The biggest car Ford builds now comes fitted with one of the brand’s smallest engines.
But while some buyers might baulk at the idea of driving a car the size of the Galaxy with a 1.6-litre petrol unit, the firm’s EcoBoost turbo technology means this seven-seater is cleaner and noticeably more powerful than the standard 2.0-litre petrol version.
Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Ford Galaxy
Once you’re on the move, the powerplant is smooth and quiet. But even though it serves up 240Nm of torque, there’s a real lack of urgency at lower revs which may catch drivers off guard around town.
This does mean you have to work a little harder to hustle the car along, but the light controls and slick gearchange make it easy to drive, even on longer journeys.
A huge cabin and cosseting ride comfort are the Galaxy’s biggest assets, and it can seat seven adults – or swallow 2,325 litres of luggage – with ease.
Yet despite the practicality, it’s surprisingly fun on the road, if not as sharp as the smaller S-MAX. Unfortunately, there’s a price to pay for the engaging dynamics, as even the stop-start can’t bring emissions and economy close to those of diesel versions. We hit a mere 33mpg – a figure that will worsen once fully loaded.