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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  No Compromises - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By henrydrobinson - May 31 - 6:08 pm

  Bought red C-Max four days ago with every options but auto parallel park. Its not a long car and I have to parallel park about once a month. I love the C-Max. I think it looks so much better than Prius or Prius V and there arent a million yet on the road. The red color looks like a candy red Corvette. Love it. Car is quick. Glass roof and huge wind shield gives amazing visibility in all directions, including up. Traded in a 2011 Explorer that was awesome but wanted better gas mileage. Glad I did. Just miss adaptive cruise control that I had on the Explorer.

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  Its BLUE - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By mcsp00 - May 29 - 10:33 am

  Ordered mine on 11/19/12. Got it delivered on 2/13/13. LooOoong wait. So, hows the gas mileage you ask? Fine. After 2 weeks of driving, the EV+ feature is recognizing my work, parents, and home locations. That means it goes full electric within 1/2 mile of location. Very nice. On some trips, Im measuring 48mpg, and it is COLD and SNOWY/SLURPEE muck here. Overall, I see 31.5mpg in 2 weeks of driving... The interior is quite nice. Sync works very well, and simple to me. I recognize it would be intimidating to some. The ride quality is smooth. The acceleration can be surprising! This car rocks. Low-ish reliability because I already have had a "flat" battery...

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  So Far So Good - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By heidiho - February 24 - 4:07 am

  Its been almost a month with 1600 miles. Im doing 42 mpg and live in a hilly area. Ive notice that when I drive "with" the car instead driving like my old cars (heavy footed) MPG increased. When the battery activates, I go gentle on the peddle to avoid using gas. Im enjoying the car very much. Im hoping the technology will last. I only gave a "3" for reliability. Too soon to say. The only complaint so far is the isync. They cant understand my voice yet. It keeps wanting me to go to Newark whenever I say a town with an N. I dont care for the navigator but itll take time to get use to. MPG will improve if u go easy on the peddle. :)

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  Great Car but MPG? - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By dbrower6 - December 21 - 9:19 pm

  Ive had my C Max for about 2 months. I think the design of the car is good but the gas milage on the highway is a pipe dream. I can see where you could get 47 MPG in the city under certain conditions but no way will it ever get 47 on the highway. A more realistic gas milage would be around 37 MPG at 75 MPH, 38.5 MPH at 70. if your lucky you can get around 40 MPG at 65MPH basicly the same as a none hybrid car. I now have 4500 miles on the car a just came back from the first trip with the car. I could have done with out the SYNC it just dont work well. I have had one issure where all four windows came down and the car unlocked its self. Fortunately I caught it before the rain got it.

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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.

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  WHY DOESNT FORD GET RID OF SYNC? - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By daveahc - December 8 - 7:35 pm

  I bought a C-Max SEL in October. I drive a lot miles (average 35,000 per year) and I have 9000 on it already. The My Sync radio is a flop. So much so that I have had it at the dealer more than 4 times and they say they cannot fix it now for a month. Even though I love everything else about the car (except that I can never get more than 40 mpg), now I have decided to ask for a Ford to repurchase the car under my states Lemon Law because the Sync system cannot be fixed.

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  Terrible Fuel Mileage - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By sabrinakrouse - July 19 - 6:06 am

  I purchased the Ford C-Max to replace my Toyota Pruis, hoping for compareable gas mileage. Sticker stated 47 MPG and I am currently getting 33 MPG, very disappointing!!! I am experienced hybrid driver and have tried all the recommended suggestions to get the MPG to go up...not driving above 60MPH, not accelerating to aggressively...ECT. Very very sorry that I purchased the Ford C-max. I have 2 kids and do alot of driving and have sacrificed room for the gas mileage, if I would have known that I was going to get this MPG I could have gotten a small SUV and had the room that I am missing.