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
4.1/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.8
Comfort & Interior
4.4
Running Costs
3.7
Practicality
4.6
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
Thinking about a spacious MPV that doesn’t compromise on style or driving pleasure? The Ford Galaxy might be exactly what you’re looking for. This large seven-seater combines impressive practicality with a surprisingly refined driving experience, making it perfect for growing families who refuse to settle for a boring people carrier. It’s the car for those who need maximum space but still want to enjoy their daily drive.
From the moment you see it, the Galaxy stands out from typical MPVs. Its sleek profile and bold front grille give it an almost SUV-like presence that rivals like the Volkswagen Sharan or Seat Alhambra struggle to match. But the real magic happens when you step inside. The interior feels thoughtfully designed with premium materials and a modern dashboard that wouldn’t look out of place in Ford’s executive cars. Every surface and control feels solid and well engineered.
Driving the Galaxy is a surprisingly engaging experience for such a large vehicle. The range of efficient engines provides smooth and quiet performance, making both school runs and long holiday journeys feel effortless. It handles with confidence and composure, giving you the security you need when carrying precious cargo. The Galaxy proves that choosing a family MPV doesn’t mean sacrificing driving enjoyment. While it commands a higher price than some rivals, you’re investing in Ford’s renowned reliability and a vehicle that truly excels at making family life easier.
Ford Galaxy Performance & Engine Options
The Ford Galaxy is engineered for smooth, refined family transport rather than sporty thrills. The engine range centres around efficient turbocharged petrol and diesel units that prioritize fuel economy and quiet operation. The 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel with around 150 horsepower is particularly popular, offering strong pulling power and impressive fuel efficiency for such a large MPV. For those preferring petrol, the 2.0-litre EcoBoost provides adequate performance with a more responsive feel around town.
Where the Galaxy truly excels is in its composed road manners. The steering is well weighted and precise, making this large vehicle feel manageable in tight spaces and confident on motorways. The suspension setup strikes an excellent balance between comfort and control. It soaks up road imperfections to keep passengers comfortable while maintaining good body control through corners. The result is a composed, confidence inspiring drive that makes long family journeys feel effortless and stress free.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.0L EcoBlue Diesel / 2.0L EcoBoost Petrol
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Power Output
120 - 190 bhp
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0-60 mph
9.8 - 11.2 seconds
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MPG Combined
40 - 50 mpg
- Boot Space
- 300 - 1,320 litres
- Safety Rating
- (Euro NCAP)
How Comfortable Is the Ford Galaxy?
Step inside the Galaxy and you’re immediately struck by the quality and space on offer. The dashboard design is modern and intuitive, featuring Ford’s excellent SYNC infotainment system with a crisp touchscreen display. The materials used throughout feel premium and durable, with soft touch plastics where they matter most. The front seats are supportive and offer excellent adjustment range, while the driving position is commanding yet comfortable for drivers of all sizes.
The real star is the cabin’s versatility and space. All seven seats are genuinely usable by adults, and the second row slides and tilts to allow easy access to the rear. Climate control reaches all rows, and there are numerous storage compartments throughout. The Galaxy’s interior is remarkably quiet, with excellent sound insulation keeping road and wind noise to a minimum. Standard equipment includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trim levels add luxuries like panoramic sunroofs and premium audio systems that enhance the premium feel.
The Ford Galaxy stands out as one of the most accomplished large MPVs on the market. It successfully combines impressive space and practicality with a genuinely pleasant driving experience and premium interior quality. The efficient engines, excellent build quality, and comprehensive equipment levels make it a compelling choice for large families who refuse to compromise on comfort or style. The main considerations are its size in urban environments and higher running costs compared to smaller alternatives. However, for families who genuinely need seven seats and maximum cargo space, these become acceptable trade offs. The Galaxy proves that practical doesn’t have to mean boring. If you need the ultimate family transport that still feels special to drive and own, the Galaxy deserves serious consideration.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Ford Galaxy?
As a large MPV, the Galaxy’s running costs reflect its size, but Ford has worked hard to keep them reasonable. The diesel engines are the stars here, with real world fuel economy often exceeding 45 mpg on longer journeys. Even around town, you can expect mid 30s mpg figures, which is impressive for such a spacious vehicle. Insurance groups are moderate for the class, though they will be higher than smaller family cars.
The initial purchase price positions the Galaxy competitively against premium rivals, though it costs more than budget seven seaters. However, you’re paying for Ford’s excellent build quality, comprehensive warranty coverage, and strong resale values. Servicing costs are reasonable thanks to Ford’s extensive dealer network, and parts availability is excellent. The Galaxy represents solid value when you consider the space, quality, and car finance options available. For families needing maximum space, it offers compelling long term ownership prospects.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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ford galaxy
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Volkswagen Sharan
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Seat Alhambra
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £32,000 | £35,000 | £33,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.0L EcoBlue 150hp | 2.0L TDI 150hp | 2.0L TDI 150hp |
| Power | 150 bhp | 150 bhp | 150 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 10.2 seconds | 10.5 seconds | 10.4 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 47 mpg | 45 mpg | 46 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 300 litres | 300 litres | 267 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | SYNC 3 infotainment, Sliding doors, Excellent value | Premium build, Refined ride, Strong resale | Sporty styling, Good equipment, VW reliability |
Ford Galaxy Practicality & Boot Space
The Galaxy’s practicality credentials are simply outstanding, which is exactly what you’d expect from Ford’s flagship MPV. The boot space ranges from 300 litres with all seats up to a cavernous 1,320 litres with the rear seats folded flat. The sliding rear doors are a godsend in tight car parks, making loading children and cargo much easier than conventional hinged doors. Each row of seats can be independently adjusted or removed entirely for maximum cargo flexibility.
Where the Galaxy truly shines is in real world family use. The high seating position gives excellent visibility, while the wide opening doors make fitting child seats straightforward. Storage solutions are everywhere, from door pockets to cup holders and smartphone compartments. For large families or those who regularly carry passengers, the Galaxy offers unmatched space and convenience compared to other used Ford cars. Its only limitation is urban maneuverability, where its size becomes apparent in tight parking spaces.
“We’ve had our Galaxy for three years and it’s been fantastic. The space is incredible and it’s so much nicer to drive than expected. The kids love the sliding doors and we’ve managed some brilliant family holidays. Fuel economy is better than we hoped too.” by Sarah Mitchell
The Ford Galaxy represents the pinnacle of practical family transport without sacrificing driving pleasure or build quality. It combines genuine seven seat capability with Ford’s reputation for reliability and value. The spacious, well designed interior and smooth, refined driving experience make every journey comfortable, whether it’s the daily school run or a cross country adventure.
You choose the Galaxy when you need maximum space but refuse to settle for a utilitarian driving experience. Its thoughtful design, premium feel, and excellent safety credentials make it ideal for growing families who value quality and practicality equally. If you’re looking for an MPV that excels at family duties while still being enjoyable to drive, the Galaxy should top your shortlist, especially with cars under £10,000 offering excellent value for money.