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:

• 

  C-MAX BUMMER - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By mjsrn2007 - June 10 - 11:05 pm

  I loved my c-max at first. Didnt mind the first time it went dead for no reason. I thought it was my fault. But after the third time...Come on Ford, stop making excuses. Now it is in the shop again and they tell me it is the transmission that has to be replaced! Really, only 30,000 miles in 1.5 years and I am driving a rental for the 4th time. I travel for a living. I want out of my lemon, but cant afford to trade off because of the upside down amount. Guess I am stuck.

• 

  2013 ford cmax sel - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By rick_smith - March 23 - 12:42 pm

  I just passed the 3000mi. mark on my 2013 cmax. was getting 38 mpg until the weather got cold. now it is down to 32 mpg. i believe the car is not worth the extra $15,000.00 spent. save your money! If and when the electric portion comes on, its a miricle! usually after you drive 30-50 miles. yes i am extremely disapointed!

• 

  electronic problems - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By opallongtail - February 27 - 3:48 am

  After less than 3000 miles we had problems with the "entertainment system" and the air conditioning. The repairs took 10 days, the AC compressor had to be replaced. Took it in for servicing after 5000 miles, including 2 recalls it had. After 500 more miles we had electronic problems again. The external sensors died, the entertainment went out again. The AC made more noise than usual. We are thinking we have bought a lemon! We like the way it drives and are satisfied with 40 mpg, and the comfort is good, but we cant trust it. We may have to use the "lemon law". Its back in the shop today.

• 

  TRADED IN FOR A PRIUS AFTER 10 MONTHS - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By tradedcmax - July 30 - 3:57 am

  After only 10 months, I traded it in for a Prius. Why? The NHTSA recall for the interior crash protection problem was the final straw. The fact I never got more than 37mpg, the fact that the multiple build quality issues were never fully resolved, and the fact that the dealer kept denying problems were all reasons I did this. And trading this in didnt come cheaply - took a $4000 hit on the trade. The dealer was quick to point out the recall. I loved driving the car. The only driving complaint was the turning radius seemed large for the size car. That is after you get used to the constant noises. Strut plate, creaking frame, etc. Very annoying.

• 

  2013 CMAX - so far overall dissapointed - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By grayman3 - January 7 - 12:02 pm

  Ive had the car for about 2 months. After first 2 days with it, had to take into dealer to fix stuck hazard light and replace some electronic command module. Also the microphone when using touch-free calling is terrible - people I call report harsh blowing noise. Biggest dissapointment though is the MPG - after driving over 1000 miles still averaging only 33-34MPG (combined highway/city). I know that Ford is saying must drive 3000 mi to see higher mileage, but I doubt this. I have not gotten anyware CLOSE to the promised 47MPG. I have a feeling if this continues and is happening with other people, theres going to be a class action lawsuit in the future (as happened with Honda civic hybrid)

• 

  My First and Last Ford - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By cmax_sucks - January 1 - 2:14 pm

  After dealing with numerous recalls and technological glitches, I am finally throwing in the towel on my 2013 C-Max (Ive had it for a year). As others have pointed out, the MPG was grossly exaggerated by Ford. At the moment, Im dealing with relatively minor issues (i.e. entertainment system sporadically stops working, center console wont close, trunk lift gate doesnt work, warning lights randomly go on and off). It is both inconvenient and frustrating to take the car in for repairs all of the time. My last straw - last time I took it in, I returned to find the dealership showing my car to prospective customers (literally sitting in my car with my personal belongings on display).

• 

  Electrical - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By drsnowball - January 1 - 6:00 am

  In July my newly leased, left over 2013 C-Max had a dead battery after sitting overnight. The clock on the dash said 8:38AM. Road side assist came and jumped to start. I called the Ford service center and was told "You must have left something on." I was certain I had not. On, Sept. 14, 2014, I came out to find my car dead again. The clock (coincidence?) read 8:38 AM; however, after the jump start the clock failed to run. Thought! For about 10 days continuing, the unlock button on my key was slow to open the passenger door and trunk lock. Perhaps an indication of the battery voltage decreasing? Tomorrow the service dept. will try to find the problem. Ill let you know.

• 

  Disappointing Highway Mileage - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By lanthony2020 - August 14 - 1:29 pm

  After 7600 miles, the highway miles run between 33.5 and 37.5 at 80, 70 and 60 MPH respectively. At 55, not much better. This on a know stretch of flat interstate with no wind. City mileage is OK if I cruse at 25, I can get 50 going slow in town. Traded in my 2010 TDI. The TDI got much better on the highway at those speeds. I could get 50 if I wanted to drive 55 MPH.

• 

  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.

• 

  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