Anyone looking for a used vehicle with lots of space is in good hands with the Ford Galaxy III. However, a thorough check before signing the purchase contract makes sense. The van does quite well in the general inspection - but with a few complaints that can quickly cost money.
After three generations, it's over: Ford is putting the Galaxy on the sidelines. The van, which has been on offer in the third generation since 2015, will not have a successor. Interested parties must therefore look around on the used car market.
body and interior
Is the Galaxy a passenger shuttle or a van? The answer is simple: both and. Up to seven people can be seated in the 4.85 meter long Galaxy, the two rear seats were available at an additional cost. Even in the third row it's reasonably comfortable, in front the passengers enjoy the distance to their neighbors.
You have to accept restrictions when it comes to luggage in the seven-seater configuration: Depending on the loading height, between 200 and 300 liters are then available. If only five seats are occupied, a maximum of 1300 liters fit in the trunk. The van becomes a transporter for larger and longer tasks when the seats are folded down and sunk into the floor. 2340 liters are an announcement. Objects up to 2 meters long can be pushed down the throat of the luggage compartment.
The interior is well finished and looks classy in the higher equipment lines. In all variants, the comfortable seats and the good noise insulation stand out, both of which go well with the very comfortable overall character of the Galaxy. The partly cumbersome operating system and the overloaded multifunction steering wheel were modified in the facelift at the end of 2019.
engines and propulsion
The range of engines included diesel and petrol units and a full hybrid. The Galaxy used the range of engines from the Mondeo mid-range sedan, which also served as the technology donor for the van. All-wheel drive was also available, but only in conjunction with diesel engines.
Those interested in used cars can choose between two-liter diesels ranging from 88 kW/120 hp to 177 kW/240 hp, although neither the weakest nor the strongest diesel was available with all-wheel drive technology. The golden mean (110 kW/150 hp and 132 kW/180 hp or 140 kW/190 hp) should be the best choice to get the heavy van going at reasonable purchase and maintenance costs or to buy an all-wheel drive variant. On average, the diesel approve between 5.1 and 6.3 liters. Those who prefer a petrol engine can choose between a 118 kW/160 hp (since 2018: 121 kW/165 hp) 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine and a two-liter turbo with 177 kW/244 hp. The standard consumption here is between 6.5 and 8 liters.
The 244 hp turbo was removed from the range in 2018, the 1.5 at the end of 2020. Most recently, Ford only offered a full hybrid with a system output of 190 hp on the petrol side, which is content with an average of around 5.9 liters. A continuously variable transmission is used in the hybrid, while the other engines have manual six-speed transmissions and various automatic transmissions such as dual-clutch drives (Powershift) or automatic torque converters.
equipment and security
Cruise control, automatic air conditioning, roof rails and 17-inch rims were among the standard features of the basic “Trend” model. In the "Titanium" model, parking sensors, navigation and folding tables for the rear were added, as the "Vignale" the large Ford drove up as a noble spacious lounge with leather seats and sound system. Items such as massage seats, LED headlights and adaptive steering were on the options list. Assistants such as traffic sign recognition, cross traffic warning and an emergency braking system ensured safety on board. In 2015, the van achieved a five-star rating in the NCAP crash test.
quality
The Ford Galaxy is doing quite well for a heavy van in the two main inspections that have been carried out by TÜV. Unlike the previous model, it masters the chassis test without any problems. Occasionally there were complaints about the axle springs and the steering during the second general inspection. Nevertheless, used car buyers should pay special attention to this chapter, repairs can quickly become expensive here. The TÜV inspectors also criticized the lighting system and brake components. Oil leakage is also a major nuisance.
Conclusion: The Galaxy scores with plenty of space for children, cones and suitcases and is also suitable as a transporter with the seats folded. In the higher configurations, it spoils the passengers with a lot of comfort. Since the vehicles often have high mileage, an expert check is recommended to rule out nasty and expensive surprises. Prices start at around 10,000 euros on the used car exchanges.
