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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  A year away from a grand slam - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By toolsboy - August 21 - 11:46 pm

  This car exceeds expectations in almost every way. I live in Los Angeles, which presents perfect driving conditions for hybrid owners (the only benefit of LAs traffic). In my last two "trips", I got 42.5 mpg (on a 300 mile trip) and 45 mpg (most current). The handling is fantastic and the car, especially compared to other hybrids, has guts and great handling. The visibility/sight lines, as other reviewers have pointed out, are incredible. Even though I am over 63", I still have several inches of head room, the seat is relatively high (car is easy to get in/out of). There plenty of room for three adults in the second row. MyFord Touch is great after a period of acclimation.

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  Review to put an end to all the Gripes - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By jbhowlesr - August 1 - 11:20 am

  After reading these reviews, i thought i would post my experience with the C-Max SE. A few weeks ago, my wife and purchased TWO C-max Hybrids SEs and our different driving styles render different MPG. All of our driving is on flat roads, rangeing from residential to rural highway. My particula driving style is slow and easy and I am doing my best to learn to drive the C-Max for ECO purposes. My wife is 14 years younger than me and drive differently. Me personally, i refuse to use the A/C unless i need to and she has to because we have an infant. Im getting 45.8 MPG, She gets 39.2 MPG.

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  YOUR DOING IT WRONG! - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By meabn - July 26 - 3:16 pm

  Please. The only thing wrong with this car is Microsoft sync. I take no pleasure in saying this but I am afraid that some of you are way better at giving opinions than the measures of central tendencies. Google it. This vehicle is an epic leap forward for Ford (less sync) and sips gas. Post break in it will blast by 47 MPG. Again, learn what "average" means and how to apply the term over time- if you dare. Unfortunately, most are confusing (or dont understand) mean, median, and mode versus vehicle life time average MPG during driver learning curve and vehicle break in. Kinda Fords fault as well I guess.

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  Great car...overall - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By carguy1002 - July 26 - 2:06 am

  I bought this car and took it on a 500 mile road trip the next day. I have the SE with 202A package. As most reviews say, dont expect 47mpg. I am getting 41mpg, and that is really trying (expect 37 driving normally, city or highway). I think this is good for a 3,700 pound car with a tall profile. The interior is really well built with great visibility. There is plenty of leg room in the back (though the bench is a little low). Only plan for 4 people though, the car is narrow. Good luggage space, you can easily get 2 VERY large suitcases back there (3 normal ones). The SYNC sucks. The screen looks nice and you get Sirius radio, and its affordable at $570, so I would buy it again.

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  CMAX Meets expectations - 2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By Linda Schifferle - July 24 - 9:43 am

  First off there are no tax credits available, because it is not a plug in...check out the CMAX Energi....but the first tank of gas lasted to almost 600 miles and accumulated MPGs =41. It is far easier to park with the standard backup camera, and space inside is comfortable in both front & back seat. Cargo space is enough for my traveling gym equipment, musical instruments, & a few filled grocery bags & the retractable cover is handy to conceal contents. Handling the vehicle in driving indicates a quick response to sudden steering changes with stability of holding, reasonable acceleration for merging or lane change or sudden evasive moves to avoid another vehicle. I like the interior lighting around the key entrance, and the turn signal lights on the rearview mirrors gives extra visibility to traffic.

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  Good so far - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By pappy56 - July 23 - 8:24 pm

  Only owned the car a couple of days but I love it. For a 3600 lb. vehicle with a 4 cyl. the acceleration is amazing. Handling is real good too. Traded in a 2010 Sport Fusion for it and it doesnt feel like I lost a lot. Gas milage so far for me is 37mpg so that will take some improvement. Seats are comfortable. The Blind Spot mirrors are somewhat of a throwback but they work. The power liftgate comes as advertised. Swipe your foot under the bumper to open or close. The panoramic sunroof does not open but its huge. The sunshade is slightly transparent so I can see this being a problem when the hot weather rolls in. It will take a long time to master MyFord Touch.

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  Extremely poor reliability, failed after 2 month - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By angry_custom1 - July 7 - 9:55 am

  The engine had crazy noise, dealer said it is normal. The door chime is not there, now after 7 weeks, the transmission failed. Ford not only lied about the mpg, they did not even test it, they just decide to put a number there, but they have the audacity to insult Hyundai when NHTSA fined Hyundai, yet [non-permissible content removed] government did not even investigate Fords lie. Asked Ford ex-employee, told Ford demand the orginal transmission maker to reveal their trade secret to Ford and Visteon, then both companies compete for Fords business, of course original supplier was angry, possibly provided low-quality parts to Ford. Ford should just go out of business!

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  Great car, worth taking the time to consider - 2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By geobf - May 4 - 5:17 am

  Very happy with the car after 2200 miles and averaging 44 MPG in a mix of highway and city during my normal commute. Think of the car as a mini-minvan - some cargo capacity (not a ton without dropping the back seat) but a solid commuter vehicle. Will run on electric power up to about 65 MPH. Cute efficiency monitor to train you on best MPG. Driving over 70 will run engine all the time for lowest MPG. Definitely shop for the base SE model - much better deal and the manual cloth seats work just fine. I avoided the MyTouch radio and glad I did. Replaced an Escape hybrid so I knew about driving a hybrid but no problems with learning how to keep it on electric often.

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  So Sorry, Dont touch one. - 2015 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By carpro6 - May 2 - 4:31 pm

  Aside from poor gas mileage 34.1mpg overall, the car is dangerous. Ford engineering has built a car with published specs for turning diameter and missed their spec by 4 feet. Making a U turn in the wrong place will either destroy your front suspension or worse cause you to back up into oncoming traffic. Trying to park in normal parking lot type spaces will end up with you backing up and realigning to get in w/o hitting the car adjacent. It also puts pedestrian traffic and cross traffic in danger needlessly. The car is an engineering nightmare. Poor mileage, noise and no hybrid help are top failures. CMax is dangerous. This is my warning to anyone who is considering a purchase.

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  Fun to Drive, But There Are Problems........ - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By jeff364 - April 20 - 2:49 pm

  The C-Max has great interior design, a good sound system, handles well and seems roomy, but there are nagging problems that drag down the car. Like another reviewer, my clock just randomly changes time. The car also randomly starts itself which is a little disconcerting. The cruise control does not throttle back when going downhill so on a long, steep hill you can end up going 20 - 25 MPH over the speed you set. I think that is a dangerous defect, although not sure if I just have a defective cruise control or this is a problem with all C-Max cruise controls.