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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  Poor MPG - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By sabrinakrouse - November 6 - 4:17 am

  As a former Prius driver, I was excited to try out the Ford C-max because it provided me with a bit more room for my kids in the back seat. In the Prius I was averaging 42-44MPG depending on the season. So when I saw 47MPG I figured I would at least get the same if not a little more MPGS. I am very aware how to drive a hybrid to get the most out of it as possible so when I can not get the C-Max to get over 34 MPGs it makes me very disappointed. There should be more real life testing and accountability for the company that is going to market a product knowing full well that the product is going to fail because consumers are going to have to drive up hills and in the winter.

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  Initial Review - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By old_guard - November 1 - 2:44 pm

  Just have the vehicle for 3 days and had put in about 280mi. So far it is a good vehicle with initial overall mpg @35.5mpg. I believe that new vehicles have to be driven at least 1K mi. to really get the average mpg. Ill post another review when I get into the 1K range. For now its very a good vehicle.

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  Ford Lied - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By chanman11 - October 5 - 6:51 pm

  We purchased a C-MAX after be mesmerized by the idea of 47mpg. Sure we were giving up some room but the trade off was to much to overlook. After owning the C-Max we averaged 37 mpg with 14k miles of constant monitoring of driving habits and fuel use. Ford has stretched the truth and lied to those that purchased this vehicle. For this they should be punished. Sold the C-max and bought a Dodge. I shall never buy another Ford because they can not be trusted. Sure I know all of the disclaimers but 47 city and 47 highway means you should be fairly close to 47 if you keep your foot out of it. YOU WILL ONLY ACHIEVE 47 MPG IF YOU DRIVE MOSTLY CITY DRIVING. THE HIGHWAY WILL KILL YOUR MPG.

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  Could not be more pleased with our C-MAX - 2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By redneb1 - October 5 - 3:19 am

  !0,000 miles, 9 months. Getting 44 MPG all around. Very quiet, extremely comfortable, good performance. Have had zero issues. This is the first new car I have owned that hasnt had some defect in the first year. Better than 2 new Toyotas I have owned. Gauges / dash info system is excellent. Sound system is excellent. Fit/finish excellent. Glad to buy a car like this made in Michigan by UAW.

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  Why Such A Poor Rating from CR? - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By htw - June 20 - 4:10 am

  I hate the design of the wheels. Ford could better on the wheel choice and replace the bar grill with something more sporty. But...... Ford needs to change the bolt pattern to match the Mustang. I think the car is great; I love the seats, and the sitting position. I want these seat in my 2012 Focus. My C-mac is used in business - sometimes 100 miles per day, bought in Sept 12, it has 24K miles on it. Daily mileage is 43-45. Road trip - milesage under 60 is 44 mpg; over 65 38 mpg. The location of the air filter sucks - it took 41 minutes to change it and I had to remove that large piece of plastic. If you dont know cars, you have to take it to the dealer.

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  Got my C-Max SE a week ago - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By dweiser - May 18 - 12:41 am

  I really like how the C-Max rides and drives. I traded in a 2009 Honda Fit Sport on it and while I really liked the Fit and it gave me zero trouble, the C-Max is a much more pleasant vehicle to drive and ride in. I also owned a Honda Insight briefly and didnt like all its many hybrid "quirks". The C-Max is much more like a "normal" car and the switching from electric to gas and back is totally seamless! The brakes arent weird like the Insights were. I know its only been 7 days but I am LOVING my new C-Max! Oh, its also my first American car in something like 30 or 40 years!

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  Great performance for hybrid 43/37mpg - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By gooberpea - March 27 - 4:35 am

  Im about 3000 miles in with 2 long road trips. My overall average is 40mpg, with the road trips coming in around 37mpg with my normal suburban commute averaging around 43mpg. The dropoff in mileage is pretty clear--the faster you go over 65, the mileage drops off a cliff (well into the low 30s). On the flipside, the C-Max loves 45-55 mph roads with stoplights. Fortunately, thats my normal commute.

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  STRANDED REPETEDLY! - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By kupono - March 23 - 5:07 am

  Everything is great except the quality. We purchased a C-Max for our business and it has been a disaster. When it works we loved it... Is it worth it to have a vehicle that may leave you stranded at any point? "NO." You cannot unlock doors without power. We have had to abandon the vehicle and use an alternate to get our work done on three occasions. I was so pleased to give Ford another chance but what a disappointment. Do not buy this car until they figure out the bugs and fix them. I will never buy another Ford.

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  One year in, still a happy camper. - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By hotpotato - February 20 - 4:27 am

  Im over a year and 15,000 miles into ownership now. Car is holding up nicely. Since late 2012, Ford has issued several updates and recalls for the car to increase safety, MPG, and reliability. This may damage consumer magazine reliability scores, but results in a safer, more economical, more reliable car for all current and future owners -- I admire Ford for doing it. My mileage went up 1-2 MPG after the new software, for instance, from 36-37 to 37-38.

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  Fun, but far from 47 MPG - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By lysheen - January 27 - 3:39 am

  Selling point for me was the advertised 47 MPG, and thus far I get around 35-36. Done a lot of research, and found that most (Honda, Toyota, VW) manufacturers actually advertise a lower MPG than what their drivers get, except the CMAX, which advertises about 8-9 higher than what drivers are getting on average. I feel like I could have saved 15k and got a 2012 Civic. I will say that Ford has done an excellent job with the interior design of the car. Its fun and fairly easy to use.