The Ford Mondeo was once an icon of the road but rather faded in popularity in the face of growing interest in the the SUV.
Eventually, Ford could no longer justify the Mondeo’s existence. But people are realising it was a spacious, comfortable, well-equipped and efficient family vehicle – a great choice as a used tow car.
What’s it like inside?
The Mondeo was available as a hatchback or an estate tow car (we’re ignoring the four-door saloon version of the hybrid model), and both are generously roomy.
There’s a fair amount of acreage up front for both the driver and the passenger, and those immediately behind also have plenty of legroom and headroom – albeit not as much as is available in the truly gargantuan used Škoda Superb, or even a Volkswagen Passat of similar vintage.
Boot space is also pretty impressive, with 541 litres available when all five seats are in use. This increases to 1437 litres when the back seats are folded down, but there’s an annoying step in the boot floor that makes it awkward to slide in longer items, such as flat-pack furniture.
Ford didn’t skimp on standard kit for the Mondeo, because even entry-level Style cars come with dual-zone climate control and cruise control. Next-level Zetec models have a heated windscreen, a touchscreen infotainment system and rear parking sensors. Titanium adds keyless entry and go, heated front seats with electric adjustment, automatic lights and wipers and leather trim. Top-spec Vignale cars come with leather trim, a rear camera and a powered tailgate.
How does a Ford Mondeo drive?
Fords have long been the go-to choice if you actively enjoy driving, but while the last-generation Mondeo is still good to drive, it isn’t quite as enjoyable as earlier iterations. However, it pays you back with greater refinement and comfort, so while the steering’s a bit light and the responses slightly slower than in earlier cars, the Mondeo is easily a match for rivals such as the VW Passat on the motorway.
The 2.0-litre TDCi diesel is strong and smooth, and you can have it with 148bhp or 178bhp. The 258lb ft of torque produced by the lower-powered model is easily enough to get it and a caravan moving with flair.
The 178bhp model develops 295lb ft of pulling power, so will deal even more easily with any form of trailer.
All Mondeos are stable in lane-change manoeuvres, and pull away confidently in hill starts. Better still, you can expect an average economy figure of up to almost 70mpg, depending on version – this is something another model from Ford has too, the Kuga 2.0 EcoBlue 150PS MHEV ST-Line X FWD, which impressed enough to make it into our best caravan tow cars guide.
What will a used Mondeo tow?
- Kerbweight: 1578kg
- Towing limit: 1600kg
- Noseweight limit: 75kg
- 85% match: 1341kg
Running costs
- 2.0 TDCi Zetec
- Insurance group: 23
- Annual VED: £180
- Average economy: 68.9mpg
- Interim/full service: £101/£134
- Servicing prices supplied by Servicing Stop, 0844 324 5262, www.servicingstop.co.uk
Used Ford Mondeo trouble spots
Some versions of this Mondeo were recalled because acid was found to be leaking from the battery around the negative terminal.
Then a number of vehicles were recalled because the opening glass sunroof wasn’t properly bonded at the factory. The seatbelt pretensioners could also malfunction, so were recalled to be replaced. The clutch pressure plate could be faulty, too. A full list of recalls can be found at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk.
Ford Mondeo essentials
What to pay for a used Ford Mondeo
- High: price: £28,000; model: 2022 2.0 Ti-VCT (petrol) Estate Titanium; miles: 6000
- Sweet spot: price: £13,000; model: 2017 2.0 TDCi Titanium; miles: 31,000
- Low: price: £4000; model: 2015 2.0 TDCI ECOnetic Zetec; miles: 188,000
Verdict
The Ford Mondeo is great on long distances, unshakeable hitched up, comfortable and quiet, and doesn’t drink a lot of fuel. It’s also practical and roomy. Sadly missed indeed.
Interested in another used Ford model? Then see what we made of a Ford Ranger too.
Alternatives to consider to a Ford Mondeo
The Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer is a comfortable and spacious towing vehicle and is a worthwhile used option to consider. Another model to consider is a used Mazda 6 Tourer, a vehicle which is not only roomy but also well made.
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