more about this model With its combination of good fuel economy, attractive styling and everyday drivability, the 2017 Ford C-Max Energi should catch the eye of many shoppers in the market for a plug-in hybrid. Like all plug-ins it fills the gap between a conventional hybrid and a full electric vehicle, with an extra-large battery and a gasoline engine that provide extended range, as well as the option to charge from a wall outlet or not. For those who want to make the move into green-car ownership but still have a bit of range anxiety, the C-Max Energi is a practical choice.
For 2017 the C-Max Energi receives an exterior face-lift that brings redesigned grille openings, headlamps and taillights. Other changes include a new White Gold color option, a standard rearview camera, reconfigured option packages, available blind-spot monitoring and the upgraded Sync 3 infotainment system, which is now compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Perhaps the biggest news, though, is the addition of the top-of-the-line Titanium trim level with features that include leather upholstery, heated seats and a premium sound system.
The C-Max Energi powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 141 horsepower on its own and combines with an electric motor for a total of 188 hp. Together they drive the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Electric power comes from a 7.6-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack (compared to 1.4 kWh in the hybrid model) that recharges by regenerative braking, plugging into a wall socket or running the gas engine, and returns an electric-only range of up to 19 miles.
Inside, the C-Max Energi offers comfortable seating for five with a generous amount of leg-, hip-, and headroom in both the front and rear compartments, which are nicely designed and feature quality materials and trim. Standard interior appointments include dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a power driver seat, while a variety of packages and options allows buyers to mix and match comfort and convenience touches.
The larger battery pack adds a significant amount of weight in the rear — and also reduces cargo space — so the C-Max Energi doesn?t deliver the outright cornering ability of a sport coupe. Nevertheless, it does offer a comfortable ride, solid and planted road feel, responsive steering and brisk acceleration.
The EPA efficiency figures for the 2017 C-Max Energi rate it at 39 mpg in combined driving on gasoline alone and 95 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) in combined gas and electric operation.
The base C-Max Energi SE comes well equipped with enough comfort and driver-assistance features to satisfy the majority of buyers. And the new Titanium trim level adds even more luxury and convenience items to the window sticker. Whatever your preference, let Edmunds help you find the 2017 C-Max Energi that best meets your needs.
2017 Ford C-Max Energi Overview
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Ford C-Max Energi and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 C-Max Energi featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Ford C-Max Energi and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 C-Max Energi 4.4 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 C-Max Energi.
Vehicle
SE 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Review
My last 4 cars were Priuses, my wife also drives a Prius. her forst response when she drove my C-Max was, "WOW!" I wanted a plug in, but the Prius plug in wasn't available yet in my state, so I took a look at the C-Max Energi. SO GLAD I DID! I LOVE THIS CAR! It is better than the Prius in every possible way, except, possibly, reliability, which in the Prius is legendary, the C-Max could be too, just haven't had it long enough to know. It is faster, more quiet, much more comfortable, and the deal I got was unbelievable (especially when you include the $4,500 refundable federal tax credit!). I'm also getting more miles per charge than advertised, as much as 28 miles. You can charge it at home, fully charges overnight, with a regular outlet, as best we can tell, it cost about $20 per month in electricity, and, lucky for me, I have fast chargers available to me for free at my work (fully charges in less than 3 hours). I have a 54 mile round trip commute, and only have to fill the tank about once every 3 to 4 weeks, and am averaging 74 mpg, so far. i cannot recommend this car more highly! Crazy thing is, I never see any on the road? Ford, clearly, isn't doing a good enough job marketing this car, it blows the Prius away, and I know what I'm talking about, between my wife and me, we've had seven, never thought I'd by any other car.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Ford C-Max Energi
Edmunds Value
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
The 2017 Ford C-max-energi earned a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 2.0 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
Available Ford C-Max Energi 2017 Submodel Types: Wagon
Available Trims: SE, SEL, Titanium
Exterior Colors: Magnetic Metallic, Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Ingot Silver Metallic, Shadow Black, Tuxedo Black Metallic, Oxford White, White Platinum Metallic Tri-coat, Kona Blue Metallic, White Gold Metallic, Sterling Grey Metallic, White Platinum Metallic Tricoat, Ice Storm Metallic, Tectonic Metallic
Interior Colors: Charcoal Black leather, Medium Light Stone leather
Popular Features: Alarm, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Auto Climate Control, Aux Audio Inputs, Bluetooth, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Post-collision safety system, Power Driver Seat, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, USB Inputs, Heated seats, Parking sensors, Mobile Internet, Leather Seats, Keyless Entry/Start, Remote Start, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Navigation, Upgraded Stereo, Sunroof/Moonroof, Back-up camera, Blind Spot Monitoring
Engine/Mechanics: 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC
Fuel Types: electric
Drivetrains: front wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
