Ford S-Max Vignale review (2016-2023)

The S-Max interior is a study of simple, practical design. It’s neat, durable and child-proof.

Add in the flagship features of Ford's Vignale and it transforms into a luxurious cabin.

Driving position

You’ll slip into the soft leather seats, heated if you need and with a built-in massage function available.

Ford originally described these special seats as ‘medically approved’, whatever that means - you’re more likely to notice the opulent level of adjustability.

They can be moved with powered buttons to adjust in 18 different ways.

Tech and features

The dashboard in front of you is covered in leather, and this neatly stitched hide stretches across the door panels.

At the centre of the dashboard is a sophisticated touchscreen infotainment system including Bluetooth, DAB and sat-nav. It’s a significant upgrade from the standard S-Max.

The extra cost of a Vignale is reflected in the extras fitted.

These include front and rear parking sensors and a rear camera system, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and access to the Ford Pass Connect live information and vehicle status system.

The Vignale also features details you may not notice at first – for example, its door seals vastly improve noise and environmental insulation creating a refined environment on the move.

Handling and ride comfort

The S-Max is generally considered one of the best MPVs to drive.

It’s almost sporty compared to some of the wallowing bouncy-castle rivals.

There’s a good level of grip when cornering and the steering feels nicely weighted.

At the same time, the ride over bumpy roads is very good so passengers feel comfortable, even on the most pothole-filled roads. 

The Vignale also comes with extra soundproofing too, so motorways and high speeds are a quiet experience.

Engines and power

The powerful turbodiesel engine packs plenty of punch, even when the vehicle is fully loaded.

It is matched to a smooth-changing eight-speed automatic gearbox, as standard in the Vignale. Buyers had a choice of front-wheel drive or a more sophisticated four-wheel-drive system.

The S-Max offers the great seating versatility of an MPV, like most of its rivals and unlike many crossovers.

Rear seats

Ford claims there are 32 different load/seat combinations. 

Three rows of seats give room to carry seven people in a 2-3-2 layout.

The rear two fold up from the boot floor and are a little tight on headroom because of the sloping coupe-style roof.

Boot space

With those seats folded flat, the boot is big. Fold the middle seats, and it’s enormous. There’s an underfloor storage area too.

Seats are particularly easy to fold flat at the press of a button which makes access to the rear seats easier than it might be.

The big boot lid also rises high, though, to reveal an easy, wide opening with a low loading lip and a flat luggage bay.

Fuel economy

The powerful diesel engine can return 48mpg even with the auto gearbox and sheer size of the vehicle.

Choosing a four-wheel-drive model will cut that fuel economy slightly to around 47mpg. 

Reliability

Other running costs should be lower than average, even for the premium level of service Vignale owners get at Ford’s dealerships. 

Vignale owners get access to a special 24-hour helpline, special VIP waiting areas, and express treatment at Ford dealers.

Reliability reports are rare for specialist people carriers like this, but Ford generally has done a little better than average in recent years.

Its MPVs have been among the best of its models for reliability and there have been no particular serious common issues with the S-Max.