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What car compares to a Ford C-Max?

The Ford C-Max is a compact hybrid vehicle that offers a similar driving experience and fuel efficiency to the popular Toyota Prius, but with a more spacious interior and a more engaging driving dynamic. If you're in the market for a fuel-efficient, practical, and versatile hybrid car, the C-Max is definitely worth considering as a compelling alternative to the Prius.


Comparing the Ford C-Max to the Toyota Prius


The Ford C-Max and Toyota Prius are both hybrid vehicles that prioritize fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness, but they differ in several key ways:



  • Powertrain: The C-Max uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, while the Prius has a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and a different hybrid system. The C-Max offers slightly more horsepower and a more engaging driving experience.

  • Fuel Economy: The Prius has a slight edge in fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 58 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway, compared to the C-Max's 42 mpg city and 38 mpg highway.

  • Interior Space: The C-Max offers more passenger and cargo space than the Prius, with a roomier cabin and a larger trunk.

  • Styling: The C-Max has a more conventional, SUV-like appearance, while the Prius has a distinctive, futuristic design.


Overall, the Ford C-Max is a compelling alternative to the Toyota Prius for buyers who want a hybrid vehicle with a bit more space, power, and driving enjoyment, even if it doesn't quite match the Prius's exceptional fuel efficiency.


Key Features of the Ford C-Max


The Ford C-Max offers a range of features that make it a practical and versatile hybrid option:



  • Hybrid Powertrain: The C-Max's hybrid system combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a total system output of 188 horsepower. This provides a good balance of performance and efficiency.

  • Spacious Interior: The C-Max offers more passenger and cargo space than the Prius, with seating for up to five and a generous 24.5 cubic feet of trunk space.

  • Flexible Seating: The C-Max's rear seats can fold flat to create a large, versatile cargo area, making it a practical choice for families or those who need to haul larger items.

  • Advanced Technology: The C-Max comes equipped with Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system, which offers features like voice control, smartphone integration, and a user-friendly touchscreen interface.


While the C-Max may not match the Prius's exceptional fuel efficiency, it offers a compelling blend of practicality, performance, and technology that makes it a worthy alternative for hybrid car shoppers.

Why did Ford discontinue the C-Max?


Sales for the C-Max peaked back in 2013 and never returned, partly due to the originally overstated 47 mpg combined city/highway driving for the C-Max Hybrid. Ford has since dropped that figure to 40 mpg combined driving and issued checks to disgruntled owners.



Which Ford is a 7 seater?


Ford Tourneo Connect
Like its big brother, the regular-sized Tourneo Connect is available with seven seats. In this case the extra row of seats is an optional extra rather than standard.



What has replaced the Ford C-Max?


Ford has bucked tradition by replacing the outgoing C-MAX with not one, but two all-new models. The five-seater and the seven-seater Grand are designed to sew up the small people carrier market.



Which is better, B Max or C-Max?


Both cars are solidly built and will last the test of time. Each B-Max model comes with safety kit like traction control and stability control as standard, plus plenty of air bags. The C-Max is just as secure, featuring some handy automatic braking tech, active park assist, and the pre-collision assist system.



Is the Ford C-Max coming back?


It's been a fun ride over the past years, and we couldn't be prouder of our spirited, up-for-anything compact SUV. Even though we will no longer be producing the C-MAX, we think we've got a few vehicles in our lineup to fill your criteria for versatility and driving enjoyment to seek out new adventures.



What was the last year of the Ford C-Max?


But if the first generation was sold in over 1.2 million units, the second did not perform too well. And in 2018 the sales stopped for the C-Max in the U.S. and 2019 in Europe.



What are the pros and cons of the Ford C-Max?


Likes: Speedier than most other hybrids, refined powertrain, athletic chassis. Dislikes: Not as efficient as rivals, lackluster cornering grip, top-heavy feeling in corners. The C-Max hybrid powertrain is refined and well-integrated, and the transition from electric power to gasoline operation is practically seamless.



What cars are similar to the Ford C-Max?


Ford C-Max Review and Prices. The Ford C-Max is one of the best cars in its class and is also surprisingly nice to drive for a family-focused people carrier. Before choosing the C-Max it's worth taking a close look at some of the competition out there, not least the Citroen C4 Picasso, VW Touran and Renault Scenic.



Are Ford C-Max cars any good?


Build quality is great. It's built at Ford's factory in Germany. The 1.5 Diesel engine is superbly refined and quiet, and I average 56mpg with mixed town/motorway driving. The gear change is smooth.



What car is the Ford C-Max based on?


Ford Focus Mk II
C-Max Mk I was the first product to use the Ford C1 platform, also used by the Ford Focus Mk II and the compact MPV Premacy/Mazda5. Its internal code name is C214. It seats five passengers and has a large amount of cargo space, which can be increased by folding the rear seats flat.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.