Ford Galaxy review

The Ford Galaxy is the largest MPV in the range, so it’s also the most spacious. It's a seven-seater, and the back two seats fold electrically into the floor, while the central row of seats drops down at the press of a button, so it’s extremely practical.

The Galaxy is reasonable to drive, but it has traded a little of the previous model’s handling for greater comfort and refinement, although it’s now one of the best in the large MPV class for refinement and luxury.

There’s a good range of 2.0 TDCi diesel engines available with four different power outputs, and a 1.5 EcoBoost petrol engine, while four-wheel-drive is available, so there's should be a Galaxy to suit your needs and budget if you're looking for one. The only real downside are the Galaxy's associations with the private hire industry, as well as the fact an SUV is a more desirable package for buyers, so residual values take a hammering. Get past that, and the Galaxy is a spacious and luxurious way to carry seven in comfort.

The Ford Galaxy sits at the top of the range of MPVs for sale in Ford dealers today, both in terms of dimensions and luxury. The interior is home to seven seats, all of which have enough space for adults - yes, even the rearmost row - while the sliding and folding back seats allow you to adjust the cabin layout to suit your needs.

Ford is one of the few car makers that still offers people carriers, as the majority of firms now sell seven-seat SUVs instead. However, if ultimate space is your requirement, the Galaxy is still one of the roomiest family cars that you can buy. MPV rivals include Ford's own S-MAX, which shares its Ford Mondeo-sourced running gear with the Galaxy and is just a little bit smaller. Then there's the seven-seat Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer and Renault Grand Scenic, while the SEAT Alhambra and VW Sharan are getting a bit old, but come with handy sliding doors that make them worth considering.

• Best MPVs on sale

Seven-seat SUVs are on the rise, but these are only really suitable as an alternative to the Galaxy if you only use the rearmost seats on occasion. If this suits you, then the Skoda Kodiaq, Peugeot 5008, Land Rover Discovery Sport, SEAT Tarraco, Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail are all available.

Another alternative is the van-based MPV, and again Ford offers something from within its own ranks that's suitable. The Ford Tourneo Custom, and even the Transit Double Cab In-Van, offer even more space than the Galaxy, but in a more functional package. Elsewhere, there are the Citroen SpaceTourer, Peugeot Traveller and Toyota Proace Verso which all share tech, the VW Caravelle, Renault Trafic Passenger and that other staple of the private hire fraternity, the Mercedes V-Class.

Prices for the Ford Galaxy start from about £30,000, rising to around £42,000 for the most expensive versions. Ford offers Zetec, Titanium and Titanium X trims to private buyers, and we'd recommend going for one of the higher specs to make the most of the Galaxy experience. If you're looking to buy an ex-private hire Galaxy, then it's worth noting that it will likely come in a tailor-made specification, and will miss some standard kit when compared to these trims.

There's a 1.5 EcoBoost petrol available, but the Galaxy's size and weight means it needs to work hard, with the payoff being poor fuel economy. You'll be better off with the 2.0 TDCi diesel, which comes in 120, 150, 190 and 240 outputs. Either the 150 or 190 versions offer the best balance of performance and economy, while manual or auto gearboxes and four-wheel drive are available with both.

Overall, the Galaxy is still a great choice if you want a plush seven-seat family car, although it does have relatively high running costs, while depreciation is a concern for private buyers.

For an alternative review of the latest Ford Galaxy MPV visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk