Welcome to a new series of reviews. Here, we will be looking at some of the recent offerings by the American-based auto manufacturers. To start, the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid: a mid-sized, wagon-shaped American competitor to the best fuel-efficient cars in the world. Looking for a new car that is family friendly, good to drive, and easy at the fuel pump? The Ford C-Max is worth a second look.
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2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
The new for 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid is built on the same platform as the excellent to drive Ford Focus. As a result, the C-Max does something that few other hybrid cars manage: the C-Max drives like a car. Where other hybrid models suffer from grabby brake pedals, gimmicky buttons, and lackluster performance, the C-Max ends up being a pleasant hatchback that gets above average miles to the gallon. The EPA rates the C-Max Hybrid as getting 47 MPG in the city and on the highway. In the real world, during our mixed driving, we experienced numbers in the high 30s.
A competitor for Prius
In Europe, a non-hybrid version of the C-Max is sold as a minivan competitor. For America, Ford is only selling the C-Max as a hybrid in an attempt to compete with the Toyota Prius lineup. It is clear that Ford had the Toyota Prius V (the wagon backed version) as their target while building the C-Max. Pricing starts at $25,995, the SEL model that we tested starts at $28,995. Those numbers undercut the Prius V while providing more content for your dollars. The car we tested also had Ford's navigation system, an upgraded Sony stereo, a backup camera, a power rear opening door, as well as their foot operated hands-free liftgate. In case you're building cars online, this translates into the Ford C-Max Hybrid SEL with the 302A package at a price of $30,925.
The Driving Experience
Driving the C-Max is a pleasant experience. The seats are high from the floor and, as a result, entries and exits are easy. Visibility out of the tall hatchback is very good and is assisted with standard blind-spot mirrors. The gasoline engine, assisted with battery power results in more than adequate acceleration and the additional weight of the hybrid system translates into a buttoned down feeling that is rare in small hatchbacks. The two major signs that you are driving something focused on fuel economy are the ability to pull away from a stop in silence while running only on electric power and an animation of a growing set of leaves that coaches drivers to be easy with the gas and the brake. In our experience it was the silence of the C-Max that impressed the most. While most hybrids suffer from unpleasant engine sounds while accelerating and then a lot of road noise on the highway, the C-Max remains quiet and pleasant in all manners of driving.
If you are looking for a family and fuel friendly new car and might not have considered something from the American manufacturers in the past, stop by your local Ford dealer. The 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid has a long list of features, leads its class in the way it drives and manages impressive economy.
This was a solid review, especially in how it highlights the balance between efficiency and practicality in the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. It’s interesting how the car blends the feel of a compact SUV with the fuel savings of a hybrid, which makes it appealing for everyday driving. The combination of decent power and good mileage really shows how hybrids were starting to become more versatile around that time.
What stands out to me is how comfort and interior design play a big role in overall satisfaction. A well-designed cabin makes daily driving more enjoyable, especially for longer commutes. At the same time, maintaining that interior is just as important for long-term value. Simple additions like honda acty seat covers can help protect seats from wear and keep the interior looking clean over time.
I just purchased the CMax enrgi. Great car, feels and drives much larger. I wish it had more USA made content, but it’s better than the Toyota Prius and will suit my driving better than the Volt. I don’t buy the global warming gimmik, but I do want to be efficient. Looking forward to more in this series.
That’s a really cute car! He did a great job, I’m looking forward to more from this series.
I keep saying to my husband that our next car needs to be at least a hybrid. It is so nice to know that my options include an American-made one!
I like that this car drives like a regular car!