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:

• 

  13,000 miles and no problems - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By bjhhog - June 9 - 12:03 pm

  This is our first hybrid and Im so glad we went with the C-max. It has gitty-up when you need it, plenty of space for two adults and one baby (and everything that comes with a baby). driveability is very good and comfortable. This is our second summer with the car, and we are achieving the 45-47 mark. Winter is a different story, more like 42. All in all a very good car and Im truly surprised there are not more on the road.

• 

  47 MPG IS POSSIBLE - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By hof - April 13 - 8:58 am

  I got my C-Max in March, and I have about 1300 miles on it. I have only stopped for fuel twice in that period, and neither time was I empty. When I got the car, the weather was cold and I got about 38 MPG overall. Since the weather improved, I have gotten 44 MPG overall and MPG is still going up. Since my last fill-up I have averaged 46.6. These figures are almost as good as Edmunds long term Prius-C. The C-Max is about more than mileage. It has a lot of power, at 8.5 seconds, its 0-60 is about the same as a 1976 Pontiac Trans Am. If you use that power you wont get Prius-type gas mileage. The cabin is comfortable with soft touch materials almost everywhere.

• 

  Excellent choice - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By sherio - April 10 - 12:49 am

  I got my C-Max a couple of months ago. I absolutely LOVE it. It is fun to drive, zippy when you need it, fantastic gas milage. I get 44 mpg routinely with the AC on and that is exactly what my 2004 Civic Hybrid got (also a great car). But I tend to have a lead foot with take offs. My husband can get milage in the high 50-mid 60s around town and 47 on the highway. Because I could not stand to let him win, I smoothed out my quick starts and also get 46mpgs. The car is comfortable to drive and ride as a passenger. Plenty of space for passengers in the back or to haul around stuff. It is really a great car.

• 

  14K And All Is Great - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By nsteblay - April 5 - 12:02 am

  I bought the C-Max under the pretense of getting 47 Hwy / 47 city. I soon discovered that the EPA doesnt require testing in cold weather The C-Max relies on EV mode to get mileage. Living in Minnesota during the winter the engine needs to run almost constantly to keep the car warm. Hense overall Im averaging 41 MPG per year. This summer Ive been averaging 50+ MPG for commutes to work.

• 

  Perfect car for a techy empty nester taking long trips with the wife to visit kids - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By abeachdog - October 30 - 10:10 pm

  I get 34-38mpg Freeway Driving (63-80mph); 37-44 Highway (45-62); 38-50 City (25-45). My lifetime avg. is 38.9. I started getting about 3mpg better after 5000 miles. Cold weather (Under 40degrees), hilly conditions, stop and go driving, strong winds, and wet conditions can really drop the mpg. I get great gas mileage considering the size and drivability of the vehicle. Im going from a Miata and B3000 pickup to the C-Max. I wanted a comfortable car, fun to drive, 40+ mpg, and with lots of tech stuff. I like the techy look. This car would be what I would have custom built for what I want/need at this stage of my life. Going from Cali to Idaho in style, comfort, and low expense!

• 

  VERY Happy - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By davesc - October 5 - 7:25 am

  We purchased the C-Max last Sunday, 6 days ago. I am very impressed. Went golfing with 4 guys, fitting clubs in was a challenge, where we drove 200 miles round trip. Had the air conditioner on for the trip home and had the cruise control set at 65 most of the trip and got 40.5 MPG. Around town consistently get 40-45 MPG. Acceleration is great and a solid car. Electronics takes some getting use to but lots of capabilites. One of the best cars I have ever purchased.

• 

  Just Drive One - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By djohnson12 - March 8 - 9:41 am

  I have had many cars and when shopping for a new car this time I was looking for something different. Test drove the C-Max after driving the new Fusion. Was hooked after the first drive (so much so that I had to test drive the C-Max four more times over the next two weeks until they got the car I wanted). Most fun to drive car (wagon, mini mini van) that I have driven in a long time. I have never been a fuel efficient driver, so the fuel mileage was not the prime selling point for me. With minimal effort, I have achieved an average of 42 mpg in the first two weeks. The car has enough information communicated to you that you can be an efficient driver or you can ignore it and just drive.

• 

  Great Car, Great MPG, 50+ - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By seattlelife - February 19 - 2:04 pm

  Dont be put off by the negative reviews. The C-MAX really does get the advertised mileage. Its a very comfortable ride and fun to drive. The car has about 4500 miles on it, and Im getting 52-53 MPG. The mileage does improve over the first 3000 miles! At 1000 miles the MPG was 43-44, at 2000 miles it was 46-47, and at 3000 miles it 49-50. If you follow the recommendations in the manual you should get the advertised 47 MPG: go gradually on the acceleration and stay around the speed limit. The key for good MPGs is to maximize travel in EV mode. Heavy acceleration and speeding keeps the hybrid in gas engine mode, and the MPGs drops rapidly: back off the accelerator to stay in EV mode.

• 

  Best vehicle ever! - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By glhouk - January 7 - 3:23 am

  I have had the C-Max for 2 and 1/2 months and 4,500 miles. This is the vehicle I have been looking for for more than 10 years. It has the large enough interior, high seating position, high roof line, ease of entry, and good handling and mileage of a very small car. It is a pleasure to drive and I am getting 38 to 45 mpg depending on wind direction and my speed. I have achieved over 50 on a few occasions but average in the lower 40s. At 65 to 70, it is around 38 to 40. The power train is so smooth, and on the interstate going 65+ and needing to pass, I was shocked at how quickly it zoomed up to 80! I am averaging 10 mpg more than my good mileage Pontiac G6.

• 

  Choose it from 5 cars, and am very happy for 2 weeks - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By stranger267 - November 8 - 8:50 pm

  I own it for 2 weeks, drive about 900 miles, and am very satisfied by this car (it is exactly what I want). The only thing which I never reached was promised mileage - it increased to 36 mpg eventually but is still far from 40+ promised. We will see in 2 month. I test drive Subaru Impreza CVT, VW Golf TDI and VW Jetta TDI, Prius and Prius V. Among all, CMAX stays behind Impreza but ahead of others by the fun to drive, and is very different from slow and drive as a Prius Prius. Normal controls (not these futuristic Toyota-s) are a plus too. Car is Base SE model. Our other car is Subaru Forester 2008 (2010 became too big).