Overview & Reviews

The Ford C-Max Hybrid is a tall wagon that seats five and offers an impressive amount of passenger space. Although its hybrid drivetrain and resulting high mpg ratings are the main draws, the C-Max is also quite practical for family use thanks to its interior layout and wide array of convenience features. Furthermore, its seating position feels more like an SUV than a conventional wagon and offers the resulting commanding view of the road that many consumers desire.

There are a few drawbacks to the Ford C-Max Hybrid, however, such as rather modest maximum cargo space relative to competing models. But overall, we think its combination of high fuel economy and SUV-style seating position should make it a compelling alternative to other hybrids and small crossover SUVs.

Current Ford C-Max
The Ford C-Max Hybrid is a tall hatchback/wagon that's available in two trim levels: SE and SEL. The plug-in hybrid C-Max Energi is reviewed separately.

All C-Max Hybrids are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, good for 141 horsepower and 121 pound-feet of torque. It's paired to an electric motor fed by a lithium-ion battery pack. The gas and electric propulsion systems working in tandem produce an estimated 188 hp. EPA-estimated fuel economy is an impressive 43 mpg combined.

Standard feature highlights on the SE include dual-zone climate control, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, the Sync voice-activated electronics interface (includes Bluetooth phone connectivity) and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and an iPod/USB audio interface. Moving up to the SEL gets you rear parking sensors, heated seats, the MyFord Touch electronics interface, extra Sync services and satellite radio. Key options include a power liftgate, a rearview camera, a navigation system, a panoramic sunroof and remote start. Also available are front parking sensors, an automatic parallel parking system and an advanced power liftgate that opens when you swipe your foot under the bumper.

Quicker than most hybrids, the C-Max accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in about 8 seconds. Solid midrange response on the highway means passing is easy, with a seamless blending of engine and electric motor power. Overall, the driving experience is quite pleasant, with a smooth and quiet ride. Around turns, this tall wagon feels steady and even a bit sporty.

Adding to the sense of well-being is the tall hybrid wagon's airy, spacious cabin. The C-Max offers a massive amount of headroom and fantastic visibility out the front. If you're accustomed to driving around in a small SUV or crossover, you'll likely find the driving position exceptionally comfortable. In addition to its sporty cockpit-like design elements, the C-Max Hybrid also boasts top-notch materials and build quality.

The Sync voice control interface makes it easy to call up your favorite music on the fly, and when you combine it with the MyFord Touch and navigation, you get even more functionality. One downside is that it takes a while to get up to speed with either of the electronic interfaces, which can be a bit unintuitive and have been prone to glitches.

Although rear-seat comfort is excellent in the C-Max (with ample legroom even for adults), cargo capacity is modest due to the intrusion of the hybrid's lithium-ion battery pack. There are only 24.5 cubic feet behind the backseat. Lowering the seats opens up 52.6 cubic feet of space, still short of a typical small crossover SUV or a Toyota Prius V.

Apart from these shortcomings, the Ford C-Max Hybrid is an exceptional family runabout. It's quicker and more enjoyable to drive than other hybrids, yet it's far more fuel-efficient than a compact crossover SUV or minivan.

Used Ford C-Max Hybrid Models
The Ford C-Max Hybrid debuted for the 2013 model year. There have been no significant changes since.

User Reviews:

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  Cmax tricks prius owner - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By drkatt - July 13 - 12:48 am

  I haved owned 2 priuses and wanted to try something new and the 47/47 on the sticker was close to what I was getting on the prius. After buying am only getting 37 mpg. Would give the car pluses on design, is fun to drive and comfortable but the 47/47 is a lie..not happening and the prius never failed to get near that. Oh well..lesson learned.

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  C-Max 2014 performing well ...but didnt start the other morning - 2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By richard_brown - June 30 - 4:11 pm

  Ive had the C-Max for 3 month, and its *great*. Im above 52 MPG in my little commutes around our generally flat Southwest town -- have not taken it on freeway or long trips. Its very comfortable for the driver and passenger (not sure about that back seat), is zippy when it needs to be, and its nice being elevated like a mini-SUV. I dont use the Sync system except for my MP3 player which sounds good. Im spooked by the refuse-to-start reviews...and the other day the battery was dead! I just returned from a month-long trip, so Im hoping thats the cause...and Ford is working on the issue judging by the forum posts at fordcmaxhybridforum.com...but still!!!

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  Its not a Lexus, but... - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By norcalgirl - June 24 - 9:04 pm

  The lease on my Lexus RX 350 was up, and I wanted to lower my lease payment and increase my miles per gallon. I looked at all of the hybrid alternatives out there, and chose the C-Max. Have had it for 2 weeks now, and Im happy with my decision. Im currently averaging 40 mpg with a combination of city and highway driving. Its fun to drive, handles well, corners better than the Lexus, and has just about all the bells and whistles one could want. My tall friends appreciate the headroom and legroom in the back seat. The interior is not as plush as the Lexus, but Im saving so much money that I dont care. Voice command is great, very easy to use.

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  47 mph is a lie - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By fisherlcsw - June 21 - 6:56 am

  I had a 2008 civic hybred and I averaged 42 to 46 mph. I bought the C-Max because of its reported 47 mph. At 1244 miles, I have averaged 34.2 mph. Fuelly shows of 81 drivers of c-max reporting, the majority of us are 37 mph or less. Nice car but not what was advertised.

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  Very nice car, I and boys like it very much - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By edisonfrank - May 18 - 7:58 am

  Great milage. When drive carefully, I constantly get 52 MPG. However, during raining days and cold days, the MPG lower than 47MPG. I think rain will cause the road resistance higher. During cold time, the car always try to start the engine to keep itself warm, probably afraid of freezing transmission fluid or other fluid. The key thing to get best MPG is to use EV mode as much as possible, especially when car moving from stop to go. Gasoline engine does not have the best efficiency during low speed, electric motor does not have that problem. After car moving at 15mile speed then step on gas more to let gas engine bring the car to 45 mile speed. Do not drive more than 60Miles/h on freeway.

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  2013 ford c-Max - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By tl6446 - March 25 - 3:13 am

  I purchase this vehicle a month ago expecting to get about 47mpg and all I can say is (NO WAY) will this car achieve/even close to that mpg. I feel cheated by Ford Motor Co. Its a nice car quiet and cumfortable but that is it. I was told by the dealer that the fuel economy would improve after 2,000 miles, well now I have 3,000 miles and the best I can get is about 35mpg. I go by the miles driven and the amount of gas I use and not by the computer that reads 37 to 38 mpg! I actually get 35-36 mpg not even close to 47! What a joke! 12 mpg off. There needs to be class action law suit because this car is a rip. I have a 2010 Prius that consistantly achieves 47+mpg overall but its cheap plastic

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  Ford Wonder Hybrid - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By jus_a_cmax - March 17 - 11:53 pm

  Firstup, when I went to the dealership at Galpin, I had no intention of testing nor buying a CMax, the Ford Fusion was it. The Prius was considered but I did not like the performance nor the handling, yes, I understand performance-hybrid are oxymorons. The CMax blew me away as an overall package for my needs. Being a hybrid was a huge advantage for my line of work where I drive alot, the interior space allowed me carry all my fun toys on the weekend snow trips, the Sync system rocks especially the Sony surround sound, SYNC Nav is nice with the big easy to see screen at a glance.

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  New Hybrid Benchmark - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By hybrid_veteran - November 23 - 10:16 pm

  Being a very high mile driver my last three cars, before my new C-Max, were a Prius and two Altima Hybrids, each driven over 100,000 nearly trouble free miles. I never expected or got the EPA mileage rating on any of them so the C-Max shortfall doesnt bother me a bit. It started out in the low 30s and at 2500 miles is now in the high 30s while driving hard and fast without paying any attention to maximizing gas mileage. Build quality and performance put the Prius to shame and its substantially smoother and quietier than the Altima. If its reliabilty ultimately comes anywhere close to the Prius and Altima the C-Max will simply set a new higher bar for the entry level Hybid market.

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  Love my Maxie! - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By bevt - November 16 - 11:47 am

  I have had my car for 2 1/2 months, have about 2500 miles, live in hilly urban area (Bay Area east of the big hills), and so far (and its not hit its maximum efficiency yet) my Lifetime average is 43.4 mpg. Yesterday, I drove about 10 miles along the hilly streets and got 53 mpg average on that trip. Ive driven along the coast for 4 hours and got 55 mpg. Sometimes I got up to 60. Nice, nice! But it all depends on how you drive it. I have a lead foot, so Ive had to retrain myself to drive more peacefully. Once you get the hang of how to drive it, the C-Max does beautifully, switching to gas mode when the battery is low or if you are going up hills, going back to EV mode seamlessly.

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  Satisfied Customer - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By woorick - August 31 - 11:54 am

  Driven car 5,000 miles in three months. Gas mileage averages 42 mpg; 44 mpg on local streets & highways in hilly northeast OH; and 38 mpg on interstates at 70-75 mph. Similar mileage in Adirondack Mountains of NY. Compared C-Max with Prius V when making purchase. Prius has more cargo space, but otherwise cant compare. C-Max design, gas mileage, driving comfort, fit & finish, noise levels, enjoyability, sight expanse are all superior. Pick-up entering traffic is excellent. MyFord Sync is finicky, but learnable. Entertainment, climate use are excellent. Phone sync is poor with many mistaken dialing command responses. Navigation is a disaster with inability to find many destinations.