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Is the Ford C Max a 7 seater?

The Ford C-Max in its standard form is a five-seat MPV. There is a seven-seat variant called the Grand C-Max, designed to add a third row for extra passengers.


Two main configurations


Here's a concise breakdown of how seating is arranged across the C-Max family and what you'd expect for passenger capacity.



  • Standard C-Max: five seats — two front seats and a 3-seat second row (bench)

  • Grand C-Max: seven seats — two front seats, a second row with two captain’s chairs, and a three-seat rear bench


Bottom line: if you need seven seats, you’ll want the Grand C-Max; otherwise the standard C-Max covers five seats with a flexible cargo area.


Variants and market availability


In Europe and other markets, Ford offered two main variants with distinct seating capacities. The Grand C-Max was designed to provide a seventh seat, while the regular C-Max remained a five-seat model.



  • Standard C-Max (five seats) — traditional five-seat MPV with hinged rear doors

  • Grand C-Max (seven seats) — longer model with optional seven-seat configuration and sliding rear doors for easier access in tight spaces


In practice, the seven-seat option exists on the Grand C-Max, while the regular C-Max remains five-seat. Availability varies by year and region, and some markets later rebalanced the lineup with newer models.


Practical implications: space, access and cargo


Seat arrangement affects how people fit in the back and how much luggage you can carry. Consider these points when choosing between the two:



  • Access: Grand C-Max typically uses sliding rear doors, which eases rear-seat access in tight spots; standard C-Max uses conventional rear doors.

  • Passenger space: Grand C-Max provides a dedicated middle row of two seats (captain’s chairs) and a three-seat rear row for seven total; standard C-Max has a full-width second-row bench for five.

  • Cargo space: with all seven seats in use, cargo capacity decreases; folding/removing seats expands space considerably on both variants.


Think about how often you’ll carry seven passengers versus luggage to gauge which version fits your needs.


Regional notes


Outside Europe, the Grand C-Max was not commonly offered. In the United States, the C-Max product line consisted of five-seat hatchbacks, including hybrid variants like the C-Max Energi, and did not include a seven-seat Grand C-Max.


Summary


The standard Ford C-Max is not a seven-seater; it seats five. If seven seats are a must, look for the Grand C-Max, the longer variant that adds a second-row of seating and a third row to reach seven. Availability depends on year and market, with the Grand C-Max mainly associated with European markets.

How many seats are in a Ford Cmax?


5-seat
The 5-seat C-MAX has an ingenious seating system that can be configured to accommodate almost any load. Watch this video to learn how to maximise the space in your C-MAX.



Do Ford C-Max have 7 seats?


Providing a choice of up to seven seats, the Grand C-MAX is both versatile and spacious.



Which is bigger, C-MAX or B-Max?


The C-Max is a five-seater as standard, but there's the Grand C-Max seven-seater if needed. The OG five-seater gives you the choice of a 432-litre boot or 1,684 litres with all the seats folded. The B-Max, being a bit smaller, has a 318-litre boot, but you can flatten the seats to get 1,386 litres.



Which Fords are 7 seaters?


Ford offers several 7-seater vehicles, including SUVs like the Explorer and Expedition, and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) such as the Grand Tourneo Connect and Galaxy. The best choice depends on your needs, with SUVs like the Explorer and Expedition providing a higher driving position, while MPVs like the Galaxy offer more flexible interior space. The Tourneo Connect is a versatile option, and newer models like the 2026 Explorer are also available.
 
This video is a review of the Ford Galaxy, a 7-seater MPV: 55sCazooYouTube · Sep 18, 2025
SUVs

  • Ford Explorer: A mid-size SUV available with 7-passenger seating. 
  • Ford Expedition: A larger SUV with seating for up to 7 or 8 passengers, depending on the configuration. 
  • Ford Everest: An SUV available in some markets, known for its off-road capabilities. 

Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs)
  • Ford Galaxy: A large MPV that was produced until 2023, known for its comfortable and flexible interior with usable seating for seven. 
  • Ford Grand Tourneo Connect: A larger version of the Tourneo Connect that comes with 7 seats and offers significant flexibility in the interior. 
  • Tourneo Connect: Also available with 7 seats, this model offers a different set of features compared to its larger sibling. 
  • Ford Grand C-Max: Another 7-seater MPV option from Ford. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.