Ford S-MAX MPV (2006-2014) - Practicality & boot space
The S-MAX is ideal for a growing family, including versatile seats that can fit three children in a row and a place for everyone’s stuff, however big or small
The Ford S-MAX is as practical as it is good to drive, with three full-size seats in the middle, a decent boot even with the third row of seats in place and lots of places to store general claptrap. Everything is easy to use, too.
Ford S-MAX interior space and storage
There’s plenty of room for the front five occupants, and each of the second-row seats can recline and individually slide to free up extra legroom or boot space as required. They’re also big enough to accommodate three bulky child seats in a row, and there are ISOFIX points for each one. If your child seat has a support leg, make sure you buy Ford’s polystyrene filler to reinforce the underfloor compartment.
The third row of seats is rather cramped and low-slung, so only kids are likely to be comfortable there; bear in mind there are no airbags back here, though.
Easy-to-pull toggles make it quick and easy to fold any of the rear seats flush with the floor, and the S-MAX is packed with storage for a family’s clutter, including a large glovebox, big door pockets and numerous cup-holders.
Ford S-MAX boot space
Whether the third row of seats is up or down, the S-MAX trumps its rivals for boot space; in particular, the boot is a full 20cm longer than the Peugeot 5008’s when that third row is folded. While this reduces to 50cm long when it’s in use, that still beats most other seven-seaters, plus the third row’s high back can support a tall tower of luggage. Alternatively, a slimline pushchair or larger buggy on its side will fit in easily.
A flat load bay right up to the hatch, a huge boot opening and seats that fold completely flat make it easy to load even awkward items into the back of the S-MAX. Ford supplies a tyre repair kit in case of a puncture, as there’s no room for a regular full-size spare wheel.
Ford S-MAX towing
The 2.0-litre diesel engines can capably and legally tow a braked trailer weighing up to 100% of the car’s kerb weight of 1,690kg, although the recommendation is to tow no more than 85% of your vehicle’s kerb weight, which in this case works out at 1,435kg.
