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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  Love/Hate Relationship - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By caliny - October 17 - 8:05 pm

  I loved the CMax on sight. I happily looked forward to the awesome 47mpg promised on the sticker. I drove off the lot a convert to Ford. I got over that quickly. 33 days to be exact, when a tire blew out. Then a few days later, a second tire blew out. Ford said I hit a curb. I didnt. They said it was Michelins fault. Then came the recalls, the USB connector that wont stay anchored inside the console, the audio that doesnt always work (they blame my iPhone), lame SYNC services, and the lies about the fuel economy. I am getting 41-42 MPG. Nice from the 25 my last car got, but I live in fear of tires blowing out (no spare/donut). I would trade it in if I could afford to.

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  Had it since september 29 2012 - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By xlogosx - September 24 - 6:22 am

  Well I decided to buy this car over the Prius in Worthington Ford of Long Beach CA, Ask for Sam and Ike if you go there. The Cmax hybrid had higher Horsepower than the Prius with the capability of reaching 47mpg, Ive put 860 miles as of 10/12/2012 and my first time in the freeway I did 38-40mpg to San Diego California, driving at 80 mph average, in city driving at 45mph on a 40mph street I can acheive 47-53mpgs in flat surface, in my usual route to college with one hill on the way ive reached 43-47.3 mpgs, when stepping on the car and driving fast i reach 32-35mpgs overall, the lifetime for my car mpgs is 42 mpgs.

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  Loving my C-Max - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By cmaxdriver - September 7 - 9:56 pm

  1250 miles on my C-Max SEL (not Energi) and I just filled up the second time, so that works out to 600+ per tank. So far love it. Driving mixed between city & highway.

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  Great car! - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By winn17 - September 7 - 4:17 am

  I purchased by C Max on Halloween 2012 and I now have over 15, 000 miles on it. My lifetime average mpg is 44.2, a combination of city and 55mph driving. Admittedly the mileage plummets if I should venture onto the freeway at 65mph+. The mileage improved with warmer weather. Absolutely love driving the car!

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  Ive had my C Max for a week now. - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By pookaloopa - August 12 - 4:34 pm

  I have driven my new C Max for about 300 miles the past week and it is a bit premature to give more than first impressions of the vehicle. Thus far I am pleased with the vehicle. I have been able to get 47.7 mpg (according to the trip odometer) with careful driving on my most recent 50 mile jaunt. It was a mix of freeway and city driving. Im confident Ill be able to get 40 plus MPG with little effort. The car has plenty of room inside for 4 + size adults. Plenty of pep. The ride is quiet and smooth. Storage compartments are plentiful. Sync is fantastic. Gauges & instrumentation display are even more fantastic. I cant really rate reliability accurately as Ive only owned it a week.

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  2013 CMAX - NOT worth the money - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By the_handiman - June 30 - 6:52 am

  Purchased our CMAX SEL 11-16-2012 because the sticker in window said 47 mpg, city & hiway. As did the sales person. Have owned the care for 3 weeks and have taken on short 100 mile trips to check mileage. At best the vehicle gets 33 MPG. Took it back to dealer and they say you have to wait until 3,000 for vehicle to get advertised mileage. Car is not worth the money. I do not advise you buy one, put your money on a vehicle that will give you your monies worth and from a dealer that will support you ..Ford should be ashamed for false advertising and poor excuses for the vehicles poor performance. Dont expect any support from your Ford Dealer or Ford !! Does not come with a spare tire either

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  No Problems Mon - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By ahjok - June 27 - 8:30 am

  Bought my wifes C-Max June 2013, at 12,000 miles now and the car has been perfect. I believe that Ford has ironed out the kinks in early models (late 2012 - early 2013) -- we have had no problems with dead battery, SYNC system, etc. Recommend this car to anyone who want the high MPG of a hybrid with decent handling, acceleration and creature comforts. We paid $26,000 out the door and are very pleased, good job Ford!

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  TimeWillTell - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By researchpays - April 28 - 8:21 am

  The only reason Im rating it low on comfort is the seats. Hard seats, even with leather. But all the cars I test drove had hard seats - Subarus, Toyotas, Hondas. C-Max Hybrid is a great little zipper. Overtakes other traffic easily. Ease of entry and exit - no banging head or knees. Good storage space (but no, this is not an SUV). I hope the C-Max will prove to be a great decision, as I spent the better part of 5 months reading articles, driving cars, comparing all aspects. My last car - Nissan Murano-2004 traded it in, before that Nissan Pathfinder 1996 and still running. My first ever Ford, so there is a lot at stake here - the Ford reputation. Ford, dont let me down now.

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  Fun and Practical wagon - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By mrtrout - April 2 - 12:07 am

  I have owned a C-Max for about 2 months and 2000 miles now and overall think this is an excellent hybrid that is often overlooked. I have the base SE model with no options other than blue paint color. The base model is a good value at about $26K. The closest comparable car is the Toyota Prius V. The only advantages the Prius V has are more cargo space and a more thickly padded back seat (but the seat does not fold flat). I liked the C-Max better in all other areas. The C-Max has a lot more power than the Prius and accelerates quickly. The electric motor, engine, and transmission are very responsive and seamless if you have to punch the throttle to merge into traffic quickly.

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  Started out Great - Not so sure now! - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By hybrid_veteran - March 26 - 12:22 am

  Absolutely loved my C-Max at the beginning. Solid, great handling and lots of power compared to my earlier Prius. Perfectly satisfied with the 39 MPG as well given my lead foot. My only concern from the start was reliability. Now at 15,000 miles and am a bit scared. Clock changes time by itself whenever it wants, but thats no big deal. The real concern is that the doors are starting to creak very badly. Hope its just the weather stripping but may be body flex, which isnt particularly fixable. If all that weight on basically a Focus frame turns out to be a mistake I see big problems ahead for this car.