Ford S-Max (2020)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,711 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,002

£167/month

MOT Pass Rate

89%

Good

Road Tax

£200

Standard rate/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1995cc Diesel

Solid Option

89% pass rate, £2,002/year to run. 7 points above average.

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Diesel1995cc6 years old2,711 tests36k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1995cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Standard rate (from April 2017)

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,002

Per month£167/mo

Per week£39/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).

Reliability Verdict

89% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Ford brand average of 85%.

89% of MOT tests on Ford S-Maxs from 2020 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 4 years old. That's based on 2,711 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 36,267 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2020 models1910th of 2,554(bottom half)

Rank among Ford models480th of 1,136(top half)

vs average of all models+7%(82% avg)

vs 2020 models average-3%(92% avg)

vs Ford average+4%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

36,267

Average miles

29,600

Expected for age

The average 2020 Ford S-Max had 36,267 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

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Ford S-Max by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	87%	1,832	32,060 mi
2020	89%	2,711	36,267 mi
2019	85%	4,133	45,474 mi
2018	86%	3,879	53,815 mi
2017	86%	8,910	66,218 mi
2016	85%	11,499	72,403 mi
2015	81%	5,624	80,981 mi
2014	77%	11,793	93,914 mi
2013	75%	11,792	102,349 mi
2012	76%	13,192	110,834 mi
2011	76%	12,169	120,774 mi
2010	75%	16,703	125,655 mi
2009	71%	11,518	135,721 mi
2008	71%	9,323	143,734 mi
2007	70%	9,374	144,791 mi
2006	69%	3,115	142,042 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2018 · 1968cc Diesel

£1,852/year

92%

+3%

Ford Focus

2019 · 1499cc Diesel

£1,824/year

89%

same

Volkswagen Polo

2018 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,824/year

84%

-5%

Ford Kuga

2019 · 1997cc Diesel

£1,852/year

91%

+2%

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About the 2020 Ford S-Max

The 2020 Ford S-Max is a family car. Our records list a 1995cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,711 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2020, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 36,267 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford S-Max owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2020 Ford S-Max Fuel Costs

The 1995cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2020 Ford S-Max?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,002 (£167/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Ford S-Max Reliability Trend

Newer Ford S-Maxs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 12 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2020 Ford S-Max

At 6 years old, the Ford S-Max offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Medium risk

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2020 Ford S-Max stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Ford S-Max(2020)	89%	£1,397	£200	Grp 18-32	£2,002
Volkswagen Golf(2018)	92%	£1,397	£200	Grp 18-32	£1,852-£150
Ford Focus(2019)	89%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824-£178
Volkswagen Polo(2018)	84%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824-£178
Ford Kuga(2019)	91%	£1,397	£200	Grp 18-32	£1,852-£150

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2020 Ford S-Max

Is the 2020 Ford S-Max reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 89% of MOT tests on 2020 Ford S-Maxs ended in a pass, from 2,711 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2020 Ford S-Max cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,002 a year (£167 a month): £1,397 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2020 Ford S-Max?

89% of 2,711 MOT tests on the 2020 Ford S-Max ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 1910th of 2,554 models first registered in 2020 (bottom half).

Which year Ford S-Max has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Ford S-Max has the highest MOT pass rate at 89% and the 2006 the lowest at 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2020 Ford S-Max?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2020 Ford S-Max is 36,267 miles, which is above the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.