2018 Ford C-Max Hybrid Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byCalvin Kim
Vehicle Test Engineer
Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.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
What’s new
The Ford C-Max Hybrid is unchanged for 2018.
Vehicle overview
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.
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
With its strong acceleration, sporty steering and handling, and confident demeanor, the C-Max Hybrid stands out as a performer in a class otherwise lacking a leader.
Comfort
With comfortable seating for four (five in a pinch), a firm but controlled ride, and a remarkably quiet interior, the C-Max Hybrid offers a livable alternative to the numb and lifeless hybrids we've grown to expect.
Interior
With solid construction, eye-catching design and roomy accommodations, the C-Max is a tough act to beat in the interior.
Utility
Due to the drive batteries, the C-Max's rear load floor is high. There's only 24.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats, but you can fold down the rear seats to get a maximum of 52.6 cubic feet of space.
Technology
The C-Max comes with Sync 3, which is an easy-to-use infotainment system that includes Apple or Android smartphone integration. The C-Max lacks the latest driver safety aids, however, and you can only get blind-spot monitoring on the Titanium trim.
Which C-Max Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?
For the best bang for your buck, we recommend the 2018 Ford C-Max Hybrid's SE trim. It's the entry-level trim, so it's a good way to go if you want to keep your payments low. Ford also offers almost all of the C-Max's higher-end features as options, so you can equip it with more if you want. Either way, we do recommend getting option group 201A, which provides the desirable Sync 3 infotainment system, smartphone integration, a larger 8-inch display, a power liftgate and rear parking sensors.
2018 Ford C-Max Hybrid models
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.