Car enthusiast reviews Ford C-Max Energi

[@duken4evr]

Nice review! I have a '16 C-Max Energi, it replaced a car that averaged 21 MPG. We were able to sign up with our electric company for variable "Time of Use" rates, with the cheap rate from 9PM to 9AM. By charging the car and running our dishwasher, washer and dryer in the low rate window, we noticed no appreciable change in our overall electric expense compared to before. My budget shows the Max, or "Little Red" as we call her, is saving us $100 a month in fuel costs. I love being able to jump into the car and EV mode over to the gym, which is 2 miles away, instead of firing up my diesel pickup and subjecting it to cold running, which is not great for any engine, but particularly not great for diesels. The EV button is a super useful feature. One can use this to plan out their electrical use. If going on a long trip on the highway, I just toggle to "EV Later" and run the gas engine, with the car functioning as a normal hybrid. Slow and go traffic is great in this car - with it breaking 50 MPG easily, and the immediate electric pull is nice. Straight 75 mph freeway runs are the car's least strong suit,it works fine and still breaks 40 MPG, but it is not anything too special in that mode. Hybrids are great for commuting in traffic. If one decides to get a little frisky, the Max moves out quite well. Mat the pedal and the 2.0L engine revs and pulls hard, and it's steering and handling are crisp. The car is not slow, and while it is not a sports car, The Max is reasonably fun to drive. The way it moves off from a stop with it's E-torque is nice too. The brakes should last forever, as the electric motor develops a lot of braking when it is in regen mode. Dropping the transmission into "L" activates full regen and it is like deploying a parachute. One has to be careful with this as the car slows down so much with no brake lights. The brakes do the same thing and allow you to dial in how much regeneration you want. The actual friction brakes see little action in normal driving, only seeing use if someone cuts me off or something else happens that requires an abrupt speed change. In the end, I am glad I bought our '16 C-Max, it is averaging 90 MPG as it is used locally a lot in EV mode (good for around 20 miles), and it is a comfy and nice to drive, with a really well appointed interior for the price, better looking outside and much nicer inside than a Prius. I highly recommend one of these cars, there are very good deals on used ones. People simply do not know about this car. Funny thing is, it seems EVs are all the rage as of late. GM just announced partnering with LG to build a 2.3B dollar battery factory in Ohio. Hybrid and EV tech works, and it is here to stay.

[@quicksilver40]

Ford C-Max's are popping up as taxi's in Phoenix AZ. and surrounding cities now. We see more and more of them every new year. We absolutely love our C-Max. Best vehicle we've ever owned. Nice review.

[@sbeck90630]

I would totally buy C-Max from Mr. McArthur. Calm and well spoken. Sharp on details and knowledge of product line. Informative watch, thank you.

[@rcpmac]

Good functional review.. There are plenty of reviews of the CMax for comfort, drivability, mechanical details etc. This review discusses the reviewer's driving experience and economy over a period of time. Very useful! Thanks

[@jesserevilla992]

I managed 110 mph on Alligator Alley, over to Naples, FLA. 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. Great when showing 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.

[@captlarry-3525]

good overview of the C-max Plug-in. Handling is much nicer than prius.. for those of you who aren't flat landers. Fit and finish is excellent. Seat height is nice. Quiet roomy. I like taller cars.. and this doesn't disappoint.

[@nickre96988]

Just bought a C-Max Energi and I love it!

[@jeffeast5762]

Excellent review.

[@mhchoudhurymd]

Very helpful. Thanks a lot for your input. We did test drive and liked it too. We are about to buy one of these, and we are also very optimistic. We were originally looking for a luxury SUV but this is not close,yet with so much the better for the environment. The quiet ride and pleasant interior makes up for much of the comfort.

[@timbartz]

We do have 3 2015 and 2 2014s in stock right now. Check out the vehicles at www.longmcarthur.com. We also deliver to anywhere in the United States.

[@mhchoudhurymd]

With sunroof?

[@timbartz]

I believe some of them do have a Moonroof

[@cathymcdonald3078]

Did you know the last c max energi was made in 2017. We love our 2016 so easy to get into. Drives nice and we get about 20 miles on electric charge. Sure wish they would continue to make them! How can we contact Ford and tell them to put an ad on TV saying how easy it is to get into and out of . Maybe they would sell so many they would start making the c max energi again. My husband is 6ft 3 inches and has lots of leg and head room not like the competition. The over 65 people really need to try this car and with solar you save lots on gas!

[@jodymarket9112]

Thanks fir the review. The only negative I've found with the CMAX are the seats. They need more padding. 😎

[@Hebrew42Day]

I find the 2017 seats plenty comfy.

[@mhchoudhurymd]

Excellent car. Unbelievable gas mileage, quiet . Very comfortable.

[@lowerlevel2398]

One thing I am curious about and so far is kind of vague on the C-Max forums. I understand that unlike the Prius plug in which has two battery packs and once depleted the plug in is "done" that the C-Max has one? So, once you've use it whether around town local or "later" (as here I'd drive to a more urban area and use it there.), does the battery then charge back up like a regular hybrid? I knoiw it may bot charge fully in so short as trip but wondered if the hybrid system charged the same battery pack that is charged whilst plugged in. Not sure if I worded this right but hopefully got the idea across as to what I mean?

[@longmcarthurford]

Den Burnout It does have the regenerative braking system on it so it would help to replenish the battery life when used correctly.

[@goropeza101]

I'm sold! I delivery pizzas for a living and log an average of 27000 miles per year.I currently drive a '06 focus zx4 that average 20 mpg Since I'm due for a new car the cost would justify the price over 5yrs.

[@TraveladvRajanSRai]

25?mpg

[@bobbiclinger7500]

Since getting this car, we now shop around for our electricity. Paying 7 cents per kwh now.

[@bobbiclinger7500]

And we choose suppliers who are using alternative energy, not coal.

[@health-vh8ce]

Wow 😗

[@bwmeeks3995]

What is the MPG when using gas engine only (not combined). I plan on maybe using this for Lyft share ride job so most of my day will be using the gas.

[@longmcarthurford]

+Brad Meeks You may surprised at how often the electric engine would be used to save you gas, Ford is saying 40 hwy, 36 city.

[@bwmeeks3995]

+Long McArthur Thx for your quick reply. My concern was the 20 mile electric range. I will likely be driving at least 150 miles of highway and city miles every day, so I figured the 20 mile electric range would be expended quickly making me use the gas engine exclusively for the rest of the day.

[@robenglert8745]

Thanks, great car review. . What do you think of the difference in cargo space between the hybrid and the Energi? It looks like the battery tyakes up half the trunk. Also, does it have a spare tire?

[@longmcarthurford]

The cargo floor is twice as high in the Energi than in the Hybrid. There is not a flat tire, but there is a tire mobility kit included with each Hybrid and Energi vehicle.

[@butipasila]

Hi. Thanks for your review. I was hoping to see a review of the infotainment system on the cmax energi. Toyota has been known for rendering the radio/cd/mp3/bluetooth audio/nav controls pretty much useless while the car is in motion. Is Ford's mytouch system implemented the same way?

[@longmcarthurford]

The MyFord Touch system can be used with many voice commands. Ford's KZbin Channel has several videos on their Microsoft Sync system.

[@TripMcSleazestack]

Its the Six flags guy!

[@NSPresbyterian]

How is it for HWY miles? I drive 35 miles to work, most of it highway...

[@longmcarthurford]

NSPresbyterian The electric component will get you 20 miles before the gas then would be used. We have an employee that drives about 25 miles to work and doesn't use much gas at all.

[@seanm7553]

I get 800 to 1000 miles per tank.

[@br33zy771]

once you drive a hybrid you cannot go back. You feel like normal cars just feel so outdated.