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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  Review to put an end to all the Gripes - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By jbhowlesr - August 1 - 11:20 am

  After reading these reviews, i thought i would post my experience with the C-Max SE. A few weeks ago, my wife and purchased TWO C-max Hybrids SEs and our different driving styles render different MPG. All of our driving is on flat roads, rangeing from residential to rural highway. My particula driving style is slow and easy and I am doing my best to learn to drive the C-Max for ECO purposes. My wife is 14 years younger than me and drive differently. Me personally, i refuse to use the A/C unless i need to and she has to because we have an infant. Im getting 45.8 MPG, She gets 39.2 MPG.

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  YOUR DOING IT WRONG! - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By meabn - July 26 - 3:16 pm

  Please. The only thing wrong with this car is Microsoft sync. I take no pleasure in saying this but I am afraid that some of you are way better at giving opinions than the measures of central tendencies. Google it. This vehicle is an epic leap forward for Ford (less sync) and sips gas. Post break in it will blast by 47 MPG. Again, learn what "average" means and how to apply the term over time- if you dare. Unfortunately, most are confusing (or dont understand) mean, median, and mode versus vehicle life time average MPG during driver learning curve and vehicle break in. Kinda Fords fault as well I guess.

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  CMAX Meets expectations - 2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By Linda Schifferle - July 24 - 9:43 am

  First off there are no tax credits available, because it is not a plug in...check out the CMAX Energi....but the first tank of gas lasted to almost 600 miles and accumulated MPGs =41. It is far easier to park with the standard backup camera, and space inside is comfortable in both front & back seat. Cargo space is enough for my traveling gym equipment, musical instruments, & a few filled grocery bags & the retractable cover is handy to conceal contents. Handling the vehicle in driving indicates a quick response to sudden steering changes with stability of holding, reasonable acceleration for merging or lane change or sudden evasive moves to avoid another vehicle. I like the interior lighting around the key entrance, and the turn signal lights on the rearview mirrors gives extra visibility to traffic.

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  Buy this over a Prius - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By euro53 - April 17 - 9:59 pm

  This car is amazing! I tried the Prius and never looked back. The fit and finish is like like a German car, and the leather seats are comfortable. Whats outstanding is the cab forward visibility. You can see so much of the road and countryside while you are touring. Ride is very good for 17" tires, and handling is very tight. OK, the navigation and controls take time to learn, but work great once you understand, so dont trust Consumer Reports. THIS IS A BLAST TO DRIVE. We average 38 mpg city and country. Its hard to test in LA, because if you start up slowly, people get on your tail. I had to cut across some traffic once, and floored it at the stop light, the torque was like hyperspace.

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  Great Commuter Car - 2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By knahs39 - January 14 - 5:31 pm

  I LOVE my C-Max. Ive had it since the end of July and have 3,700 miles on it. Ive averaged 44 mpg on my daily commute over several hills. The colder weather has now dropped it down to 39 mpg but that is still excellent. The ride is quiet, the seats are comfortable, and the Ford MyTouch/Sync system was very easy to figure out and is very easy to use.