2017 Ford C-Max Energi Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
Pros
- High overall fuel economy
- Useful electric-only range
- elevated driving position
- Stylish and well-made interior
- Refined handling and ride dynamics
Cons
- Far more expensive than conventional C-Max hybrid
- Less useful cargo space than you expect
- Firmer ride than some rivals
What’s new
For 2017, the Ford C-Max Energi gets a minor face-lift as well as two new trim levels and reworked option packages.
Vehicle overview
Plug-in hybrids offer extended-range electric-only motoring compared to run-of-the-mill conventional hybrids thanks to their gasoline-electric hybrid powertrains that include a larger battery pack. By plugging one in, a driver can replenish the car's� electric-only driving range, thereby giving him or her the ability to stretch a tank of gas a very long way. One of the most notable entries in this relatively new model segment is the 2017 Ford C-Max Energi.
We say most notable because this compact hybrid comes in the shape of a tall wagon, which gives it an added dose of everyday utility. The Ford C-Max Energi also bears the distinction of being one of the more satisfying plug-in hybrids from a driver's perspective.
What sets the C-Max Energi apart from the C-Max Hybrid, its traditional hybrid twin, is a larger battery pack that allows the vehicle to travel up to 19 miles on battery power alone. Once the initial electric charge is used up, the Energi reverts to familiar gasoline-electric hybrid operation. In this mode,the regenerative braking system recharges the battery sufficiently to deliver electric-only operation at parking lot speed while the 2.0-liter gasoline engine powers the vehicle at higher speed. In this latter mode, the C-Max Energi returns EPA fuel economy estimates of 39 mpg combined.
In terms of the driving experience, the C-Max Energi offers a number of advantages over most hybrids, including lively acceleration, responsive handling, a composed ride and spot-on steering feel. At the same time, the Energi’s larger, heavier battery imposes some liabilities compared to the C-Max Hybrid, including less cargo capacity, reduced overall fuel economy in conventional driving, and a higher price tag.
Though the plug-in hybrid segment is still in its toddler years, there are several alternatives to the Energi worth considering. The 2017 Chevrolet Volt has significantly more all-electric range, though its lower roofline loses practicality points when compared to the Ford C-Max. The new 2017 Toyota Prius Prime hatchback offers slightly better all-electric range than the C-Max Energi, as well as dramatically better fuel economy numbers in traditional hybrid mode. For those who’d prefer a traditional sedan design, the Ford Fusion Energi and Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid are also worth a look.
We think the 2017 Ford C-Max Energi's combination of performance, comfort, practicality and fuel economy make it a solid choice among plug-in hybrids.
Standard safety features on the 2017 Ford C-Max Energi include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and a driver-side knee airbag.
Also standard are daytime running lights and a rearview camera. Rear parking sensors are an option on SE models and are standard on the Titanium trim level. A feature called 911 Assist, which when paired to your smartphone can automatically call for emergency services in case of airbag deployment, and MyKey, which allows owners to set certain speed and stereo volume parameters for valets or teen drivers, are also standard.
In Edmunds brake testing, the C-Max Energi came to a stop from 60 mph in 128 feet, which is a bit longer than average for its segment.
In government crash tests, the 2016 Ford C-Max Energi received four out of five stars for overall protection, with four stars for overall frontal protection and five stars for overall side protection. We expect the functionally identical 2017 to perform the same. The closely related C-Max Hybrid received the best possible rating of Good in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's moderate-overlap front-impact, side-crash and roof strength tests, as well as a Good rating for its seats and head restraints (whiplash protection). The C-Max Hybrid received the second-highest score of Acceptable in the IIHS' small-overlap front-impact test.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
The 2017 Ford C-Max Energi plug-in electric hybrid provides a nice mix of fuel economy, refinement and all-around utility. Its tall, wagon-style body offers a unique dimension of passenger comfort and everyday practicality.
Driving
Driving the 2017 Ford C-Max Energi is a more satisfying experience than many other hybrids thanks in part to the plug-in system, which delivers 19-mile electric-only driving range, which is practical for most short-range trips (not to mention an overall range of more than 500 miles between fill-ups). More important, the hybrid powertrain gives the C-Max Energi relatively strong acceleration, a quality that is useful while merging into traffic or while carrying a full load.
Although its larger battery pack makes the C-Max Energi feel somewhat less nimble than its traditional hybrid sibling, this vehicle still feels reassuringly composed on the road. Responsive steering adds to this feeling of confident handling. The suspension also delivers an overall pleasant, European-style ride quality that's compliant but never overly cushy.
Interior
Step inside the 2017 Ford C-Max Energi and you’ll find a handsome interior that's noteworthy for its high-quality materials, which lend an ambience of quiet composure to the driving experience.� Comfortable front seats offer a slightly higher driving position than most wagons and hatchbacks, and this design detail makes for an expansive view of the road ahead. Rear seats also offer surprisingly good head- and legroom.
Controls are well placed and easy to operate. The Sync 3 system offers improved voice controls, a revised menu structure and an 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone-like swipe and pinch-to-zoom gestures, and it's a significant improvement over the old Sync with the MyFord Touch interface.
The interior features numerous storage cubbies, including the center console and bins beneath the floor in front of the rear seats. Otherwise, space is somewhat limited because of the large battery pack located beneath the floor of the cargo hold. To put this into numbers, there's 19.2 cubic feet of stowage behind the rear seats. This expands to 42.8 cubic feet with those rear seatbacks folded down, though it should be noted that doing so doesn’t create the flat load floor you might expect. To put these measurements into perspective, the C-Max Energi offers a whopping 25 cubic feet less overall cargo capacity compared to other small hybrid wagons or crossovers such as the Toyota Prius V.
2017 Ford C-Max Energi models
The 2017 Ford C-Max Energi is a five-passenger, four-door wagon-style vehicle available in two trim levels: SE and Titanium. A non-plug-in version, the Ford C-Max Hybrid, is reviewed separately.
