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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  Its BLUE - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By mcsp00 - May 29 - 10:33 am

  Ordered mine on 11/19/12. Got it delivered on 2/13/13. LooOoong wait. So, hows the gas mileage you ask? Fine. After 2 weeks of driving, the EV+ feature is recognizing my work, parents, and home locations. That means it goes full electric within 1/2 mile of location. Very nice. On some trips, Im measuring 48mpg, and it is COLD and SNOWY/SLURPEE muck here. Overall, I see 31.5mpg in 2 weeks of driving... The interior is quite nice. Sync works very well, and simple to me. I recognize it would be intimidating to some. The ride quality is smooth. The acceleration can be surprising! This car rocks. Low-ish reliability because I already have had a "flat" battery...

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  Just Drive One - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By djohnson12 - March 8 - 9:41 am

  I have had many cars and when shopping for a new car this time I was looking for something different. Test drove the C-Max after driving the new Fusion. Was hooked after the first drive (so much so that I had to test drive the C-Max four more times over the next two weeks until they got the car I wanted). Most fun to drive car (wagon, mini mini van) that I have driven in a long time. I have never been a fuel efficient driver, so the fuel mileage was not the prime selling point for me. With minimal effort, I have achieved an average of 42 mpg in the first two weeks. The car has enough information communicated to you that you can be an efficient driver or you can ignore it and just drive.

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  Mileage - A true account - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By spammed - March 6 - 11:39 pm

  Youll receive 80% of what youve paid for. Does not go over 25 mph from stop to gas engine engage. Use the heater and lights and mpg goes to around 27 at 60 mph with cruise. Summer with air conditioning gets 35 mpg in town if youre lucky. Colder, higher country (Idaho, Montana, etc) doesnt carry CMax on their lots. Lots of gleeming claims on various sites, maybe a lot of marketing sending spam? Ive spoken with other actual owners and they report the same problems. I have over 4,000 miles & been in twice for "updates" on system, maybe now my clock will keep better time and my smart phone will sync up every time - but Im not holding my breath.

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  So Far So Good - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By heidiho - February 24 - 4:07 am

  Its been almost a month with 1600 miles. Im doing 42 mpg and live in a hilly area. Ive notice that when I drive "with" the car instead driving like my old cars (heavy footed) MPG increased. When the battery activates, I go gentle on the peddle to avoid using gas. Im enjoying the car very much. Im hoping the technology will last. I only gave a "3" for reliability. Too soon to say. The only complaint so far is the isync. They cant understand my voice yet. It keeps wanting me to go to Newark whenever I say a town with an N. I dont care for the navigator but itll take time to get use to. MPG will improve if u go easy on the peddle. :)

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  Great Car, Great MPG, 50+ - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By seattlelife - February 19 - 2:04 pm

  Dont be put off by the negative reviews. The C-MAX really does get the advertised mileage. Its a very comfortable ride and fun to drive. The car has about 4500 miles on it, and Im getting 52-53 MPG. The mileage does improve over the first 3000 miles! At 1000 miles the MPG was 43-44, at 2000 miles it was 46-47, and at 3000 miles it 49-50. If you follow the recommendations in the manual you should get the advertised 47 MPG: go gradually on the acceleration and stay around the speed limit. The key for good MPGs is to maximize travel in EV mode. Heavy acceleration and speeding keeps the hybrid in gas engine mode, and the MPGs drops rapidly: back off the accelerator to stay in EV mode.

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  Best vehicle ever! - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By glhouk - January 7 - 3:23 am

  I have had the C-Max for 2 and 1/2 months and 4,500 miles. This is the vehicle I have been looking for for more than 10 years. It has the large enough interior, high seating position, high roof line, ease of entry, and good handling and mileage of a very small car. It is a pleasure to drive and I am getting 38 to 45 mpg depending on wind direction and my speed. I have achieved over 50 on a few occasions but average in the lower 40s. At 65 to 70, it is around 38 to 40. The power train is so smooth, and on the interstate going 65+ and needing to pass, I was shocked at how quickly it zoomed up to 80! I am averaging 10 mpg more than my good mileage Pontiac G6.

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  Great Car but MPG? - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By dbrower6 - December 21 - 9:19 pm

  Ive had my C Max for about 2 months. I think the design of the car is good but the gas milage on the highway is a pipe dream. I can see where you could get 47 MPG in the city under certain conditions but no way will it ever get 47 on the highway. A more realistic gas milage would be around 37 MPG at 75 MPH, 38.5 MPH at 70. if your lucky you can get around 40 MPG at 65MPH basicly the same as a none hybrid car. I now have 4500 miles on the car a just came back from the first trip with the car. I could have done with out the SYNC it just dont work well. I have had one issure where all four windows came down and the car unlocked its self. Fortunately I caught it before the rain got it.

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  Our 2013 Ford C-Max Horror Story with Kelowna Ford Lincoln - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By texerta - November 28 - 6:26 am

  We purchased this car about a month ago and we purchased it because Kelowna Ford had huge banners in the windshield of the car claiming that is got 71 MPG in the city and 69 MPG on the highway and the best we have ever gotten out of it was 40.5 MPG while driving the car very easily and gently, a far cry from 71 MPG. Even in Ford Canadas brochure on the front page they claim that the car gets 71 in the city and 69 on the highway which is a bold face lie. How much more of this crap and outright lies and deceptions are we supposed to put up with from the Kelowna Fords and the Ford Canadas of this world before we say enough is en

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  Choose it from 5 cars, and am very happy for 2 weeks - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By stranger267 - November 8 - 8:50 pm

  I own it for 2 weeks, drive about 900 miles, and am very satisfied by this car (it is exactly what I want). The only thing which I never reached was promised mileage - it increased to 36 mpg eventually but is still far from 40+ promised. We will see in 2 month. I test drive Subaru Impreza CVT, VW Golf TDI and VW Jetta TDI, Prius and Prius V. Among all, CMAX stays behind Impreza but ahead of others by the fun to drive, and is very different from slow and drive as a Prius Prius. Normal controls (not these futuristic Toyota-s) are a plus too. Car is Base SE model. Our other car is Subaru Forester 2008 (2010 became too big).

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  Great Car - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By johnnyo7 - October 26 - 3:26 am

  Purchased our CMax yesterday. Average MPG now 42.7 with less than 200 miles on it. Very happy. Ride, fit, finish, technology, fantastic. What a marvel of technology.