Ford C-Max vs. Ford S-Max: which is better?
Ford is a reliable car manufacturer on a global scale, and its MPVs are very popular as used models. But which is better out of the Ford C-Max and S-Max?
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Struggling to pick between the Ford C-Max vs. S-Max? While both of these cars are considered to be MPVs, or people carriers, what they offer can be very different, making it even more important that you make an informed decision.
The key difference is in the length – the C-Max is a shorter people carrier based on the Focus, and it has five seats in its standard form.
Whereas the S-Max is more similar to the Mondeo, and it’s considerably longer, so it gets seven seats as standard.
Difference between Ford C-Max and S-Max
Both of these cars sit in different classes, which may only seem like one difference on the surface, but it brings plenty of other changes.
For example, because the C-Max is a people-carrying version of a fairly standard hatchback, it takes a more budget-friendly approach without compromising on build quality.
On the other hand, the S-Max sits in a class above and is more similar to an executive saloon, so you’ll notice more luxuries and soft-touch materials. It’s hardly what you’d call expensive, though, compared to some other MPVs.
Because it’s heavier, the S-Max comes with more powerful engine options compared with the C-Max, but more on that below.
Ford S-Max vs. Ford C-Max: which has more style?
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Although it’s quite a sizeable car, the Ford S-Max still has sporty and aggressive looks. Together with its low roofline, high beltline and wide stance, it looks far more manageable than you might think for a large seven-seater MPV.
Ford also designed it to have a more premium, upmarket look, with sharp headlights and a large grille that’s either finished in chrome or black, depending on the trim level.
On the other hand, the C-Max is clearly designed with practicality in mind – you can see this in its boxier and less sporty design.
It, too, has its own distinctive design, with a large grille similar to what you’d see on a Focus or Fiesta. It still has plenty of stylish touches like an intricate bumper design and flashy alloy wheels, so it certainly doesn’t look cheap.
What is it like to drive a Ford S-Max vs. C-Max?
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Beginning with the similarities, these cars have very Ford-like traits in that they’re engaging to drive and have accurate steering and a great suspension setup that offers enough road feel without being too firm.
However, the C-Max is better suited to town driving, where its slightly lighter steering and less powerful engine options are more appropriate to the tight twists and turns.
In its later years, it was sold with the incredible 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, with either 100hp or 125hp and a more powerful 150hp 1.5-litre petrol. There was also a 1.5-litre diesel with 120hp.
By comparison, the S-Max came with larger 2.0-litre diesel engines with 150hp, 190hp and even 240hp, plus a punchier 165hp 1.5-litre petrol. More recently, Ford also sold a 190hp 2.5-litre petrol hybrid.
The S-Max’s longer wheelbase and stylishly aerodynamic design help it to be more stable on faster roads like motorways, so if you do a lot of travelling with the family, this larger model might be more appealing.
What is the technology in the Ford C-Max and S-Max?
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Both of these cars have been around for several years, so it really pays to go for a newer model if you like your car tech.
As a guide, most newer models have a large touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Many models, particularly higher-spec cars, also come with keyless start, which includes a push button on the dashboard. It’s worth looking for cars with keyless entry, too, so you’ll never need to take the key out of your pocket.
Car tech is what separates these two models, because not only is the S-Max equipped with more kit as standard, but it also has more advanced optional extras, including another display in the form of a digital instrument cluster.
Find a top-spec S-Max Vignale for things like heated and cooled front seats, adaptive LED headlights, massage seats and even active noise control in the cabin.
Many C-Max models, including popular Titanium versions, come with all the essentials, too, like cruise control, parking sensors and that Ford classic – a heated windscreen, which means de-icing in those cold winter months becomes less of a chore.
Ford C-Max vs. S-Max dimensions and boot space
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Depending on the source you look at, you’ll see a range of different figures because Ford quotes a few different options, including loading the boot up to the ceiling.
We’ve used those figures, as they’re the most readily available and show the cars’ true potential, though many other manufacturers use figures for up to the parcel shelf.
The C-Max is the smallest car, and it has a 432-litre boot, which is more space than you’d get in a Focus. This extends to 1,684 litres with the rear seats folded down.
Then, there’s the S-Max, which has a 965-litre boot in five-seat form, and a 2,020-litre space in two-seat form. Put all seven seats up and you’ve still for a 285-litre boot, which is as near as makes no difference the same as a Fiesta.
Dimensions are as you’d expect, with the S-Max being the largest – it’s 4,796mm long, 2,137mm wide and 1,655mm tall. It’s larger than the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer and the Renault Grand Scenic.
The C-Max measures 4,379mm long, 2,067mm wide and 1,610mm tall, placing it in a similar category to something like a Vauxhall Meriva or a Volkswagen Golf SV.
C-Max vs. S-Max: which is more reliable?
The reality is that there’s very little to separate how reliable these models are, and that’s because they share many of the same parts.
Most cars across the Ford range do this, so all the engines you’ll find in the C-Max and S-Max are also used in other models.
Fortunately, Ford has a reputation for building reliable and long-lasting cars, and if things do go wrong, parts can often be cheaper than other brands, despite these being reasonably large models.
Ford S-Max vs Grand C-Max
If neither ticks the right boxes for you, then chances are the C-Max might be too small or might not offer enough seats, but the S-Max may be too large or slightly above budget.
Fortunately, there’s a middle-of-the-pack Ford Grand C-Max on offer. It’s mostly the same as a C-Max in terms of equipment and engine options, but it has a pair of rear sliding doors and seven seats (though the rearmost seats are smaller than you’d get in an S-Max).
It has a very decent 800-litre boot, which extends to 1,787 litres with all but the front seats folded, but if you decide to have all seven seats in place, then you’ll only be left with 88 litres, which is about half of what you get in a Fiat 500.
Compared with the S-Max, it’s a more manageable size, at 4,519mm long, 2067mm wide and 1,642mm tall.
Used Ford S-Max vs used Ford C-Max: which should I buy?
There are lots of factors to consider when picking between a Ford C-Max, a Ford S-Max and even a Ford Grand C-Max, but the most important will be how you intend to use the space.
You can have a mix of five or seven seats, and boot sizes vary considerably, so check how these align with your needs.
If you’re still faced with the challenge of which model to buy, you should also consider the type of driving you’ll be doing and how much kit you need.
Overall, the S-Max offers a more well-rounded option, but the C-Max and Grand C-Max variants can be more affordable and are just as good for town drivers.