The Ford Galaxy is Ford’s long-running seven-seat people carrier, also known as an MPV (it stands for ‘multi-purpose vehicle’). The original was launched back in the 1990s and there have been several iterations since then, all focused on maximum people-hauling ability. The latest version arrive din 2015 and has a sportier counterpart in the form of the Ford S-MAX but for outright space, the Ford Galaxy leads the way.
These days, alas, the MPV has fallen out of favour. The Ford Galaxy is therefore is not going to be replaced. Simply put, customers have switched to SUVs – or, if they still need to carry seven people with space to spare, van-derived people carriers such as the Ford Tourneo Custom.
Rivals to the Ford Galaxy include the Volkswagen Sharan, the refined Citroen Grand C4 Picasso and the SEAT Alhambra.
Given how many people what opted for SUVs in recent years, is the Ford Galaxy still a good car to buy? We think it is.
For starters, it’s a classic MPV, with a light and airy cabin that offers plenty of space and comfort for seven people. You may be able to buy seven-seat SUVs these days, but the third-row passengers are very much third-class occupants. SUVs simply aren’t as hospitable as a proper people carrier.
The Ford Galaxy is hardly outdated in terms of its engine tech, either. A hybrid system helps improve fuel economy, delivering lower CO2 emissions than an efficient diesel. It also allows the Ford to run frequently in pure EV mode around town, which cuts localised city emissions and helps improve real-world fuel economy.
Latterly available in a single Titanium grade, the Ford Galaxy is well-equipped, including the MPV essential of rear privacy glass. Passengers will be calmed by the ambient lighting, while the driver will be pleased with a comprehensive infotainment system that features standard sat-nav, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
It’s also a Ford, which means it drives nicely, with a crisp eagerness and well-honed dynamics. It’s biased towards ride quality, so passengers won’t have anything to complain about, but the driver will still feel like they’re driving something a bit more special than the MPV norm.
What a pity the MPV is a dying breed, fading alongside the more stylish draw of SUVs. The Ford Galaxy shows these common-sense vehicles still have plenty going for them.
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This is simple, because the basic Ford Galaxy is the best Ford Galaxy. The entry-level Zetec trim packs all the equipment you need for family life, while the 150hp version of the 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel offers a compelling blend of performance and fuel economy.
Perhaps only step up to Titanium if you're used to more luxurious cars, as it brings some nice (but not necessary) equipment additions. However, we would recommend buying a more recent version. Ford improved the Galaxy in 2019 for the 2020 model-year update, while the diesel engines introduced in 2018 were a big step forward over the old units.
If you're looking to buy a nearly new Ford Galaxy, then it's worth bearing in mind that, as of 2021, only petrol hybrid versions were available to order. It's the same self-charging hybrid (not plug-in hybrid) system found in the Mondeo and S-Max hybrids.
Ford narrowed the Galaxy range right down to just a single engine option towards the end of it life with the low-CO2 full hybrid. This reflects the model’s longstanding popularity as an inner-city luxury cab. The hybrid comes as standard with a CVT-style automatic transmission. Before this, there was a spread of 2.0-litre turbodiesels, or 1.5- and 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrols.
Here are the engine options with the Ford Galaxy.
Ford Galaxy 1.5 EcoBoost petrol: A 1.5-litre petrol engine in a large MPV might sound underwhelming, but this turbocharged EcoBoost motor works well if you don't routinely use all sevens seats. If offers 0-62mph in 10 seconds, 43.5mpg average economy, and emissions at 149g/km.
Ford Galaxy 2.0 EcoBoost petrol: The 240hp 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine brought some welcome low- and mid-rev shove to the Galaxy. However, it wasn't that big a step up from the 1.5-litre motor in performance, needing 8.6 seconds to go from 0-62mph. It also comes with higher emissions of 180g/km and lower fuel economy at 35.8mpg.
Ford Galaxy 2.0 TDCi diesel: Ford offered its ubiquitous 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine in a variety of power outputs in the Galaxy. This ranged from the modest 120hp unit, through the 150hp version and on to the 180hp engine. The 150hp version is all you'll need as it offers 0-62mph in 10.6 seconds, 54.3mpg and 134g/km CO2 output.
Ford Galaxy 2.0 EcoBlue: In the middle of its life span, Ford brought in the EcoBlue turbodiesels to the Galaxy range. With a spread of 150-, 190-, 210-, and even 240hp, they didn't go short on power. The 210hp version is ideal for most needs and offers 51.4mpg and 144g/km of CO2 emissions.
Ford Galaxy 2.5 Duratec 190 FHEV petrol: The 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine produces 190PS, while the hybrid assistance helps deliver a 0-62mph time of 10.0 seconds. It averages 43.5mpg, which is almost as good as the diesel, but CO2 emissions of 148g/km are appreciably better.
The Ford Galaxy was only available in a single Titanium grade towards the end of its production life. Prior to that, it was offered in Zetec, Titanium, and Titanium X trims.
You get pretty much all you need with the Ford Galaxy Zetec as it has 17-inch alloy wheels, parking sensors all-round, electrically folding door mirrors, and climate control to cool the large cabin. You also get Ford's very good SYNC 3 infotainment system with 8-inch touchscreen, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Ford Galaxy Titanium comes with everything any potential Ford Galaxy owner could wish for. Standard equipment includes touchscreen infotainment with sat-nav, rear privacy glass, keyless entry, and full interior ambient lighting.
Take the top spec Ford Galaxy Titanium X and you enjoy the luxury of a panoramic glass roof, powered tailgate, and leather upholstery
The Ford Galaxy’s exterior dimensions are:
Length: 4,848mm
Width: 1,916mm
Height: 1,747mm
Ground clearance: 124mm
The Ford Galaxy’s boot space is:
300 litres
2,309 litres with all rear seats folded
Any Ford Galaxy registered between this model's launch in 2015 and the 1 April 2017 will find the road tax due based on a sliding scale of costs calculated on carbon dioxide emissions. The most popular 2.0-litre turbodiesel model with 150hp that emits 134g/km will pay £180 per year. For all Galaxy versions registered after this date, they pay a flat rate of £180, unless their list price was above £40,000 from 2020-on in which case there is a surcharge of £370 for the first five years of the car's life.
The Ford Galaxy should prove surprisingly affordable to insure for such a large vehicle. This Titanium grade has a group 21 (out of 50) insurance rating, which is the same as for a plug-in hybrid Ford Kuga and less than for a Ford S-MAX.