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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  Love all the design touches, performance and features - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By jcwat - August 24 - 11:21 am

  Recommended.I did my research and compared to Hybrid rivals, C-Max outshines them all. It fit my tight parameters of price, style, features and performance in every comparison. After test drive, Was impressed by performance, ergonomics, luxurious interior, room and comfort of a well thought out crossover vehicle.The little design touches show how well thought out it is, The MPG debate showed realistic mileage,and after 1500 miles, now lifetime average is 37.2 and climbing. Varies between 30s -50s (61 highest) on different trips. Thats twice my 2007 Santa Fe 18.2 mpg lifetime average, so Im happy. Id rather have the better performance and extra features than quibble over a few mpg

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  C-max Sel - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By z51hdtp - August 16 - 3:36 am

  Had a 2012 Ford Focus that I liked very much except for the rough shifting trans and cramped rear leg room. Drove the C- Max and fell in love with it. Better visability, more comfortable seats, Love the cvt transmission, floor it and it just goes, No gear hunting, good handling and good rear seat leg room. As others have stated gas mileage is not as good as advertised. Cold weather really effects mileage. Driven as instructed in the owners manual in 50 degree weather have averaged 46 in suburban driving on one tank, when its cooler 42. Highway mileage over 60 is 38 to 40. To get the best highway mileage you cant go over 60. Most hybrids get better mileage in town than on the highway.

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  Mile High C-MAXXing! - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By jackscmax - May 3 - 2:13 am

  Driving a C-Max at Denvers mile high elevation for the past two months and 1720 miles has been a very satisfying experience. CMax has performed very well in the cold (-5F to 25F) and snow delivering a consistent 37.4mpg. As spring temperatures warmed to 50-70F the mileage climbed to 45-50mpg. Driving is a 50/50 city/highway mix. With lowest mpg 29.7mpg in a blizzard and 93.3mpg on a 3 mile downhill drive from shopping. CMAX was our #1 choice over the Prius and Prius V because the Ford proved to be a better mix of mpg, driving capability and interior comfort. This car is simply fun to drive. Took it up Floyd Hill in the fast lane - nuff said. Have enjoyed every minute in this car!

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  First month - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By g2121 - March 25 - 1:16 am

  This is a great car. We enjoy driving very much. The milage has been great. According to the on board computer we are getting just under 47 MPG. However when we manually calculate we are getting 49 MPG (mostly city driving). The car handles well and rides well. We are very pleased at this point. The only thing I can say bad about it at this point is the sync system doesnt work well. It will recognize my wifes voice but it will not recognize mine. We need to stop back at the dealer to see if they have any suggestions. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone who is interested in a hybrid.

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  2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid SEL - 2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By Cyrus E Phillips IV - March 20 - 9:24 am

  If you prepared for a rolling computer, this vehicle is for you.

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  2013 C-Max SEL - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By kkellyp - October 22 - 9:55 am

  3 mos, 6K miles later, love my C-Max SEL, would buy it again today. Way more comfortable than Prius V with WAY better acceleration and handling. I drive 65% freeway, heavy foot; MPG slightly disappointing 36+ most of the time, but in town on level roads in traffic I can easily top 42 mpg. Love the handling, 17" wheels and seat height, rear-seat fold-downs/cargo space, driver seat controls (wish passenger side had them). Dont love the less-than-hoped for MPG, and the driver seat gets hard on long trips. DONT love flat-fix stuff instead of a spare tire; already had two punctures (surprising for Michelin tires!), but warning lights gave me enough time to get somewhere for fixing.

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  C-Max Hits a Home Run - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By pitchfixer - September 19 - 3:00 pm

  I just took delivery of a new Ford C-Max yesterday after seeing one at the November 2011 LA Auto Show and seeing several on the road in Turkey; theyve been available in Europe for two years now (including a model with three rows of seats thats not available in the U.S.). In its first 100 miles, its getting mileage in the mid-30s, well off of the official EPA rating of 47. But Im learning how to drive it to improve the fuel economy. Theres a gauge that shows both instantaneous economy and that achieved over several 5-minute intervals. Its amazing how backing off a little on the gas pedal can switch the instantaneous mileage from 20 to 60 (the top figure on the gauge).

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  Tall, Muscular, over 45 and steadily climbing - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By pcarvs - September 12 - 4:28 pm

  I bought the car in mid-July before the software update was available and for the first 2 weeks I averaged 40 mpg. In order to achieve this fuel efficiency, I simply followed the information and tips in the owner’s manual (see page 186), but these tips are also readily available online. After the software update and continued breaking in of the engine, my gas mileage improved and I am now averaging over 45 mpg! Since I am a school teacher and just now starting to commute every weekday, this was part of the reason for the increase, but I still anticipate the fuel efficiency to climb as I log more highway miles after Labor Day, and commuting mpg is regularly over 50 MPG. My record is 64 MPG!

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  2013 Ford C-MAX SE...Too soon to pass Judgement - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By phill1 - August 17 - 2:08 pm

  Traded in my 2011 Ford Fiesta SE Hatchback 7/31 and with just over a month of driving and less then 1000 miles, I`m only averaging 34 mpg City & Highway. I`m careful (not) to accelerate quickly and coast when possible and avoid lots of unnecessary braking still can`t get over 34 mpg. The Vehicle is very comfortable, peppy, and if I can eventually improve on the Fuel Economy numbers, I`ll be very happy. Got spoiled with the smaller fuel sipping Fiesta which (always) delivered 33-35 mpg city and 41-43 mpg highway from day one.

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  Review for Base Model - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By lmg911 - June 15 - 2:47 pm

  Before I purchased my C-Max I read the online reviews. I continue to do this and am surprised that most posters complain that they dont get the advertised mileage. Well I felt compelled to write. This car teaches you how to change your driving habits to actually get the 47mpg . If you pay enough attention to it and learn to use the gauges (complicated) you will get the 47mpg. In my case , Ive become obsessive and actually get better mileage. Actual mileage also depends on the terrain where you live. Hill country gets less then the flats of the mid-west. But I live in New England so .... Also , if you use the heat/ac it will cost you 1 mpg. Extremely happy with my purchase. !!!