Ford Europe Still Believes In Minivans, Updates S-Max And Galaxy

The long-term future of the Ford S-Max and Galaxy, based on the same architecture, might be uncertain at the moment, but for at least one more year the duo will remain on sale in Europe. Not only that, but the minivans are getting fresh updates for the 2020 model year, including visual and tech enhancements.

Starting with the Trend, Titanium, and ST-Line trims, both the S-Max and Galaxy get revised front fascias in the same vein as the facelifted Mondeo, which was revealed earlier this year. For the first time in the history of the model, the Galaxy joins Ford's Vignale family, which also includes the S-Max, Edge, Mondeo, Focus, Fiesta, and Kuga.

Just like the rest of the posh range, the Galaxy Vignale comes with sophisticated features such as leather-wrapped dashboard and center console, aluminum interior decorations and pedals, heated steering wheel, and front seats with heating, cooling, massaging, and memory functions. On the outside, the family mover is easily distinguishable by its unique chrome upper grille and other minor touches.

The S-Max will continue to be offered in both five- and seven-seat configurations, while the Galaxy will be sold exclusively as a three-row MPV. The latter provides 32 different seating and load-space configurations and a smart entry-exit system for the second and third row of seats. New wheel options and new 18-way adjustable driver and front passenger seats will be available for both minivans.

In terms of powertrains, both the 2020 Galaxy and 2020 S-Max can already be ordered with a choice of a single 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine in three power stages. The entry-level variant has 150 horsepower (112 kilowatts) and is mated to either a standard six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. The 190-hp (142-kW) option comes exclusively with the eight-speed auto and an optional AWD system. The flagship twin-turbo 240-hp (179-kW) diesel comes only in an automatic-FWD configuration for both models.