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:

• 

  You bought a Hybrid? and a Ford? - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By wamba2000 - November 7 - 9:52 am

  I have bought close to 20 new vehicles while I have been driving, american cars, european, asian, etc. The C-Max is the first Ford product since the late 1980s. The reaction from my friends is really interesting, cant believe I got a Hybrid, and if I wanted Hybrid, why not a Prius. The CMax was the first Hybrid that appealed to me, Main reasons: - wanted a hatchback capable of moving a larger item than would fit in a trunk. - wanted all the toys that are available in higher end vehicles - wanted gas mileage in commuting that would hit at least the mid-30s - had to have enough power to get out of its own way. It delivers on all of these. Had the car 2.5 weeks, it is put together!

• 

  Surprisingly Fun Car! - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By pbtorres - June 26 - 7:23 am

  I bought my car 2 weeks ago. I travel 15 miles to work, streets and freeway and get about 39 mph. I just took a trip from Orange, CA to Tempe, AZ (365 miles). I got 39 mph going there in the evening and 37 mph on the way home during the day with the A/C on. Im hoping like others that the mileage gets better. We plan on towing it behind the motorhome. Ill let you know how that works out.

• 

  4800 miles and still getting 43 mpg - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By burklo - December 11 - 5:50 am

  I purchased my new c-max in October right off the truck. I have been driving a Ford Explorer for 12 years (2000 & 2005) average 30,000 miles per year. I had been looking for a high profile car that would give me 35+ mpg. My C-Max exceeds my expectations. I challenge myself to get the best gas mileage possible. While 62 miles per hour is the limit for running on the battery, I am averaging 43 mpg consistently. In the city, I average 45 mpg. I now have 4800 miles on my C-Max and love the fact that I fill-up once every 10 days versus twice per week with my explorer. I estimate I am saving between $300-$400 p/month in gas.

• 

  Mostly Nice - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By daleinmn - December 4 - 7:36 am

  If I lived in a warm climate I would give this car rave reviews. In a cold climate, not so much. It has been reliable but the mileage and electric range in the winter are so much worse than in the summer, about half as good. Also, one of the big selling points to me was that I could set a departure time using my cell phone, and it would have the cabin up to a comfy temperature using wall current by the time I left. Maybe that works on 220 volts, but on 110 it starts warming about 45 minutes before departure and never does get the cabin and it does drain the battery somewhat. Also, the turning radius is absurdly bad. In hybrid mode I get about 36 mpg. After driving a Prius, that stinks.

• 

  Poor MPG - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By sabrinakrouse - November 6 - 4:17 am

  As a former Prius driver, I was excited to try out the Ford C-max because it provided me with a bit more room for my kids in the back seat. In the Prius I was averaging 42-44MPG depending on the season. So when I saw 47MPG I figured I would at least get the same if not a little more MPGS. I am very aware how to drive a hybrid to get the most out of it as possible so when I can not get the C-Max to get over 34 MPGs it makes me very disappointed. There should be more real life testing and accountability for the company that is going to market a product knowing full well that the product is going to fail because consumers are going to have to drive up hills and in the winter.

• 

  Initial Review - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By old_guard - November 1 - 2:44 pm

  Just have the vehicle for 3 days and had put in about 280mi. So far it is a good vehicle with initial overall mpg @35.5mpg. I believe that new vehicles have to be driven at least 1K mi. to really get the average mpg. Ill post another review when I get into the 1K range. For now its very a good vehicle.

• 

  Got my C-Max SE a week ago - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By dweiser - May 18 - 12:41 am

  I really like how the C-Max rides and drives. I traded in a 2009 Honda Fit Sport on it and while I really liked the Fit and it gave me zero trouble, the C-Max is a much more pleasant vehicle to drive and ride in. I also owned a Honda Insight briefly and didnt like all its many hybrid "quirks". The C-Max is much more like a "normal" car and the switching from electric to gas and back is totally seamless! The brakes arent weird like the Insights were. I know its only been 7 days but I am LOVING my new C-Max! Oh, its also my first American car in something like 30 or 40 years!

• 

  One year in, still a happy camper. - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By hotpotato - February 20 - 4:27 am

  Im over a year and 15,000 miles into ownership now. Car is holding up nicely. Since late 2012, Ford has issued several updates and recalls for the car to increase safety, MPG, and reliability. This may damage consumer magazine reliability scores, but results in a safer, more economical, more reliable car for all current and future owners -- I admire Ford for doing it. My mileage went up 1-2 MPG after the new software, for instance, from 36-37 to 37-38.

• 

  Fun, but far from 47 MPG - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By lysheen - January 27 - 3:39 am

  Selling point for me was the advertised 47 MPG, and thus far I get around 35-36. Done a lot of research, and found that most (Honda, Toyota, VW) manufacturers actually advertise a lower MPG than what their drivers get, except the CMAX, which advertises about 8-9 higher than what drivers are getting on average. I feel like I could have saved 15k and got a 2012 Civic. I will say that Ford has done an excellent job with the interior design of the car. Its fun and fairly easy to use.

• 

  Car stop running once a while and could not start engine for a while - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By tjshiau - August 27 - 1:39 am

  My 2013 Ford C-MAX hybrid SE could not run during driving (i.e. stop at traffic light) and could not start the engine for a while from a few second to two hours. It will start the engine and run again after this. However, it will happen again either one month later or a few minutes later. It is not safe to drive this car. I am not so sure whether this car has this issue or this model has this issue. I like to know whether this is design issue or some bugs on my car only. To be fair, this car is powerful with good gas mileage. My average gas mileage is 40.4 mile per gallon after 7000 mileage. If the traffic is good, it could be over 50 mile per gallon or between 43 and 47 mile per gallon.