Used Ford Mondeo Hatchback 2014-2022 review

The final Ford Mondeo may have rolled off the line, with this former icon now rather unfashionable compared with premium-badged alternatives and that young upstart the SUV, but there's still much to admire in this cut-price, family-friendly executive hatchback if you're buying used.

The Mondeo offers lots of space, for one, as well as top-notch driving manners. It's a mark of how significant it's been that its rivals are so far-ranging, from the large Vauxhall Insignia and Volkswagen Passat on one hand to the more compact but upmarket Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series on the other.

Looking back over this generation, which will be phased out and not replaced in 2022, a vast range of engines has been available, with petrols ranging from a 1.0-litre with 123bhp, a 158bhp 1.5 and up to a potent but thirsty 237bhp 2.0-litre. If you’d rather a diesel, you can choose between four options ranging from a 113bhp 1.6-litre (replaced in 2016 with a 118bhp 1.5-litre) to a 2.0-litre with either 148, 178 (later 187) or 207bhp. There's even a hybrid model with 184bhp.

The range kicks off with the entry-level Style model, which gives you dual-zone climate control, cruise control, 16in alloy wheels and a Bluetooth stereo. Step up to a Zetec model for 17in wheels, parking sensors, a heated front windscreen, plus Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system with sat-nav and a DAB radio. Bulking out the middle-of-the-range now is the Titanium Edition trim which includes 18in alloys, automatic headlights and wipers, keyless entry and ignition, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition. Top of the range Vignale adds 19in alloy wheels, LED headlights, tinted rear windows, a handsfree powered tailgate, premium leather upholstery, heated steering wheel and a rearview camera.

ST-Line models gains a sportier look over a Zetect model thanks to its 18in alloy wheels, a body kit, sports suspension and gloss black exterior trim. ST-Line Edition trim has larger 19in alloy wheels, tinted rear windows and red interior stitching with part-leather upholstery.

The Mondeo makes a strong case for itself out on the road because the ride quality on almost every version is comfortable, while all but the least powerful engines offer a good slug of low-down grunt that makes the car feel punchy and responsive. And with the exception of steering that’s a touch on the light side, the Mondeo handles as well as you’d hope, changing direction deftly and keeping body lean in check remarkably well for such a big car.

Inside, the Mondeo struggles to match up to those premium models; while the dashboard is clearly laid out, it suffers from a few rather shiny-looking plastics, and the infotainment system is sluggish and fiddly to use.

Fortunately, there’s loads of space up front and there's plenty of space in the rear for three abreast for shorter journeys. The boot is enormous - although access in the hybrid version is restricted since it is a saloon-only model with a smaller boot opening than the hatchback of the regular model.

If you're interested in finding a used Mondeo, or any of the other executive cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

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High mileage 2015 cars can be had for as little as £5000, but you’ll have to stump up at least £7000 in order to get yourself into a fifth-generation Ford Mondeo with a more average mileage for the year.

To get yourself into a Mondeo you’d actually want – which is to say, one with an average mileage as mentioned and a full service history – you’ll be looking at paying quite a bit more than that; reckon on forking out between £7000 and £10,000 for a 2016 or 2017 car. For a luxurious Titanium model with a 2.0-litre diesel engine, meanwhile, the minimum you’ll need to pay will around £10,000 or so. Spend between £8000 and £12,000 on a good 2018 car, around £12,000 to £14,000 on a 2019 one and between £15,000 and £22,000 on a 2020 car. Spend between £22,000 and £27,000 on 2021 and last-of-the-line 2022 models.

Check the value of a used Ford Mondeo with What Car? Valuations

MPG

According to the figures, the most efficient model in the Mondeo range is the 1.5 TDCi Econetic with 78.5mpg. The most popular model, the 148bhp 2.0 TDCi, achieves 67.3mpg, or 58.9mpg if equipped as an automatic or with all-wheel drive. More powerful versions, such as the 207bhp variant, do 56.5mpg.

If a petrol Mondeo is what you’re after, the 1.0-litre turbo is rated at a creditable 54.3mpg, while the more potent 1.5-litre turbo gets 48.7mpg. Go for the auto-only 2.0-litre petrol and the economy drops to just 38.2mpg. The hybrid, on the other hand, is rated to achieve 70.6mpg.

CO2 emissions

The models which produce the least emissions are the 1.5 Econetic and hybrid since these put out less the 100g/km of CO2 and would qualify for free car tax. This is followed by the 148bhp and 178bhp 2.0 diesel with 109 and 117g/km (respectively) and the 1.0-litre petrol with 119g/km. A 2.0 diesel with all-wheel drive or an auto 'box (including the 207bhp version) emit 124g/km.

The 1.5 petrol puts out 134g/km, while the 2.0 petrol is the worst polluter at 169g/km.

Road tax (VED)

In terms of tax costs, all Mondeos registered after 1 April 2017 will be charged a flat-rate fee for car tax - apart from the hybrid which is classed as an alternative fuel vehicle and gets a slight discount. The current fee is £155 a year and the hybrid cost £145.

Tax costs for Mondeos registered before 1 April 2017 will depend upon the amount of CO2 the engine produced (see paragraph above). To find out more about the current road tax costs, click here for further information.

Servicing costs

Servicing on the Mondeo isn’t too costly and most parts should be inexpensive to buy compared with premium rivals if something does go wrong. Mondeos outside of the manufacturer's warranty period will qualify for Ford’s Essentials servicing regime, under which an annual service at a Ford dealer will cost £169. You'll pay even less at an independent Ford specialist.

Specification

With a fairly chunky range, choosing a Ford Mondeo can be bewildering. But in general, if you steer clear of the basic trim level, you'll do okay.

Zetec adds the highly useful heated windscreen, but since there are so many highly-specified Titanium models around for essentially the same money, we reckon it’s the one to have.

Engine

If you’re doing low mileages or want to avoid a diesel-engined car, the 1.0-litre petrol engine is worth considering, but keep in mind that it’s not that easy to find. You’re more likely to happen upon a diesel in 2.0-litre form, which is better suited to the large and fairly heavy Mondeo. Go for a 148bhp for the best fuel economy and lowest car tax costs.

Our favourite Ford Mondeo: 2.0 TDCi 150 Titanium

The most obvious contender is the Volkswagen Passat, which has a classier interior and a slightly more comfortable ride than the Ford Mondeo, although the obvious downside is that you have to make do with a less practical saloon body as opposed to the Mondeo’s hatchback.

If you’re willing to accept a slightly older or higher-mileage car for your budget, we’d point you in the direction of the BMW 3 Series. Again, it doesn't have a hatchback, but it does have handling that’s even more involving than the Mondeo’s, a smart interior with excellent infotainment and some extremely efficient diesel engines.

On the other hand, if money is more of a factor, you could take a gander at the older version of the Vauxhall Insignia, which isn’t as refined or as comfortable as the Mondeo, but low prices make it an awful lot of car for cash. Handily, it’s also available with a hatchback rear.

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