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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  Great Car - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By johnnyo7 - October 26 - 3:26 am

  Purchased our CMax yesterday. Average MPG now 42.7 with less than 200 miles on it. Very happy. Ride, fit, finish, technology, fantastic. What a marvel of technology.

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  Had it since september 29 2012 - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By xlogosx - September 24 - 6:22 am

  Well I decided to buy this car over the Prius in Worthington Ford of Long Beach CA, Ask for Sam and Ike if you go there. The Cmax hybrid had higher Horsepower than the Prius with the capability of reaching 47mpg, Ive put 860 miles as of 10/12/2012 and my first time in the freeway I did 38-40mpg to San Diego California, driving at 80 mph average, in city driving at 45mph on a 40mph street I can acheive 47-53mpgs in flat surface, in my usual route to college with one hill on the way ive reached 43-47.3 mpgs, when stepping on the car and driving fast i reach 32-35mpgs overall, the lifetime for my car mpgs is 42 mpgs.

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  Loving my C-Max - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By cmaxdriver - September 7 - 9:56 pm

  1250 miles on my C-Max SEL (not Energi) and I just filled up the second time, so that works out to 600+ per tank. So far love it. Driving mixed between city & highway.

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  Great car! - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By winn17 - September 7 - 4:17 am

  I purchased by C Max on Halloween 2012 and I now have over 15, 000 miles on it. My lifetime average mpg is 44.2, a combination of city and 55mph driving. Admittedly the mileage plummets if I should venture onto the freeway at 65mph+. The mileage improved with warmer weather. Absolutely love driving the car!

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  Ive had my C Max for a week now. - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By pookaloopa - August 12 - 4:34 pm

  I have driven my new C Max for about 300 miles the past week and it is a bit premature to give more than first impressions of the vehicle. Thus far I am pleased with the vehicle. I have been able to get 47.7 mpg (according to the trip odometer) with careful driving on my most recent 50 mile jaunt. It was a mix of freeway and city driving. Im confident Ill be able to get 40 plus MPG with little effort. The car has plenty of room inside for 4 + size adults. Plenty of pep. The ride is quiet and smooth. Storage compartments are plentiful. Sync is fantastic. Gauges & instrumentation display are even more fantastic. I cant really rate reliability accurately as Ive only owned it a week.

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  Great, Peppy 42-43 MPG car - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By hof - February 1 - 6:37 am

  For most people its not a 47 MPG car, but the fact is a great 42-43 MPG car. (My lifetime MPG peaked at 45 in October but is going down with colder weather.) Myfordtouch is fun to play with even though the speech recognition is a bit dodgy at times. The car performs much better than the Prius and is roomy for 4 adults. It doesnt really NEED a backup cam in that visibility in the back is better than a prius even without a cam, but a cam would be nice. Mine has the rear sonar which is useful, but a camera would be better. My only problem has been a tire pressure warning system light that wont go off withotu a dealer re, but thats not unique to the CMAX, thats a standard Ford part.

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  Truth about the Mileage Debate - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By saw67 - January 30 - 11:05 pm

  First, after 6 months of driving my C-Max, I can safely say that its one of the best cars Ive owned, in quality, fuel efficiency, and features. Ride is smooth, and theres power when you want and need it. People used to driving Prius and other brand hybrids WILL NEED TO ADAPT, because the C-Max behaves very differently, and makes different choices than other hybrids. Once we learned how to drive it, were averaging 37-45mpg, which is actually higher than we expected (nobody expects to actually make the "published mileage" because we dont drive in computer controlled conditions. Turn off the climate control, open the windows, and we get over 50mpg! Ignore the naysayers!

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  Great Car - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By dolinda314 - November 11 - 6:53 pm

  I have had this car for almost two weeks. We researched C-max on line before buying. It has exceeded expectations in every way! What a fun car to drive! I recommend it highly. We are exceeding 40 mpg now and expect to go much higher as it is "broken in".

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  2013 CMAX Great Car! - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By happycmaxowner - October 10 - 6:42 pm

  Very happy with my CMAX purchase. Buying the 2013 at the beginning of 2014 allowed a $5000 markdown on a new car, erasing the mark-up diff of a hybrid. I have gotten 42 mpg city/42 mpg hwy consistently over 7000 miles. (Sure I get higher when really trying!) Pleased with the interior space width. Comfortable filled with 4 people. No issues in 9 months of ownership! And paying for half the gas I used to. woot woot!

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  11,000 miles and still happy - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By sherio - September 30 - 6:29 pm

  I am surprised by some of the negative reviews so I wanted to weigh in that I am at 11,000 miles and love my c-max. I did get a late model 2013 and had to wait for after recalls. Maybe they fixed the glitches before I got mine. LOVE IT!!!