2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid Drive Review & Road Test

Alex L. Dykes takes the all-new, all-hybrid C-MAX out for a drive. We talk infotainment, drivetrain, seating, cargo and give the C-MAX our exclusive Trunk Comfort Index. Exactly how good is Ford's Prius fighter and does it really get 47MPG? Watch to find out.
Music by Kevin MacLeod
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[@OculusQuestFun]

That...was....a....PHENOMENAL review! You we're able to do the entire thing at the same pace (which is a great speaking speed for a you tube video). You didn't say, "um" once. And you were able to do the whole thing with just a tripod. I've tried that and you have to be a really good editor to make that work. Very well done.

[@andychampion8494]

Great review! Just traded in my 2011 escape for a 2013 c-max se about a month ago. I am in love with this vehicle. I can get up to about 64 mpg in town and usually hover around 42 on the interstate. The standard features are generous and the huge windshield makes me feel like I'm driving the gyrosphere from Jurassic World. Without the impending dinosaur attack, of course. I know it's arbitrary, but I like being able to change the color of the accent lights. Ps. Comfort wise, I'm 6'4" and have plenty of room for my head and legs.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

They deliver cars only when requested by the EPA. With the Prius C the engineers I spoke with at the vehicle's launch even said that at that time the EPA had not verified the numbers, it is likely atht they have by now however. The EPA 2008 test's high speed cycle and new methodology severely drops hybrid vehicle numbers. In our tests the Prius C scored well above the EPA2008 numbers.

[@harwoodtaylor6763]

Very helpful. We're buying one and very excited to avoid going to gas stations. The assisted parallel parking is pretty cool too. Thought that might be a good thing to add to this review. Thanks

[@flashwaver]

NIcely done review, full of info, unlike alot of those "mainstream" reviews

[@sanyok30]

Alex, very impressed with the level of detail in your reviews. Actually had to skip some parts because it was too much. :) But I do realize they may be more important to other people. Keep up the good work!

[@StreetersGarage]

Great review. Very detailed and well explained. I learned a lot.

[@stanza77]

Great review Alex. Can’t believe how long you’ve been at it. I test drive one and I think they drive very well. I have 70 mile round trip commute. I’d love a an SEL model in black or gray.

[@bagim948]

Excellent review, very comprehensive.

[@fabolousblackhair]

Love my C-Max!!! Thank you for the review.

[@koter3322]

All this talk about the fuel economy not being as good as it could be only averaging around 41-42 mpg makes me wonder if some people know what it's like to drive a vehicle that gets 16-18 mpg driving 50 minutes a day plus the other 50 coming back home because that's all you have to get to and from.

[@lindoflorida]

Excellent review !! Great job !

[@babybotch]

very informative,very helpful towards my decision making. Thank You

[@jeff824]

Probably the finest review. Ever.

[@chrisd3001]

Nicely done. Very informative.

[@fredbaker8810]

Good review Have a bought Cmax in Nov. 1 have 5500 miles life time mpg is 47.5 I get over 50 mpg in town. Light foot time stop lights. Highway Drove 70 miles round trip at 62 mph got 48.5 mpg. Live in Florida flat roads. love this care.

[@wolf11]

This is the car that I'm going to be buying soon so I can't wait

[@robnews11]

Love my C max averaged 47 mpg on the last tank so no complaints.. fun to drive and super comfy and quiet...

[@robertlarocque4685]

just bought a used 2013 c-max with 40k miles for 10500 and after 600 miles it also averaged 47 mpg.

[@krecikowi]

@@robertlarocque4685 Do you still have it? How is it? I'm considering to get 2017 model.

[@ricardo19851]

@@robertlarocque4685 how is your c max? I was thinking of getting one

[@confidentmystic]

Just got one. I love it!

[@Zoltarswim]

Are you still loving it? There is a used one for sale near me.

[@jesserevilla992]

I needed something that is more elegant. I'm OK with Prius and had my eyes on the V5 model and love the all electric BMW I3 Ex.. but lacks distance, on any given day I could drive 200 miles, also I3 was over my budget. My C-Max 2013 is Black and looks even more enhanced with tinted windows. and gives me a more luxury interior, with its double stitched leather, beautiful interior lighting, full vanity mirrors, A/C outlets in rear with a 110 outlet. Each passenger has its own LED reading lights. I love the sound proofing Ford puts inside the C-Max and that Sony stereo system sounds beautiful. . I enjoy the higher riding stance for my older passengers, making it easier for them to get in & out of the car. The large windows help when viewing neighborhoods from inside the car. Love the gorgeous panoramic roof. I use it when Condo's, of course on a over cast day or evening. Lastly this car "BOOKS" when you step on the peddle. The C-MAX has allot of lo-end torque when wanting pass to pass a Semi-Truck; I managed 110 mph on Alligator Alley, over to Naples, FLA. (Don't Advise) I am averaging 38/39, I have managed 44 mpgs.

[@keenobservations3050]

Thank you for this video it really helped me get all that junk out of the way so I could access the battery.

[@tm7517]

It’s odd to go back just 10 yrs ago and realize how much technology has changed and how all of the electric and hybrid cars are relatively new. Yes I know electric cars have existed for a long time. I’m talking about the current electric and hybrid cars. Hell in this video he mentions the iPhone 4 in this video.

[@coffeekhan]

Another good review. I looked at the C-Max at two recent car shows, and I was impressed with it when comparing it to the Prius V. Last fall, it came down to the Prius V and the Rav4 that I am currently driving. Gotta admit, it was some of the quirkiness of the Prius V that kept me from buying it. I'll be giving the C-Max a serious look, amongst other vehicles that are on my list (when my lease runs out).

[@FJLuther]

the storage bin behind the passenger seat if for the charger in the cmax energi

[@lynnmillare]

Well done, thank you!

[@forgenanvilify]

I purchased a C-Max in November, traded in a Prius that I had for two months. The Prius is a good vehicle but I could not get comfortable in the drivers seat, so strange. The C-Max from first test drive was very comfortable. Also has a much safer "feel", visually with large windows, blind spot mirrors, dimming rear view window, and so much more. Being in Wisconsin I like the heaviness of the C-Max. Not worried about sliding off snowy, windy roads in WI. My son named it our "Little Wonder"

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Remember that the Euro cycle that is frequently quoted uses not only the imperial gallon which is 10% larger than the US gallon, but they also have an entirely different testing methodology using much lower speeds and usually no A/C. There is no perfect test to be sure, but much of the variance is up to your individual driving style. If you drive moderatly, rarely go up steep hills, live in a moderate climate and avoid fast stops/starts any vehicle will get better mileage.

[@zortella]

I just bought a 2016 C Max SEL and really like it. the current mpg is around 41, but it is winter now and I am expecting better mpg as the weather warms up. This is significantly higher than that of the 2006 Honda Element I had which was averaging 19 mpg. I also ordered a K & N air filter which many people have reported that they are receiving higher mpg once they installed it.

[@ianlorenc]

So, 10 months later, did you see a difference in mileage?

[@DRockafeller]

Good review you missed the eco mode when driving

[@en5391]

you helped us decide on the cmax. Thank you!

[@74VDC]

Hey Chek...I'm a Prius C owner and I love it, but I admit this Ford is indeed compelling. I've had great luck w/every Ford I've owned. I wanted the C-max...Knew about, read about it, but they couldn't get it to market fast enough. My old 18 y.o. Taurus was getting old and I couldn't wait. You will be surprised as it warms up how much better your fuel mileage will be. Cold kills fuel mileage, both hybrid and non-hybrid alike. I think Ford should have waited until spring to launch. Good luck bro.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

They didn't deliberatly target Hybrids or anything, i't's just that hybrids like the Prius C ddliver their best mileage in stop-and-go or slow-and-go traffic and at speeds under 65MPH or so. That describes plenty of avaregae traffic, but the EPA 2008 tests were designed to take wider driving styles into account, including: aggressive accaleration, 80MPH freeway runs, cold starts, A/C running, etc. and very little time running at EV-mode speeds. That's why the numbers drop.

[@broodacres7135]

dude you rock

[@74VDC]

I do know that there is something to what you are saying though. Maybe it is done differently (not the actual test, but logistically) in different circumstances. I say this because I'm aware of the Kia Sportage compensatory payments to owners and other suits and wondered why it ever happened. I'm certain though that the EPA was delivered Prius C's for testing. Basic physics indicates the C should (and does) outperform the reg. prius, but the EPA returned identical combined ratings.

[@informedskeptic]

Pwrbear, mine does fine in the snow, but I do swap the tires for snow tires. Just like any other front wheel drive car.

[@JAngelaStevens]

I have one of these and the poor baby doesn't belong on a ranch. Right now I cannot get it to start. It randomly has a radio that won't turn off so I needed to take the fuse out but because it seemed to turn off, I didn't bother and now it won't start with a jump. It's dead dead. I also changed the oil and when I went to reset the warning light, it couldn't be done so it still says I need an oil change. If that weren't enough... I was low on break fluid which I filled and that light is still on too. The worst part is that one day the alarm decided to set and now I have only seconds and you can hear the count down to get into the car, put my foot on the breaks and get that remote key inside the vehicle before the alarm goes off. What should I do? There is a new Ford dealership in town and I've heard they are good. Does good mean honest? Maybe I should just trade it in.

[@icanmanifest]

Got 266,000 Mi on mine and going strong. It's the hero car can do it all. I was able to fit an office desk into the back with the seats folded down that my buddy with a brand new Jeep Grand Cherokee couldn't fit! 🤣

[@ronhobyak9902]

I bought a used 2013 CMax Hybrid SEL (No plug-In) in 2021. So far it is only getting 29 to 33 MPG overall. New plugs, New oil, New air filter, Good tires, Average miles. The gas engine kicks in a lot more than I thought it would below 40 MPH and I don't push it hard to go or stop. Last owner bought it new and was a little old lady. It seems to be in great condition and I like the car and how it drives except for the way it brakes it takes getting used to and the MS Sync / radio system had to be rebooted by pulling a fuse as it had stopped working. She even wrote a note about this problem in the owners manual. Any suggestions as to how I can get my MPG up ? I tried premium gas and fuel injector cleaner all ready with minimal results. All in all I am content with MPG as my 2012 4x4 Jeep only averages around 12 to 14 MPG.

[@Scotter4536]

I've had a Cmax for over 5 years and getting the max fuel economy takes some strategy and practice. From what I've found, the gasoline engine is more efficient at accelerating and climbing hills and the electric motor is more efficient at coasting. What I try to do is drive at a normal pace while accelerating and climbing hills to keep it from going into EV mode, but not flooring it. Then when I'm up to speed on relatively flat ground I let off the gas entirely and it'll change to EV mode and then you can just barely push on the gas to maintain speed and it'll stay in EV mode. Also, don't underestimate brake regeneration. Try to get in the habit of starting to lightly brake much sooner than you would normally. The longer you can keep the brakes in regeneration you'll recoup more energy and use your actual brakes less. Also, cruise control can help as the computer is pretty good at managing the hybrid system. And if you can keep it under 65mph, you'll save a few mpg. Highway driving in general will get worse mpg than city driving. The radio fuse issue is common and has happened to mine probably 4 times.

[@TheSiskoGGs]

Wow !!! I thought I would have never seen the day were somebody would say they would pick another car 15:57 over the mighty Prius !!! Damn the Cmax must be pretty good !!!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Actually a little known reality is that the EPA sets forth the testing methodology, the car maker does the tests and published the numbers and teh EPA verifies a very *small* number of vehicles for compliance. The EPA has yet to independantly test or verify the Ford mileage numbers as far as we have heard. That is also the root of the Hyundai and Honda MPG lawsuits.

[@tynsf]

My partner and I both also found the drivers seat very uncomfortable. I couldn't drive it across town.

[@74VDC]

I see. Are you aware of any discussion among the EPA to change the test procedures for hybrids to more accurately reflect their true expected mpg? After all, being different in their operation requires somewhat different testing procedures...right? If the C was rated in a manner similiar to non hybrids it's combined mpg should be in the neighborhood of 60. Interesting to note that elsewhere in the world it is rated at 60 +/-.

[@regional1000]

does this have collision detection?

[@mb013962]

can this trickle charge the battery like Toyota's hybrids?

[@mizzoukittygirl]

i was also wondering how well it would drive in the snow

[@vernonpaigejr.1517]

That's what I was wondering. They do have a Rav4 Hybrid though

[@flim-flammington]

anyone just like. wait wtf? when he mentioned the efficiency leaf lol

[@SethsPhone]

Didn't Toyota (Prius) copy the Honda Insight and CR-X? unless you just mean in the way of 4 doors, but the wedge lift back I would credit to them. The 1st gen prius wasn't anything like the current gens.

[@jackiesicilian5720]

What about cost for hybrid battery replacement? How long does it last?

[@theamazoner4075]

8-10 years

[@carthejt]

This is a fairly comprehensive overview of the Ford C-Max Hybrid car. Ford has changed its MPG rating label to more realistic figures: 40 highway, 45 in town, 43 ave. I'm getting 42.7 fairly consistently, using a velvet touch on the accelerator/brakes in town and 60 MPH on the highway. To make me feel better about the unreachable 47 MPG, Ford sent me a check for $550 to compensate for the difference in fuel cost over about 3 years! The Houston Chronicle ran an article last week about this engine/transmission assembly plant which is in Houston. The units are then shipped to Detroit for insertion into the vehicles.

[@robertlarocque4685]

according to my mpg meter I am gettinmg 47 mpg average

[@andyfumo8931]

🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄 do you math lol

[@Pwrbear]

For all you C-Max owner's... could you tell me how it drives in the snow? I'm seriously considering about buying one. Thanks in advance!

[@robnews11]

Depends on the tires. but its nice and heavy so no problems in the snow so far

[@timeforsmalltownlivin]

Good to know

[@74VDC]

Yes, I'm aware of the imperial gal, and different methodology. What I'm saying is that it seems euro testing is more accurate for hybrids and American testing def better for non hybrid. I drove carefully in all my cars, the C is the only one to deliver. I live in wstrn MD, nothing but steep mountains everywhere, 5 mos. bitter cold, 7 mos. hot and humid. The "C" loves hills due to regen gain. I must say, you are 1 of the few that seem to understand hybrids.

[@dannytroy]

Definitely high on my list for cars to replace my Chevy Volt. Hopefully Ford will improve the design of the rear to match the front end in future years. Other than that gripe it looks darn good to me.

[@tzwc3571]

For myself I brought the Prius series 5 , compare to the cmax, which handles better, nicer interior, the Prius had what I wanted, sporter look, hauling 10 foot length materials, led adaptive headlamps, lower ride and better mpg, last trip from S.F. to L.A. 51 mpg average speed 69mph.city varies on driving conditions 42-50+mpg overall is 45 mpg, The down side toyota are made cheap really cheap! Coming from a mechanic\ body man.

[@andyfumo8931]

You should know the mpg is negligible at those numbers , always something new to learn mechanic

[@mizzoukittygirl]

very cool car😀😀

[@8KY8]

What's up with the cabin noise compared to other hybrids? Judging from the video, it seems pretty loud.

[@andyfumo8931]

That's the 💪 feel

[@74VDC]

OK...fair enough and I agree with you completely. I was merely making the observation that your post stated expected statistics and did not support any particular opinion or fact. Also, the EPA themselves determine MPG ratings, not Ford or any other manufacturer. While it may be true that Ford is designing the car to function well in the tests and not neccessarily in the real world. Hyundai and Kia having been doing this flagrantly for years now.

[@BoopSnoot]

This guy and the queen of England are the only ones I know of that refer to themselves as "We".

[@chekainc]

Ronald Kramer, I own one to I average 44.2 mpg. You must just have a lead foot.

[@MikeAndTum]

On a recent road trip to Florida we could have rented a Cmax for $350/wk from Hertz or a BMW 328i from Sixt for $257/wk. We opted for the BMW and it got 36.3 mpg for the week. Not bad and it still cost less than the Ford including fuel for the week.

[@BoeingvsAirbus1578]

You're right about the safety - the Prius and Prius V are tatty, unsafe and should be removed from the road. The C-max is built on the Focus platform, and the Focus earns an acceptable rating in small overlap. The Prius? Well, it did a good job of putting the front wheel in the back seat: watch?v=WWs_YaL9G0E

[@maremacd]

I don’t get the Goldilocks allusion.

[@cosmodave69]

Openable/closeable

[@askdhuwuw]

Any chance for a baby seat test?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+askdhuwuw Perhaps, but likely not until it gets a refresh

[@robnews11]

We have had 2 installed, britax marathon and a clek Paul Frank with absolutely tons of room for kids.

[@kiva822]

with 2 installed, can an adult sit in the middle?

[@74VDC]

Read your post..ok..great. So the Energi did "let's say the same as the non plug in when not plugged in"...fantastic..that's exactly what you should expect. Moving on, the Prius did better. Again...exactly what you should expect. Why you ask? The C-max has monumental more HP, more volume, it's heavier, wider tires, better performance etc. I am a Prius C owner and I love it, but the Ford may prove to be the better car. Alot of variables when comparing fuel mileage. You'll learn soon.

[@mss627]

Honestly, if money was no object, I'd probably buy a Prius V (Better fuel economy and more cargo capacity) but money is always an object and depending on the time of year, Ford drops the price on the C-Max way down. We're talking an almost $10,000 dollar difference. Sorry Toyota.

[@andyfumo8931]

Fuel economy is negligible at those numbers, research is best friend for you but you're right about the cargo room but that's close too considering the height in the cabin

[@74VDC]

US gal = .833 Imperial gal. About 17% larger. Not being picky...just noting.

[@74VDC]

Perhaps you are right, but I don't think so. Manufacturers deliver a car(s) for testing. In fact it is widely known that Japanese and American Toyota engineers were furious when the EPA returned the 53/46/50 numbers for the Prius C, believing it should have achieved much better. Inmy experience with non-hybrid cars and their posted numbers, I believe Toyota was absolutely right. They should have gotten better. The test is what it is, and apparently Toyota didn't game it.

[@zakianasir4061]

2013 ford c max

[@shonuff6221]

I've got a 2013 for $1200 in CA

[@abigailrangel6852]

Are you serious that’s actually crazy! Do you like it?

[@shonuff6221]

@@abigailrangel6852 Indeed

[@JonathanRhodesLee]

Do you mean that you just bought one, or that you're selling one? 'Cause if you're selling that cheap, I want it!

[@samhoussem4515]

Its 12000 $ not 1200 $ even toyota echo 2005 is most expensive then that 🤔👀

[@kiunlee7008]

k

[@werbrown]

Reliability ratings look to be poor, according to Consumer Reports.

[@emjayay]

More like medium-good after the first year.

[@dmshurz]

We've had our C-Max for almost 8 years and it's been extremely reliable

[@74VDC]

If the EPA alters the tests to the detriment of hybrids they are truly stupid. My "C" is the ONLY car to ever beat EPA numbers and it does so by a fairly wide margin. Hyundai Elantras by comparison will not acheive real world highway numbers anywhere close to their posted figures. Under ideal circumstances...sure, but not as an avg. I've achieved crazily high mpg, but it is not repeatable everyday. Season long real world avg for my Prius C is 54.3 combined (gets very cold here).

[@jameswoolery5060]

Are you sayin' my grandmother is stupid? She's not, she's dead

[@earlpainter6825]

Say Toyota

[@rcpmac]

Just get a jetta sportwagon diesel. Simple efficiency and much more drive-ability

[@ihatewhatisaw]

Netflix: "Dirty Money - Hard Nox"

[@keithciaccio7987]

Chevy Volt is better.

[@deborahhockett]

I have driven this car for work .piece of shit.would Never buy one!