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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  Disappointing gas mileage - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By cjweston1 - December 19 - 5:32 am

  Where is the 47mpg promised? Cant do any better than 35mpg after3 months and 3000 miles. NOWHERE near 47mpg. Had Fusion hybrid 2010, and did recieved the adverised mileage after 1000 miles. Love the car except, really really annoyed with the poor mileage. I am doing worse than the Fusion and only bought the CMAX HYBRID because of the advertised mileage. Time for a class action suit for renumeration or recall for new hybrid engine. Obviously from the other reviews- I am not the only one complaining.!!!!!!!

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  This Car is Fabulous - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By drken - November 24 - 2:15 pm

  I just got my Ford CMax and couldnt be happier. While I only have 500 miles on the car, Im very impressed with the gas mileage (with the a/c on no less) - getting 47.6 mpg right now. I was a little worried about the reviews of the Ford My Touch but find it pretty straight forward to use. The fit and finish in my car is top notch - no issues identified. I am a big fan of some of the comfort/appearance items on my SEL - ambient lighting, keyless start, auto lift gate. I would also recommend the skylite - really brightens the car.

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  Love my 2013 C Max - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By ctylane - October 26 - 7:22 am

  Just purchased my C Max from Chaparral Ford in Devine TX. Have been thinking about replacing my 2005 Ford Five Hundred with 148,000 miles. I also have a 2013 Taurus Limited, so wanted a run around car. When I got the car it had about 150 or so miles on it. The dealer filled it up and I drove almost 500 miles. On the first fill-up I got 41.3 MPG. I was satisfied with that. Then I came on here and read some of the mileage figures and was surprised to see some of the low figures. I began to wonder in my mind. However on this my first fill-up I am getting between 46 and 47 with it reading 46.7 right now. I am leaving next week for Maryland, a 1800 miles trip. Will report when I return

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  TRADED IN FOR A PRIUS AFTER 10 MONTHS - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By tradedcmax - July 30 - 3:57 am

  After only 10 months, I traded it in for a Prius. Why? The NHTSA recall for the interior crash protection problem was the final straw. The fact I never got more than 37mpg, the fact that the multiple build quality issues were never fully resolved, and the fact that the dealer kept denying problems were all reasons I did this. And trading this in didnt come cheaply - took a $4000 hit on the trade. The dealer was quick to point out the recall. I loved driving the car. The only driving complaint was the turning radius seemed large for the size car. That is after you get used to the constant noises. Strut plate, creaking frame, etc. Very annoying.

• 

  Surprisingly Fun Car! - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By pbtorres - June 26 - 7:23 am

  I bought my car 2 weeks ago. I travel 15 miles to work, streets and freeway and get about 39 mph. I just took a trip from Orange, CA to Tempe, AZ (365 miles). I got 39 mph going there in the evening and 37 mph on the way home during the day with the A/C on. Im hoping like others that the mileage gets better. We plan on towing it behind the motorhome. Ill let you know how that works out.

• 

  c-max - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By puremichigan - March 2 - 9:25 am

  We now have 3746 miles on the car on our 12 day road trip - we averaged 37.1 mpg. Not bad considering all the thing that can degrade mileage; load ( passengers; usualy 2, sometimes 5, plus cooler, luggage, gifts and so forth) temperature (cold - 19 to 49 degrees farenheit) terrain ( Ozarks & Texas hill country) speed (mostly highway 65 to 75 mph) I took multiple 100 mile - mpg samples by resetting the trip data at different speeds 75 mph = 35mpg 65 mph = 39 mpg 55 mph = 44 mpg 45 mph = 56 mpg I assume that the engine is now broke in and that we will get noticably better mileage on local surface streets.

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  So far love it! - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By wellmiss - February 23 - 8:05 am

  I have had my Cmax for 15 days today! My best trip so far has netted 52.8 mpg, with an average of 42.7 mpg. I bought this car for the looks and how much fun it is driving! I can and have followed all of the hints and tips regarding driving a hybrid, and reaped those benefits, 52.8 mpg! I have also enjoyed zipping around town, and still am getting fantastic gas mileage. Will follow up in a few months!

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  2013 CMAX - so far overall dissapointed - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By grayman3 - January 7 - 12:02 pm

  Ive had the car for about 2 months. After first 2 days with it, had to take into dealer to fix stuck hazard light and replace some electronic command module. Also the microphone when using touch-free calling is terrible - people I call report harsh blowing noise. Biggest dissapointment though is the MPG - after driving over 1000 miles still averaging only 33-34MPG (combined highway/city). I know that Ford is saying must drive 3000 mi to see higher mileage, but I doubt this. I have not gotten anyware CLOSE to the promised 47MPG. I have a feeling if this continues and is happening with other people, theres going to be a class action lawsuit in the future (as happened with Honda civic hybrid)

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  4800 miles and still getting 43 mpg - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By burklo - December 11 - 5:50 am

  I purchased my new c-max in October right off the truck. I have been driving a Ford Explorer for 12 years (2000 & 2005) average 30,000 miles per year. I had been looking for a high profile car that would give me 35+ mpg. My C-Max exceeds my expectations. I challenge myself to get the best gas mileage possible. While 62 miles per hour is the limit for running on the battery, I am averaging 43 mpg consistently. In the city, I average 45 mpg. I now have 4800 miles on my C-Max and love the fact that I fill-up once every 10 days versus twice per week with my explorer. I estimate I am saving between $300-$400 p/month in gas.

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  Mostly Nice - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By daleinmn - December 4 - 7:36 am

  If I lived in a warm climate I would give this car rave reviews. In a cold climate, not so much. It has been reliable but the mileage and electric range in the winter are so much worse than in the summer, about half as good. Also, one of the big selling points to me was that I could set a departure time using my cell phone, and it would have the cabin up to a comfy temperature using wall current by the time I left. Maybe that works on 220 volts, but on 110 it starts warming about 45 minutes before departure and never does get the cabin and it does drain the battery somewhat. Also, the turning radius is absurdly bad. In hybrid mode I get about 36 mpg. After driving a Prius, that stinks.