Ford had plans to sell the S-Max in Japan under the then subsidiary brand Mazda, but that was no longer viable upon the latter's split.

The Kinetic Design scheme includes angular headlights, twin trapezoidal grilles, and large wheel arches.

It comes with heated front and back windscreens, parking sensors, aux input and dual climate control as standard.

This design allows the second and third-row seats to fold seamlessly into the floor, leaving extra storage space.

The S-Max's safety features include the Intelligent Protection System (IPS) which combines a body structure optimised for strength and crashworthiness with restraint equipment and driver aids that help avoid an accident and features that lessen the likelihood of injuries in an impact.

The high performance version Ford S-Max was reviewed on Top Gear (Series 8, Episode 7) against the similar spec Vauxhall Zafira and the Mercedes B200.

After its sibling, Ford Galaxy, was being presented at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, the S-Max went on production in late 2015.

In 2021, all engine options were dropped and replaced with a 2.5L petrol hybrid system outputting 190 PS (140 kW; 187 bhp).

Production of the S-Max ended in April 2023 due to sharply declining sales in the MPV segment, and Ford's shift towards crossovers, SUVs and electrified vehicles.