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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  Beware 47 mpg claim - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By john615 - November 10 - 11:45 am

  Had the car for about 10 days. Average mpg so far, 36. Id be happy with 43 or 44, but there have been only THREE occasions when the small instant trip mpg guide popped up and showed mpg over 47. I mostly drive this car on shorter trips of 5-10 miles. Only if you can miraculously keep the gas engine off will you be able to get above 40. This is with acceleration so slow as to be a hazard to traffic kind of driving. I had one perfect condition (50-55 mpg) parkway driving trip of about 50 miles that still couldnt produce but 40 mpg and the return on interstate doing 70 was 36 mpg and mostly flat constant conditions. NO WAY this car is going to meet EPA reported 47 - 37 yes, not 47.

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  2013 C-Max SEL - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By kkellyp - October 22 - 9:55 am

  3 mos, 6K miles later, love my C-Max SEL, would buy it again today. Way more comfortable than Prius V with WAY better acceleration and handling. I drive 65% freeway, heavy foot; MPG slightly disappointing 36+ most of the time, but in town on level roads in traffic I can easily top 42 mpg. Love the handling, 17" wheels and seat height, rear-seat fold-downs/cargo space, driver seat controls (wish passenger side had them). Dont love the less-than-hoped for MPG, and the driver seat gets hard on long trips. DONT love flat-fix stuff instead of a spare tire; already had two punctures (surprising for Michelin tires!), but warning lights gave me enough time to get somewhere for fixing.

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  C-Max Hits a Home Run - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By pitchfixer - September 19 - 3:00 pm

  I just took delivery of a new Ford C-Max yesterday after seeing one at the November 2011 LA Auto Show and seeing several on the road in Turkey; theyve been available in Europe for two years now (including a model with three rows of seats thats not available in the U.S.). In its first 100 miles, its getting mileage in the mid-30s, well off of the official EPA rating of 47. But Im learning how to drive it to improve the fuel economy. Theres a gauge that shows both instantaneous economy and that achieved over several 5-minute intervals. Its amazing how backing off a little on the gas pedal can switch the instantaneous mileage from 20 to 60 (the top figure on the gauge).

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  High Expectations...but.... - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By teddyp27 - September 17 - 6:07 pm

  I thumbed through a lot of the reviews on Edmunds.com and it seems like we are experiencing a lot of the same things. We ordered our CMax with dreams of high MPG and ruled out a Mazda CX5 solely because of it. Had I known wed be averaging low-to-mid 30s overall I think I would have bought the Mazda instead. We follow all of the recommended driving behaviors but the fact is "highway" really means 70+ MPH (not 60 when EPA standards were written) and some of the nation (even Dearborn, MI) has cold weather. We will be happy if we can get it to about 40 mpg now that we are past the legendary 500 mile "break in period".

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  Tall, Muscular, over 45 and steadily climbing - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By pcarvs - September 12 - 4:28 pm

  I bought the car in mid-July before the software update was available and for the first 2 weeks I averaged 40 mpg. In order to achieve this fuel efficiency, I simply followed the information and tips in the owner’s manual (see page 186), but these tips are also readily available online. After the software update and continued breaking in of the engine, my gas mileage improved and I am now averaging over 45 mpg! Since I am a school teacher and just now starting to commute every weekday, this was part of the reason for the increase, but I still anticipate the fuel efficiency to climb as I log more highway miles after Labor Day, and commuting mpg is regularly over 50 MPG. My record is 64 MPG!

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  2013 Ford C-MAX SE...Too soon to pass Judgement - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By phill1 - August 17 - 2:08 pm

  Traded in my 2011 Ford Fiesta SE Hatchback 7/31 and with just over a month of driving and less then 1000 miles, I`m only averaging 34 mpg City & Highway. I`m careful (not) to accelerate quickly and coast when possible and avoid lots of unnecessary braking still can`t get over 34 mpg. The Vehicle is very comfortable, peppy, and if I can eventually improve on the Fuel Economy numbers, I`ll be very happy. Got spoiled with the smaller fuel sipping Fiesta which (always) delivered 33-35 mpg city and 41-43 mpg highway from day one.

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  One week in and very pleased - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By wamba2000 - August 11 - 11:32 am

  Took delivery of a 2013 SEL 303A a week ago. Initial thoughts: Was driving a mid-sized SUV, but mostly use the vehicle for commuting. I wanted the following: Comfort, fun to drive, better mileage, flexibility to handle a large parcel/item via a hatch, reasonably quiet driving experience, all the toys like Nav, backup camera, leather, etc. The C-Max delivers all these items. There is more head and leg room than in the SUV ( I am 66" and 240lb, dont fit well in many vehicles). So far only one build issue, which the dealer addressed. Last, the mileage: EPA tests were followed to the letter, but it is not real world. I am getting 37.0 mpg on the first tank. Cold weather does affect

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  Very Dissappointed - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By jgcalbny - August 11 - 3:51 am

  I have now owned a 2013 Ford C-Max for exactly 3 months, and I am not at all happy with my purchase. Like most C-Max owners, I only get 34-35 mpg. I drive a combination of regular roads and highway roads. My main concern with the car isnt the substantially lower than advertised mpg, but rather the fact that I have now had to have Ford Roadside Assistance come and jump my car on 4 different occasions, plus had my friends jump it once. I have brought it in multiple times for service, to two different Ford dealerships. Each time, getting the same answer: "Theres nothing wrong with your battery, and we did the latest update. That should fix the problem." And yet still no solution.

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  Review for Base Model - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By lmg911 - June 15 - 2:47 pm

  Before I purchased my C-Max I read the online reviews. I continue to do this and am surprised that most posters complain that they dont get the advertised mileage. Well I felt compelled to write. This car teaches you how to change your driving habits to actually get the 47mpg . If you pay enough attention to it and learn to use the gauges (complicated) you will get the 47mpg. In my case , Ive become obsessive and actually get better mileage. Actual mileage also depends on the terrain where you live. Hill country gets less then the flats of the mid-west. But I live in New England so .... Also , if you use the heat/ac it will cost you 1 mpg. Extremely happy with my purchase. !!!

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  13,000 miles and no problems - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By bjhhog - June 9 - 12:03 pm

  This is our first hybrid and Im so glad we went with the C-max. It has gitty-up when you need it, plenty of space for two adults and one baby (and everything that comes with a baby). driveability is very good and comfortable. This is our second summer with the car, and we are achieving the 45-47 mark. Winter is a different story, more like 42. All in all a very good car and Im truly surprised there are not more on the road.