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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  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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  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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  bad mpg and ford cant fix it at 9k miles - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By patfran - June 28 - 3:12 am

  This car has been to dealership 3 times to fix the poor performance on gas mileage. Advertised 47/47/47 and lately I am getting 32.5. Gas engine turns on as I am stopping! The second visit to dealership didnt even test drive. Radio doesnt turn on and off with dashboard button. Service bulletin still hasnt fixed that. I dont think they want to do more than throw the $550 check at us. With the sleek design and ability to put some great pzazz into this vehicle, they cut it off at the knees. Hybrid without good gas mileage is not worth anything.

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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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  Crappy Mileage - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By jbn74135 - January 19 - 5:42 pm

  We recently bought a C-Max. After 636 miles, we are averaging only 31.2 mpg. We are driving extremely light foot, following the speed limit, these about 755 highway miles (reason we bought based ont the FALSELY advertised 47mpg) and have used real gas but did not see any real improvement in MPG. The only possibly excuse is that we drive 75 on the interstate (OKLA speed limit). However, even in town, following the little blue guidelines (on the display), we still only get about 32 in the city. The car is roomy and relatively comfortable but if you are thinking you will get 47, you are about to be cheated.

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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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  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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  So Sorry, Dont touch one. - 2015 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By carpro6 - May 2 - 4:31 pm

  Aside from poor gas mileage 34.1mpg overall, the car is dangerous. Ford engineering has built a car with published specs for turning diameter and missed their spec by 4 feet. Making a U turn in the wrong place will either destroy your front suspension or worse cause you to back up into oncoming traffic. Trying to park in normal parking lot type spaces will end up with you backing up and realigning to get in w/o hitting the car adjacent. It also puts pedestrian traffic and cross traffic in danger needlessly. The car is an engineering nightmare. Poor mileage, noise and no hybrid help are top failures. CMax is dangerous. This is my warning to anyone who is considering a purchase.