Overview & Reviews

Tall-roofed, space-efficient wagons like the Ford C-Max Energi are very popular family vehicles in Europe but are a rarity in the United States. Add the fact that the C-Max Energi is also a plug-in hybrid and it's obvious this Ford is far from a conventional choice.

Nevertheless, the Ford C-Max Energi has a lot of appeal for families on this side of the Atlantic as well. It's exceptionally fuel-efficient, drives smartly and has a stylish and well-made interior. Its plug-in hybrid design also provides the potential for much lower fuel consumption than other family vehicles you might buy. The main downside is that the Ford C-Max Energi is a lot more expensive than the typical hybrid car.

Current Ford C-Max Energi Specs
The Ford C-Max Energi is a four-door wagon/hatchback with seating for five. It is sold in a single, loaded SEL trim level.

Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless ignition and entry, rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, Ford's Sync voice-activated controls and the MyFord Touch touchscreen interface. Major options include a navigation system (coupled with premium audio), Ford's nifty hands-free power liftgate (bundled with a rearview camera) and an automatic parallel parking system. A panoramic sunroof is a stand-alone option.

Of course, the big story on the Ford C-Max Energi is its plug-in hybrid powertrain. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with an electric motor provides an estimated 188 horsepower. Ford claims the C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid can travel up to 21 miles and at speeds approaching 80 mph in all-electric mode. Once that electric driving range is depleted, the vehicle operates as a standard hybrid, using the electric motor only to assist the gasoline engine under certain conditions and to recover electricity generated during braking. Using a 240-volt charging system, fully recharging the battery pack only takes about 2.5 hours.

Electric-only driving range of that magnitude allows the Ford C-Max Energi to deliver one of the market's best overall fuel-efficiency ratings, making this family wagon a very appealing choice – especially for those with shorter commutes. However, the C-Max Energi costs more than similarly sized conventional hybrids as well as traditional wagons, crossovers and minivans that offer more space. In addition, the jumbo-size battery pack eats up a large portion of the wagon's potential cargo space.

Underway and on a fully charged battery, the C-Max Energi typically is propelled only by the electric motor for several miles. The wagon remains blissfully quiet and performance is energetic. You'll have no problem merging into fast-moving traffic or pulling away from a standstill. Only if your right foot asks for more thrust than the electric motor can provide is the gasoline engine awakened to provide support. The C-Max Energi also handles pretty well as hybrids go, though it's not overtly sporty and its regenerative brakes also require some acclimatization.

Once the hybrid battery pack is drained, the C-Max Energi's driving appeal fades slightly. The four-cylinder engine has to do the work of moving the car's bulk (those batteries add quite a few pounds) without the help of the electric motor. If you try to accelerate hard, the engine can get rather loud and you'll likely also hear some unseemly groans. Although this kind of behavior is common in hybrids, it definitely makes you yearn for the next recharge. As consolation, the C-Max Energi achieves great fuel economy, as once it's out of all-electric mode and into normal hybrid mode it rates an EPA-estimated 43 mpg combined.

From behind the wheel, the Ford C-Max Energi feels a lot like a small crossover SUV. There's good legroom and shoulder room up front, and the seats are very supportive. They're also mounted high, combining with a large windshield and side windows to create a commanding view of the road. Although the dash layout can look a bit confusing at first, time and familiarity with the intricacies of the MyFord Touch interface clear up some of the initial bewilderment. Rear seat legroom is good even for adults, and there's an abundance of headroom thanks to the tall wagon profile. Folding the rear seats increases the cargo capacity to 42.8 cubic feet, which is about 20 cubic feet shy of a Toyota Prius V or a typical small crossover SUV. Also, the load floor isn't flat when the seats are folded, due to the battery pack, which creates a high shelf that sits about a foot higher than the load floor.

Used Ford C-Max Energi Models
The Ford C-Max Energi debuted for the 2013 model year. There have been no significant changes since.

User Reviews:

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  New to Ford, 2nd Hybrid, Nice but - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  By pekingrick - March 19 - 1:40 am

  First Ford ever- had a 2007 Prius, and while loved the mileage didnt like the low-rent interior. Got this car, loved the interior, the solid-feeling doors, the high-quality plastics, leather seats - and the price w/Costcos auto program. First problem - a rattle developed. Dealer kept the car overnight (gave me a Lincoln MKZ as a free rental - nice!); turned out the antenna was loose. With 10k miles now, a few interior squeaks have developed. Mileage is great - averaging about 49 mpg so far. Electric range can vary from 18- 25 miles (okay, but....). regens nicely coming down from Big Bear to a full "tank"! MyFord Mobile app doesnt work well. Value charge feature - fantastic. Love the car!

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  Zero gas weekly commuting - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  By peterwx - March 5 - 9:55 pm

  I charge at home & at work so the battery easily covers my 15 mile commute each way. I use zero gas for my usual weekly work commute which is really nice. The battery shows 9 miles range left when I arrive at work, and 6 miles range left when I arrive at home. More hills. The breaking regen system is very good. I regen a mile or two in estimated range at each of 2 or 3 stop lights caught on my commute. So far in longer weekend trips and road trips I average around 38 to 39 mpg after the battery charge is finished with EV mode and normal hybrid mode kicks in. This will likely improve when the weather warms up. Embedded cellular card. You can see car location, charge status by phone/web

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  Just got mine - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  By cgold13702 - April 14 - 1:52 pm

  I am generally happy with the car. I realize it is the first generation, but Ford could have done better. I ordered it with every electric option and yet I do not have memory seat, daytime running lights or blind spot alert. I requested all of the above, and apparently it is not yet available. I the stated electric range of 20 miles is not even close. I drive very conservatively and I do not get 15 miles on a charge. The ride and handling are excellent. The road noise is non existent.

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  I really like this thing - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  By imaxmagee - January 19 - 8:10 pm

  My company installed some charging stations which prompted me at least look at some plug-in vehicles. I just couldnt bring myself to consider the Prius (plus it only goes 11 miles on electric), and the Volt was really nice, but just too small. That left the C-MAX, and I couldnt be happier. I am absolutely amazed at the quality of the car. It feels great all around, and I swear, they fixed everything I hated about every car I have had before it. I plug it in at work everyday and that is it. My round-trip commute is about 20 miles, so it really gets me home and back. On the weekends, I just drive it as a hybrid and it works great. The only thing I dont like is the turning radius.

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  Energi wont run on battery alone - otherwise good - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  By drdan3 - January 13 - 7:55 pm

  Bought a 2013 model with 303a option. It is fine in most ways - power, comfort, build quality. However, what we discovered is that the EV only mode goes to zero as temperatures drop. In part this is due to use of heater/seat warmers. But as temperatures have increase in Maryland, EV mode has not returned and is still zero. The car goes automatically into hybrid mode. Gas mileage hovers around 35 mpg. Taking it to Ford dealer tomorrow...

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  Cathys Max - 2015 Ford C-Max Energi
  By Cathy - April 4 - 11:52 am

  The energi version is the one we bought as the higher price was offset by the government tax rebate - thus the upgrade was free. However, this is our run-around-town car, so the limited trunk space wasnt a problem. If space is essential, stay with the hybrid version. Our car will go about 16-20 miles on the battery only, just depends on the time of year (less in the cold weather).

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  Great Commuter car with questionable interior qual - 2015 Ford C-Max Energi
  By NAIR - September 15 - 2:08 am

  Leased a 2015 C-Max. One month after the purchase, noticed that the interior trim fit and finish is on par with the late 90s Hyundais. The trim is literally falling apart. Glad that I leased this car instead of buying it. Pros : Roomy interior with a good ambience Sync is not as bad as people say it is. It does its Job and is a decent system My 65 miles round trip has been netting me 55 Mpg (Not too bad but should have been more for a PHEV) Cons Big battery look away what should have been a generous cargo space. (Better than Fusion Energi or Accord Hybrid though) Questionable interior quality NO SPARE TIRE!!! This is my first domestic purchase and will see how it holds up for 3 years!!!! Have had this car for and a half Still love this car Pros + The interior passenger volume of this car is deceptively large as a 350 pound coworker fits in this car with no issues. + Very peppy engine + Massive windshields make for excellent visibility. + Average Mielage of around 50 - 55 Mpg with a total range of 650 - 700 Miles between fill ups + Kids Love the Ambient Lights + Love the rain / speed sensing wipers Cons - Gas only mileage is lower than promised ( 35 actual Vs 47 Promise ) (I had a lead foot though) - Scheduler for charging and AC do not work even after 3 dealership visits (I blame the dealership Autonation ford for this) Over all makes a very good commuter car. Ford please update this car since competitors like Chevy volt and Prius prime makes newer / updated and better products now

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  I love my C-MAX Hybrid - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  By new_to_ford - April 22 - 8:36 pm

  This car is everything I hoped it would be. Im really pleased with it. Im a first time Ford buyer and if Ford keeps making cars like this one, Ill buy more.

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  Best hybrid weve had - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  By jhoxy - November 27 - 11:59 pm

  Have been driving this car for about 6,000 miles without a problem. With the federal tax credit and CA rebate, the cost is the same as the regular CMAX hybrid. Nice seating position, pleasant interior, good pickup, and after figuring out the battery limitations, getting about 80-90 mpg in my daily 25-30 mile commutes. The car is very quiet and reasonably pleasant even on 400 mile drives (although only get about 38 mpg on gas alone @ 70 mph). The extra battery does limit space and may be a deal breaker if you have a family of 4. Much nicer drive than our prior Prius and Camry hybrids. hybrids

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  Ford does not solve the many problems this car has. - 2013 Ford C-Max Energi
  By nymphfisher - November 21 - 1:03 am

  The Ford "Sync" feature does not work properly. The voice recognition feature does not understand anyone I know. Ford is aware of the problem and has installed several software updates, it still does not work. This makes the GPS feature useless. If GM "On-Star" is a "10", I would rate the Ford Sync a 1. It is very frustrating to try to use. The car has just stopped running on two occasions and required towing back to dealer. I was told there was a "computer glitch". The car has NO SPARE TIRE!!!!! No jack or lug wrench. They put a can of "fix a flat" under the seat and if that doesnt work, you will need to be towed!!! How stupid is that????