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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  Good car, dont buy for mileage! - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By ddd13 - June 3 - 12:55 pm

  Edmunds! How about correcting your review regarding the stellar mileage? Ford - how about changing the deceptive commercials representing that mileage is better than a Prius V? This is nice little car, but it is abundantly clear that its real world mileage is in the 36 to 37 mph range, while the Prius V can expected to yield 42 - 44 with similar driving. Really disappointing is highway mileage if you expect to drive more than 63 mph. Over 3000 miles of very moderate driving and often attempting to manage the EV mode, we cant exceed 36 for any reasonable distance. Recent 300+ mile trip at 70-75 maxed out at 36 mph. Could be driving a non-hybrid. High 40s for Prius V at speed???

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  Sold my Prius to buy this. Mileage is stuck at 39 - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By paulroberts - May 2 - 1:27 pm

  To start with let me say that I really like my C-Max. The 47/47 mileage rating however is a joke. I have been trying so hard to get my mileage up higher and it just isnt going up. I now have 2,400 miles on the car with City mileage about 70%. I sold my 2007 Prius to buy this. Was ready for a new car, needed more space. Looked at several other models including the Prius V. The C-Max is just more fun to drive, quieter great build quality with a couple of exceptions. Coming out of a Prius I am used to babying the car, drifting into red lights and stops, watching up ahead to let the accelerator off early. I dont punch it ever except to get on the freeway. With all that just 39.3 mpg.

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  Not a Prius Killer! 31MPG - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By rkramer40 - March 20 - 2:27 am

  Open letter to Ford: I thought my 2013 C-MAX would be a Prius Killer? NOT! As a returning Ford buyer I feel deceived. I want to support US companies and US jobs. What was Ford thinking when they published 47/ 47/47 estimates? Based on the advertised EPA estimates, I would have been ok with low 40s but 28-33 mpg is not even in the ballpark. This is not an issue about EPA testing standards, but rather an issue about setting false customer expectations in order to promote sales. Fords "47MPG" marketing campaign tarnished what should have been the roll out of a truly remarkable vehicle, the CMAX. Real world MPG estimates should have been promoted in the mid-30s.

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  Cmax SEL Not Cold Weather Car - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By frugalista1 - February 14 - 8:42 pm

  I have a Cmax SEL, and there is a lot to love about this car. It is cute, fun to drive, and the visibility is excellent for drivers of all heights. Unfortunately, the main reason I purchased this car was the reported 47mpg, but in cold weather (<45 deg), the Cmax doesnt even come close to 47mpg. The gas engine comes on to heat up the cold car engine and the mileage plummets. On a short cold-weather trip (even without the heat on, another mpg reducer) it is common to see a Trip mpg reading of 19mpg or less. In warmer weather (using neither heat or AC) this same trip would yield a Trip mpg reading of 48mpg or more. If its cold where you live, Cmax may not be for you.

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  after 3 months of wonership... - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By wamba2000 - November 20 - 7:46 pm

  Bought my C-Max SEL in January 2013, model 303A with pano roof. I have 1800 miles driven, primarily in city and suburban settings. Bought this vehicle mostly as a commuter car, but wanted rear hatch to have flexibility carrying larger objects. There has been a lot of chatter about the mileage published versus real life. The EPA tests are not real world. If I can get in the 40s I am good. Would buy a C-Max again. If you want solely the highest mileage get a Prius, but dont expect much of a driving experience. The C-Max will give you some fun an dfeel while driving.

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  Beware 47 mpg claim - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By john615 - November 10 - 11:45 am

  Had the car for about 10 days. Average mpg so far, 36. Id be happy with 43 or 44, but there have been only THREE occasions when the small instant trip mpg guide popped up and showed mpg over 47. I mostly drive this car on shorter trips of 5-10 miles. Only if you can miraculously keep the gas engine off will you be able to get above 40. This is with acceleration so slow as to be a hazard to traffic kind of driving. I had one perfect condition (50-55 mpg) parkway driving trip of about 50 miles that still couldnt produce but 40 mpg and the return on interstate doing 70 was 36 mpg and mostly flat constant conditions. NO WAY this car is going to meet EPA reported 47 - 37 yes, not 47.

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  High Expectations...but.... - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By teddyp27 - September 17 - 6:07 pm

  I thumbed through a lot of the reviews on Edmunds.com and it seems like we are experiencing a lot of the same things. We ordered our CMax with dreams of high MPG and ruled out a Mazda CX5 solely because of it. Had I known wed be averaging low-to-mid 30s overall I think I would have bought the Mazda instead. We follow all of the recommended driving behaviors but the fact is "highway" really means 70+ MPH (not 60 when EPA standards were written) and some of the nation (even Dearborn, MI) has cold weather. We will be happy if we can get it to about 40 mpg now that we are past the legendary 500 mile "break in period".

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  One week in and very pleased - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By wamba2000 - August 11 - 11:32 am

  Took delivery of a 2013 SEL 303A a week ago. Initial thoughts: Was driving a mid-sized SUV, but mostly use the vehicle for commuting. I wanted the following: Comfort, fun to drive, better mileage, flexibility to handle a large parcel/item via a hatch, reasonably quiet driving experience, all the toys like Nav, backup camera, leather, etc. The C-Max delivers all these items. There is more head and leg room than in the SUV ( I am 66" and 240lb, dont fit well in many vehicles). So far only one build issue, which the dealer addressed. Last, the mileage: EPA tests were followed to the letter, but it is not real world. I am getting 37.0 mpg on the first tank. Cold weather does affect

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  2014 4K review - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By hounder219 - October 16 - 7:10 pm

  Just a review of what I think so far. I have a 2014 SE without nav. I got this car because of I will be on the road quite a bit in the next few years a needed a good MPG car. Just completed a 3,200 mile trip with some 8 to 13hr runs and seating and controls are great. Front seats are awesome the rear not great. Im 62" and felt very comfortable. This is my first SYNC car and the BT worked very well. Loved how all the controls worked and felt after the learning curve was completed. The car itself is very solid and quite. Not like the Prius or Honda Civic which I felt a bit like a tin can. Viability is awesome as are the mirrors.

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  Excellent package. - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By hotpotato - August 7 - 10:51 pm

  I traded in a beautiful German near-luxury sedan for this car. Other than prestige, its little sacrifice. The C-Max drives like a European car because it is one (its been sold in Europe for years, though not as a hybrid). I get 36-37 MPG, better than the 20 of my old car and comparable to the 40 of the Prius V. The compromises the Prius makes to get those last couple MPG (in road noise, acceleration, structural rigidity) arent worth it to me. (We drive Priuses as company cars.)