A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.2/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.6
Comfort & Interior
4.3
Running Costs
4.5
Practicality
4.8
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a no-nonsense family car that puts practicality first? The ford elysian might just be the sensible choice your household needs. This seven-seat MPV doesn’t concern itself with flashy styling or sporting pretensions, instead focusing entirely on what matters most to busy families: space, reliability, and value for money.
The Elysian’s greatest strength lies in its genuinely usable interior, offering proper accommodation for seven passengers when needed, or enormous cargo capacity when the rear seats fold away. Unlike some rivals that compromise on comfort to squeeze in extra seats, Ford has managed to create a cabin that works for real families dealing with everything from school runs to weekend adventures. The sliding rear doors prove particularly clever in tight car park spaces.
Running costs remain refreshingly reasonable throughout ownership, helped by Ford’s extensive dealer network and competitive servicing structure. The choice of efficient petrol and diesel engines means there’s an option to suit most driving patterns, while build quality feels robust enough to handle whatever family life throws at it. As a used car purchase, the Elysian represents exceptional value, offering premium MPV space and practicality without the premium price tag that often comes with more fashionable alternatives.
Ford Elysian Performance & Engine Options
The Ford Elysian offers a choice of petrol and diesel engines to suit different driving needs. The 1.5 litre EcoBoost petrol provides decent acceleration for overtaking and motorway merging. This large MPV isn’t built for spirited driving but handles family duties admirably.
Diesel options include a 2.0 litre TDCi that delivers impressive fuel economy on longer journeys. The six speed manual gearbox feels precise, while the optional automatic suits stop start traffic. Steering is light and easy, making car parks and tight spaces manageable despite the Elysian’s size.
Road noise is well controlled at motorway speeds, contributing to a relaxed driving experience. The suspension setup favours comfort over sportiness, which suits the car’s family focused character perfectly.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.0L TDCi diesel / 1.5L EcoBoost petrol
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Power Output
150 bhp
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0-60 mph
10.2 seconds
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MPG Combined
42 mpg
- Boot Space
- 300-2,000 litres
- Safety Rating
- 5 stars Euro NCAP
- Climate control, Sliding doors, Modular seating
Ford Elysian Interior, Tech & Comfort Review
Interior space is the Ford Elysian’s strongest selling point, with genuine accommodation for seven adults. The first two rows offer generous head and legroom, while the third row suits children best. Seat comfort remains good even on longer journeys, with adequate support and cushioning.
Build quality feels robust, though some interior plastics appear basic compared to premium rivals. The dashboard layout is logical and user friendly, with clearly labelled controls within easy reach. Climate control works effectively throughout the cabin, keeping all passengers comfortable.
Noise levels are reasonable for an MPV, with good suppression of wind and road noise. The driving position suits a wide range of heights, with plenty of seat and steering wheel adjustment available.
The elysian excels with exhilarating performance matched by refined comfort, creating a driving experience that exceeds expectations in every way.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Ford Elysian?
The Ford Elysian proves economical to run, with competitive fuel consumption figures across the engine range. Diesel models achieve particularly impressive economy on longer journeys, making them ideal for high mileage drivers. Insurance groups remain reasonable for the size and practicality offered.
Servicing costs benefit from Ford’s extensive dealer network and competitive pricing structure. Parts availability is excellent, helping to keep maintenance costs down throughout ownership. The Elysian holds its value reasonably well in the used car market, though depreciation is inevitable.
For those considering finance options, it’s worth exploring how to find the cheapest car finance deals in the UK to secure the best rates. Road tax varies by engine choice, with diesel models typically commanding higher rates.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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ford elysian
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Vauxhall Zafira Tourer
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Citroen Grand C4 Picasso
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | from £18,500 | from £16,000 | from £19,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.0L TDCi 150hp | 1.6L Turbo 136hp | 1.6L BlueHDi 120hp |
| Power | 150 bhp | 136 bhp | 120 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 10.2 seconds | 11.1 seconds | 11.8 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 42 mpg | 39 mpg | 45 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 300-2,000 litres | 165-1,860 litres | 208-1,851 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Seven seats, Sliding doors, Modular interior, Value for money | FlexRide chassis, Seven seats, Affordable pricing | Panoramic windscreen, Efficient engines, Comfort |
Is the Ford Elysian Practical for Everyday Use?
Practicality defines the Ford Elysian’s character, with exceptional space utilisation for its external dimensions. The seven seat layout works well for larger families, though the rearmost row suits children best. Sliding rear doors provide excellent access even in tight parking spaces.
Boot space varies dramatically depending on seating configuration, from massive with seats folded to minimal with all seven in place. The modular interior allows endless combinations of passenger and cargo space to suit changing needs. Numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin help organise family clutter.
Used Ford cars like the Elysian often represent excellent value for practical families. Loading height is reasonable, while wide door openings make installing child seats straightforward. The low sill height helps when loading heavy or bulky items.
**Sarah Thompson from Manchester says:** “We bought our Elysian three years ago when expecting our third child. The space is incredible, and it’s been completely reliable throughout our ownership. The sliding doors are brilliant for getting kids in and out safely. It’s not exciting to drive, but it does everything we need perfectly. The fuel economy is much better than expected, especially on our holiday trips. I’d definitely recommend it to other families looking for practical, affordable transport.”
The Ford Elysian delivers honest family motoring without pretensions or unnecessary complications. Its focus on space and practicality over style may not suit image conscious buyers. However, for families prioritising function over form, the Elysian makes compelling sense.
Running costs remain competitive throughout ownership, while Ford’s dealer network provides peace of mind. The modular interior adapts to changing family needs, from baby equipment to teenage sports gear. Build quality feels robust enough to handle family life’s inevitable challenges.
As a used purchase, the Ford Elysian represents outstanding value for money in today’s market. Its depreciation creates opportunities for budget conscious families seeking maximum space and reliability.