CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.5%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 230
Average Price: Around £5,100

Ford B-Max (2012-2017) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Lots of space inside for such a small car	Iffy Powershift automatic gearbox
Sliding rear doors make getting in and out easy	Some electrical issues
Fun to drive	Not as fashionable as a small SUV

Quick Summary

The Ford B-Max (2012-2017) is a clever compact MPV that maximises interior space and practicality in a small footprint. Its defining feature is the innovative sliding rear doors that create a 150cm opening—double the typical 70-80cm—making access exceptionally easy for child seats and passengers. Based on the mk6 Ford Fiesta platform, the B-Max delivers surprising driving engagement with sharp steering, well-contained body roll, and a composed ride that belies its upright MPV body. With 318 litres of boot space (1,386 litres with seats folded) and clever storage solutions, it offers genuine family practicality.

The engine range includes efficient 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrols (achieving around 40mpg in real-world driving), conventional 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrols, and capable 1.5 and 1.6-litre TDCi diesels (closer to 50mpg). A slick five-speed manual is standard, with a six-speed Powershift automatic available on petrol models. Running costs are low, with insurance groups 7-13 and affordable servicing. Trim levels—Zetec, Titanium, and Titanium X—offer good equipment progression, with sat-nav becoming standard from 2017. As a used car, the B-Max represents exceptional value, combining practicality, driving enjoyment, and affordability in a package that outclassed rivals like the Nissan Note and Vauxhall Meriva.

Best for: Families needing extra space without a large footprint, those prioritising practicality and ease of access, and drivers seeking an engaging, fun-to-drive compact MPV.

Not ideal for: Buyers seeking the latest infotainment technology, those preferring the fashion appeal of a small SUV, or those requiring the Powershift automatic (which has reliability concerns).


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the B-Max if: You need extra space without a large footprint, prioritise practicality and ease of access, or seek an engaging, fun-to-drive compact MPV.

Consider alternatives if: You require the latest infotainment technology, prefer the fashion appeal of a small SUV, or want to avoid the Powershift automatic gearbox.

Competitive Position: The Ford B-Max (2012-2017) stands as the class leader among compact MPVs, outperforming rivals like the Nissan Note and Vauxhall Meriva in driving dynamics, practicality, and overall appeal. Its innovative sliding rear doors, spacious interior, and Fiesta-derived handling make it a standout choice. Whilst the Honda Jazz and Citroën C3 Picasso offer competitive alternatives, the B-Max's combination of fun-to-drive character, genuine family practicality, and excellent value as a used car make it the superior choice for buyers seeking a practical, engaging, and affordable compact MPV.

Read our full Ford B-Max Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from June 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.