2018 Ford C-Max Hybrid
Pros
- Stylish interior is finished with high-quality materials
- Responsive handling for a hybrid
- Elevated driving position offers good forward visibility
Cons
- Hybrid fuel economy is near bottom of the pack
- Many of latest driver safety aids aren't available
- Less cargo space than true crossovers
2018 Ford C-Max Hybrid pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which C-Max Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
Born from the size-sensitive European market, where even compacts must haul families and cargo, the Ford C-Max packs plenty of capability into its small size. It has a bit of a crossoverlike look to it, but it's more accurate to think of it as a compact wagon or hatchback that's big enough for large tasks yet small and easy to manage for around-town driving.
This generation C-Max has been around for a while, but there's still a lot to like, including refined ride and handling and a comfortable interior done up in high-quality materials. A 2.0-liter engine and electric motor combine to produce 188 horsepower and about 40 mpg in combined city and highway driving. You can also get a plug-in hybrid version with a larger battery called the C-Max Energi.
It's worth noting that the C-Max Hybrid's powertrain doesn't deliver fuel economy as high as the mpg figures from some newer rivals. The latest Prius returns up to 56 mpg, for example, and the Hyundai Ioniq tops out at 58 mpg. Kia's new Niro, which has a body design similar to the C-Max's, also bests it with a 50 mpg rating. For most buyers, though, the 2018 Ford C-Max Hybrid should serve well as a versatile and reasonably efficient vehicle.
2018 Ford C-Max Hybrid configurations
The 2018 Ford C-Max Hybrid is a five-passenger wagon available in two trim levels. The SE is priced for the budget-minded, but it's still very functional. Titanium models feature luxury accoutrements. A plug-in hybrid version, the Ford C-Max Energi, is reviewed separately.
No matter which C-Max variant you buy, it'll come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. Combined output is 188 horsepower. Power is then sent to the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
The SE model's list of standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a rearview camera, a 110-volt, household-style power outlet, Bluetooth, voice commands, a 4.2-inch central display screen, smartphone app integration (including Pandora internet radio), and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, a USB interface and satellite radio.
Major options are now grouped into packages, starting with the SE Driver Assist package that bundles a power liftgate, rear parking sensors, and the Sync 3 interface with an 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and an extra USB port. The SE Comfort package adds heated mirrors, leather seating upholstery, a power-adjustable front passenger seat and heated front seats. Alternately, go for the Cold Weather package for just the heated mirrors and heated front seats. A panoramic glass roof, keyless entry keypad and a navigation system are available as stand-alone options.
The Titanium model adds foglights, automatic wipers, the heated mirrors and seats, leather upholstery, the power-adjustable front passenger seat, keyless ignition and entry, remote start, ambient lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a premium Sony audio system with nine speakers and HD radio.
The Titanium Driver Assist package includes front parking sensors, a hands-free liftgate, a blind-spot monitoring system and automated parallel parking. The panoramic glass roof, a keyless entry keypad and a voice-controlled navigation system are offered as stand-alone options as well.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2013 Ford C-Max SEL Hybrid (2.0L inline-4 hybrid | CVT automatic | FWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current C-Max has received some revisions centered around the infotainment system with the addition of Sync 3. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's C-Max Hybrid.
Driving
Acceleration
Braking
Steering
Drivability
Comfort
Seat comfort
Ride comfort
Noise & vibration
Interior
Ease of use
Getting in/getting out
Driving position
Visibility
Quality
Utility
Technology
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Ford C-Max Hybrid.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite C-Max Hybrid safety features:
- Active Park Assist
- Helps drivers find and park into parallel parking spots. Drivers only need to engage the brake and shifter.
- Blind Spot Information System
- Warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot when initiating a lane change.
- MyKey
- Lets owners manage vehicle safety settings for other drivers, such as maximum speed, radio volume limit and always-on traction control.
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See your car's valueThe 2018 Ford C-Max Hybrid is a five-passenger hatchback-wagon combo that prioritizes usability and efficiency. The fact that it's also rewarding to drive adds to the charm. As with some other compact Ford products, the concept of the C-Max was born in Europe, where efficient packaging is king.
There are just two trims, the C-Max Hybrid SE and the Titanium. They share identical powertrains and differ mainly in interior materials and technology features. The standard C-Max Hybrid SE, for example, comes equipped with 17-inch aluminum wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver seat, a rearview camera, a 4.2-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker stereo.
The Titanium adds foglights, chrome trim, interior ambient lighting, leather seat surfaces, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a nine-speaker Sony audio system, push-button start, rain-sensing wipers and a reverse park assist system. There's also the Sync 3 interface, which includes an 8-inch display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and an additional USB port.
The C-Max Hybrid SE can be equipped almost like a Titanium through a variety of options packages. Ford provides just one options bundle for the C-Max Hybrid Titanium, dubbed the Titanium Driver Assist package. This package includes blind-spot detection, hand-free liftgate opening, forward park sensors and Active Park Assist, which helps drivers parallel-park. Both SE and Titanium trims can be equipped with a few stand-alone options, such as panoramic sunroof.
Pricing for the C-Max is competitive and typically comes in a bit less than that of rivals such as the Toyota Prius. For those who value fuel efficiency, good driving dynamics and usability, use Edmunds to help find the perfect 2018 Ford C-Max Hybrid.
2018 Ford C-Max Hybrid Overview
The 2018 Ford C-Max Hybrid is offered in the following submodels: C-Max Hybrid Wagon. Available styles include SE 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), and Titanium 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT).
What do people think of the 2018 Ford C-Max Hybrid?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Ford C-Max Hybrid and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 C-Max Hybrid 5 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 2018 C-Max Hybrid.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Ford C-Max Hybrid and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 C-Max Hybrid 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.
Which 2018 Ford C-Max Hybrids are available in my area?
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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.
Should I lease or buy a 2018 Ford C-Max Hybrid?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
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