The Ford B-MAX is praised for its innovative door design, providing excellent access to the rear seats. Owners appreciate its practicality and compact size, making it ideal for urban driving. However, some critics note that the engine options can be underwhelming, and the interior quality may not match rivals.
Read full reviewFord B-MAX (2012 - 2017)
2012 – 2017· 5 owner Q&As
Very good
Remember the days when cars had character? Well, the Ford B-MAX is back, and it’s electrifying! This retro icon is here to charm your socks off while saving you a few quid on fuel. Buckle up, because we’re diving into the world of this quirky little MPV that’s ready to take on the modern commute!
At a glance
98
hp · Power
508
miles · Range / tank
12.8s
0–60 mph
£
Running costs
From £266/mo
Typical finance
Motoring.Today. verdict
Best for
- Innovative sliding door design for easy access
- Good fuel economy and low running costs
- Comfortable ride quality and agile handling
Consider alternatives if
- Limited boot space compared to some rivals
- Rear visibility can be compromised due to design
- Not as many advanced tech features as newer models
Finance snapshot
Typical monthly payment
£266/month
Based on PCP · 48 months · £1,600 deposit
Best suited for
- Company Car Drivers
- Petrol/Diesel Buyers
- High Mileage Drivers
- Families
Affordability
Very affordable
Great fit for most budgets.
Ratings breakdown
Theo's AI summary
The Ford B-MAX is a versatile and practical choice for those seeking a compact MPV that excels in urban environments. Its innovative design, efficient engines, and comfortable driving experience make it a strong contender in its segment. For families and city dwellers alike, the B-MAX offers a perfect blend of style and functionality, making it a highly recommended option for buyers.
Best match for
- Practical families
- Performance enthusiasts
- Budget-conscious buyers
Estimated ownership costs
Based on 10,000 miles per year
£107/month
£76/month
£2933/month
£60/month
Estimated total
£3176/month
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The Ford B-MAX (2012 - 2017) offers a unique driving character that combines agility with practicality. Its compact design makes it ideal for urban environments, while the responsive steering and efficient engine options provide a lively driving experience. The B-MAX is designed
External voices
What the experts say
The B-MAX's design is highlighted for its unique 'Easy Access' system, which features rear sliding doors that enhance accessibility. The overall styling is considered modern and appealing, although some may find the rear visibility compromised due to the design.
Read full reviewReliability ratings for the Ford B-MAX are generally positive, with few major issues reported by owners. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the longevity of certain components, particularly in older models. Regular maintenance is recommended to ensure optimal performance.
Ownership intelligence
The real cost of owning one
Financing options for the Ford B-MAX are varied, with competitive interest rates available through dealerships and banks. Personal contract purchase (PCP) and hire purchase (HP) agreements are popular choices, allowing buyers to spread the cost of their vehicle over manageable monthly payments.
The running costs of the Ford B-MAX are competitive within its class, with low maintenance requirements and good fuel economy. Owners can expect reasonable insurance premiums and a solid resale value, making it a financially sound choice for families and individuals alike.
For petrol variants, the B-MAX offers impressive fuel efficiency, while diesel options provide even lower running costs. As the market shifts towards electric vehicles, the transition to electric models will further enhance cost-effectiveness, especially with the availability of government incentives for electric vehicle owners.
Heritage
Milestones & history
2012
Launch of the Ford B-MAX
2014
Introduction of updated engine options
2017
End of production for the Ford B-MAX
Read full launch story
The Ford B-MAX was designed to cater to the needs of urban families and individuals seeking a compact yet spacious vehicle. Its innovative features aimed to enhance convenience and accessibility in city driving. Since its launch, the B-MAX has evolved to incorporate modern design elements and efficient engine technology, paving the way for future models that embrace electric powertrains while retaining the practicality that made it popular.
Compare with alternatives
The Ford B-MAX (2012 - 2017) competes well in the small MPV segment, offering unique access features and practicality, though it faces stiff competition from rivals like the Polo, Meriva, and Captur in terms of quality, space, and pricing.
Volkswagen Polo Hatchback
The Polo is positioned as a premium supermini, known for its quality and refinement.
- vs features
- The Polo offers a more upscale interior with higher-quality materials compared to the B-MAX. It also features advanced tech options, including a more sophisticated infotainment system, but the B-MAX has the advantage of its unique door design for easier access.
- vs price
- The Polo is generally more expensive than the B-MAX, reflecting its premium positioning and build quality.
Vauxhall Meriva MPV
The Meriva is aimed at families looking for practicality and space in a compact MPV format.
- vs features
- The Meriva features a flexible interior with innovative seating arrangements, which can be more practical than the B-MAX's design. However, the B-MAX may offer a more engaging driving experience.
- vs price
- The Meriva is typically priced similarly to the B-MAX, making it a direct competitor in terms of affordability.
Renault Captur SUV
The Captur is positioned as a stylish and versatile compact SUV, appealing to those seeking a higher driving position.
- vs features
- The Captur offers a more modern design and a higher driving position, with a good range of tech features. However, the B-MAX's sliding doors provide superior access in tight spaces.
- vs price
- The Captur is often priced slightly higher than the B-MAX, reflecting its SUV status and additional features.
Available now
Ford B-MAX (2012 - 2017) for sale on Motoring.Today
Gallery
(15)Specs by trim
1.4 Studio 5dPetrol Manual · 2012–2016
- Power
- 88 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 13.4 s
- Top speed
- 106 mph
- Torque
- 128 Nm
- Economy
- 47 mpg
- Range
- 434 mi
- CO₂
- 139 g/km
- Insurance group
- 7
- Road tax
- £190
- New price
- £13,165
1.0 EcoBoost Zetec 5dPetrol Manual · 2012–2017
- Power
- 98 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 12.8 s
- Top speed
- 109 mph
- Torque
- 170 Nm
- Economy
- 55 mpg
- Range
- 508 mi
- CO₂
- 119 g/km
- Insurance group
- 12
- Road tax
- £35 - £190
- New price
- £15,945
1.4 Zetec 5dPetrol Manual · 2012–2017
- Power
- 88 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 13.4 s
- Top speed
- 106 mph
- Torque
- 128 Nm
- Economy
- 47 mpg
- Range
- 434 mi
- CO₂
- 139 g/km
- Insurance group
- 10
- Road tax
- £190
- New price
- £15,215
1.6 Zetec 5d AutoPetrol Automatic · 2012–2017
- Power
- 103 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 11.7 s
- Top speed
- 112 mph
- Torque
- 150 Nm
- Economy
- 44 mpg
- Range
- 406 mi
- CO₂
- 149 g/km
- Insurance group
- 14
- Road tax
- £190 - £210
- New price
- £16,900
1.0 EcoBoost Titanium 5dPetrol Manual · 2012–2017
- Power
- 98 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 12.8 s
- Top speed
- 109 mph
- Torque
- 170 Nm
- Economy
- 55 mpg
- Range
- 508 mi
- CO₂
- 119 g/km
- Insurance group
- 12
- Road tax
- £35 - £190
- New price
- £17,145
1.6 Titanium 5d AutoPetrol Automatic · 2012–2017
- Power
- 103 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 11.7 s
- Top speed
- 112 mph
- Torque
- 150 Nm
- Economy
- 44 mpg
- Range
- 406 mi
- CO₂
- 149 g/km
- Insurance group
- 14
- Road tax
- £190 - £210
- New price
- £18,100
+ 30 more trim variants
FAQs
- What makes the Ford B-MAX a good choice for urban driving?
- The Ford B-MAX is ideal for urban driving due to its compact size, unique sliding doors for easy access, and nimble handling, making it perfect for navigating busy city streets.
- How fuel-efficient is the electric Ford B-MAX?
- The electric Ford B-MAX offers impressive fuel efficiency, significantly reducing running costs compared to traditional petrol or diesel engines, making it a budget-friendly option for daily commutes.
- What are the key features of the Ford B-MAX?
- Key features of the Ford B-MAX include its spacious interior, excellent safety ratings with a 5-star Euro NCAP score, and a stylish design that combines practicality with retro charm.
- Is the Ford B-MAX suitable for families?
- Yes, the Ford B-MAX is a practical family car, offering ample space, easy access through its sliding doors, and a comfortable ride, making it a great choice for urban families.
- What is the history of the Ford B-MAX?
- The Ford B-MAX was launched in 2012, evolved with updates until 2017, and has recently been reborn as an electric vehicle, maintaining its appeal in the compact MPV market.














