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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  So far love it! - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By wellmiss - February 23 - 8:05 am

  I have had my Cmax for 15 days today! My best trip so far has netted 52.8 mpg, with an average of 42.7 mpg. I bought this car for the looks and how much fun it is driving! I can and have followed all of the hints and tips regarding driving a hybrid, and reaped those benefits, 52.8 mpg! I have also enjoyed zipping around town, and still am getting fantastic gas mileage. Will follow up in a few months!

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  Could not be more pleased with our C-MAX - 2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By redneb1 - October 5 - 3:19 am

  !0,000 miles, 9 months. Getting 44 MPG all around. Very quiet, extremely comfortable, good performance. Have had zero issues. This is the first new car I have owned that hasnt had some defect in the first year. Better than 2 new Toyotas I have owned. Gauges / dash info system is excellent. Sound system is excellent. Fit/finish excellent. Glad to buy a car like this made in Michigan by UAW.

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  Why Such A Poor Rating from CR? - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By htw - June 20 - 4:10 am

  I hate the design of the wheels. Ford could better on the wheel choice and replace the bar grill with something more sporty. But...... Ford needs to change the bolt pattern to match the Mustang. I think the car is great; I love the seats, and the sitting position. I want these seat in my 2012 Focus. My C-mac is used in business - sometimes 100 miles per day, bought in Sept 12, it has 24K miles on it. Daily mileage is 43-45. Road trip - milesage under 60 is 44 mpg; over 65 38 mpg. The location of the air filter sucks - it took 41 minutes to change it and I had to remove that large piece of plastic. If you dont know cars, you have to take it to the dealer.

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  Great performance for hybrid 43/37mpg - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By gooberpea - March 27 - 4:35 am

  Im about 3000 miles in with 2 long road trips. My overall average is 40mpg, with the road trips coming in around 37mpg with my normal suburban commute averaging around 43mpg. The dropoff in mileage is pretty clear--the faster you go over 65, the mileage drops off a cliff (well into the low 30s). On the flipside, the C-Max loves 45-55 mph roads with stoplights. Fortunately, thats my normal commute.

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  First Impressions - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By tea5 - January 7 - 9:55 pm

  Took delivery of vehicle yesterday. Acceleration definitely adequate for entering busy main roads. This was a major reason I chose this car over the Prius, a 50 horsepower advantage makes a big difference. Very quiet inside - active noise cancellation works. Gave reliability a 4, but I cant really comment on this from my first day with the car. Fit and finish are excellent. Extremely easy to sync phone with the dash system via bluetooth.

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  C-MAX Go - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By cmaxgo - December 29 - 9:55 pm

  fast,quick,quiet,smooth ... got it up to 110 on open road , smooth as silk. fun to drive, drove a GMC Yukon for years and prefer the C-max any day. Good vision, easy to pass. In town, cant beat it. Avg 44-50 mpg in town. 36-39 highway depending on how much fun I want to have. Plenty of headroom, leg-room. My teenager is about to drive and has been eyeballing the C-Max, dont think I want to let it go. so far, best car ive ever owned.

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  CMax lives up to the hype - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By blynne - November 16 - 6:26 am

  Unlike some reviewers, I have found that my city driving is over 50mpg. Our town has lots of hills so I thinkit is a good measure. I love the responsiveness and the ease of driving. After playing with the INSYC system, I like it. The navigation system is easy to use and love how the map rotates to keep the direction of travel up on the map. Im looking forward to a road trip soon.

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  A lot more than expected - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By axlbertp - May 9 - 5:06 pm

  5000 miles already doing 40~ MPG in 40 miles to work each way, fun to drive, Excellent braking capacity, and very agile and precise in hard braking, very good accel 4 a hybrid, like the sync but needs to get ued to it nice dashboard, and very confortable with most controls on the wheel very nice car, forget the prius that lags in evrything my only con is that is a little high in the interior excellent the michelins and semi low profile tyres works very well I like it, I believe I will put 100k miles in 3 years here...

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  Impressive - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By charliech47 - April 5 - 8:07 am

  Just bought the 2013 at Edmunds FMV. Very nice machine. Trip MPG is 47-48 if you stay at or bellow 65 MPH. If you drive with a bit of finesse and use the little cruise guide on the display on the left in city and cruise control on the highway youll get very close or better to the advertised MPG. It does take a little practice to get comfy with the infotainment but practice makes perfect and only a bit more complex than my GM Saturn vue. If you do lead foot it youll be surprised. Brilliant automotive engineering by Ford!

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  Loving it - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By ezf - November 8 - 9:30 am

  OK folks. Most cars do not get the EPA estimated mileage. That said, youll love this car. Its much more comfortable and stylish than a Prius. Ive only had mine a few days and Im loving it. Rides great, is quiet and fun to drive. The SYNC is a bit fussy, but fun to play with. Im getting about 33 now but it will go up as the weather warms and engine gets broken in. I am very happy with my choice.