic drivers might be happier behind the wheel of a BMW 3 Series Touring, families are likely to prefer the bigger and smoother-riding Mondeo – but it’s still capable of putting a smile on the driver’s face.

One of the Mondeo Estate’s key attributes is its large, spacious interior, which will easily accommodate four grown adults. It doesn’t have quite as big a boot as the Volkswagen Passat Estate, so it might be worth investigating the Passat if you regularly carry lots of luggage. The boot is well designed, though, with rear seats that fold flush with the boot floor to give an uninterrupted load platform.

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Material quality has taken a notable step up from the old car and Ford has boosted technology, adding a standard eight-inch touchscreen with the manufacturer’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, including voice-recognition. Trim levels are Zetec Edition, ST-Line Edition and Titanium Edition, plus a luxurious Vignale version, and all models include alloy wheels, DAB radio, cruise control, chrome roof rails and two-zone climate control, as well as a heated windscreen, folding door mirrors, parking sensors and sat nav.

The high-spec Titanium Edition has convenience features like rain-sensing wipers and keyless entry and start, plus larger alloy wheels, an automatically dimming rear-view mirror and leather seats that are heated and power-adjustable in the front. ST-Line Edition cars come with a sporty body kit and rear spoiler, plus lowered suspension, tinted windows and more supportive seats with red stitching.

For those with a taste for luxury, there’s a Mondeo Estate Vignale at the top of the range, with quilted leather upholstery, unique styling touches and even better refinement. Adaptive LED headlights, a powered tailgate, heated steering wheel, active noise cancelling and a Sony sound system are all fitted.

Ford has accomplished its goal of making the Mondeo Estate look and feel more upmarket than before; it’s now a closer rival to the Passat Estate as a result. Large cars appeal to buyers looking for safety and the Mondeo delivers, with a five-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating. The only letdown is that the Mondeo range finished in a low 72nd place out of the 75 cars ranked in our 2017 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey. It hasn't featured since, but Ford might be a bit disappointed with its 24th-place finish out of 30 manufacturers in the 2020 survey.

That’s the only thing that gets in the way of us giving the Ford Mondeo Estate our warm recommendation. It’s great looking, comfortable and makes for a safe and well equipped way to transport your family.