I bought a new Ford 2015 C-Max Energi SEL with the 300A package on Black Friday and traded in my Ford 2012 Focus with 77,000-miles on it. I chose this car over all others hybrids because of it looks, the ability to drive on electric power only [for about twenty miles], its great pickup and its interior does not have the reminiscent look of cheap plastic. I drive 58.2 miles to work everyday, six days a week to Chicago. Twelve of those miles are in the city of Chicago alone and the other 46.2-miles are highway. In the mornings it’s not too bad of a trip into work so I save my Energi’s battery for the trip home getting out of Chicago. The trip home is nothing but stop and go traffic all the way to and on the Kennedy Expressway until I get off on the 294-exsit that takes me to the 290-expressway. With my 2012 Focus, as good as it was, by the end of the week it averaged about 33-34 mpg, not bad, and I would have to fill up every Thursday and Sunday respectively. So on Sunday like all others preceding this one, I filled my C-Max Energi hoping to make it the entire week between fill ups. Working 6-days a week @349.2-miles a week just to get to work, this does not include any weekend driving. I now have over 461-miles on the car and still have not filled up the tank with gas (it’s at half a tank right now as of this writing). The average is about 58.8-mpg and every night I recharge the battery with the charger that Ford provided with the car. I set the cruse control to 65-mph on the way to work but this is completely unusable coming home do to traffic congestion. I know that Ford had to drop the MPG that they claimed the C-Max Energi would get twice for those that complained about not achieving the 47-mpg that Ford said the car would originally get to 42-mpg. The only thing I can think of is those that complained were not driving the car like they should drive a hybrid of this type. If your driving habits are less than stellar then so will your gas mileage be less that stellar too.
I am blaming you! Both of our cars were crapping out. A 2001 Volvo and a 2005 Mercedes CLK. We bought my wife a 2013 c-max based on your review initially. Love the car and I could not get to drive it. So, my Benz started having troubles and I just bought another at the same dealer on December 31 and got 5 year zero financing. It is all your fault!
You better take it back, because it does not get the mileage it's supposed to. The reason you pay the premium is to get better mileage and less emissions, but the C-Max doesn't keep it's promise.
It's unfortunate that folks were mislead initially. But since I purchased the car last week, and not 2 years ago, I had full knowledge of the claimed 47 mpg and its revision. I'm quite pleased with the 41.8 and climbing lifetime mpg I have right now; but yeah, I'd be pretty teed off if I were expecting 47!!
Like how you brought us into the car and and took us on an EV cruise and demonstrated the awesome LED dash. I just purchased the SEL. So impressed with the car. Used 2013 C Max SEL Ford CPO with 63k miles. Excellent condition . I Live in Miami FL.. Always using A/C avg 38/39 but I'm happy with that..A/C drains EV quicker .. yet I think I'm doing great .. Love the Sync system love the higher road stance and driving position. I did 110 on Alligator Ally heading towards Naples FL..
Thanks for the kind words, Chekainc! Keep in mind, if you drive 75 MPH on the freeway, you won't see 47 MPG. So much of this (fuel-efficiency) is dependent on cruising speeds, driving styles, and environmental conditions. Cold weather is tough on hybrid fuel economy, and the C-Max is no exception.
I liked your Ford C-max review and some others on RUclips, so we went out and bought one. I'm impressed and happy with this car. We love it and all the gas money we save. Its a well made car and drives great on the road. Thanks for your review.
YW, Mike! I'm testing the C-MAX Energi this week. A big battery and a plug makes this a more compelling car. You'll want to test drive the Energi against the standard C-MAX ... the drivetrain characteristics are substantially different. You have to drive the standard C-MAX carefully to get acceptable numbers. The Energi's battery makes things easier.
After a car accident I was given Ford Fusion Hybrid rental. That's it I was hooked. Yet did not like a sedan so had my eyes on the Prius V.5 . Then I caught the C Max did not know.. Research and purchased a used 2013.. Thanks for you real on road tutorials. I understand fully how to work with this car.
Thank you for this honest review. Before I saw this video I was afraid to buy a C-max hybrid. When I was watching other reviews of this car the journalist made it seem like it would be impossible to reach the advertised m.p.g. Thank you again for being one of the only fair and balanced auto reviewers.
This is by far the best video I have watched on the C -Max. I was able to gather enough information to get 45.8 mph on a 12 mile test drive at the dealer. I love the fact that this vehicle has some get up and go, and the higher seating position is very comfortable. Great visibility as well. Can't remember when I had so much fun driving a vehicle, but really enjoy this car. I think the 17 inch wheels were a mistake. Too much road feel. 15 or 16 inch with the same outside diameter would be btr.
You are the best. I got the same exact numbers when I drove the car in Texas, and I have a very light foot on the gas. Everyone including the dealer kept telling me that I am probably doing something wrong, but now I feel that I am not the only one with these MPG numbers :)
Very helpful video. I am debating between this and the Subaru Crosstreck which is similar to my 10 year old Subaru forester. I test drove the car on Sunday and was impressed. Now what I'm seeing on the C-MAX forums (where most of the folks have their accounts hooked up to fuely and display their MPGs) I've seen it range from mid 30's to mid 40's. However I think mpgomatic is correct in the video that it depends on how you drive...right tool for the right job!
My coworker just purchased a Cmax per my suggestion and he's getting 42+ mpg right off the bat, driving mostly interstate. He's very happy with it. I think with break in (I think Ford modifies the battery charge/discharge rates early on, hence the change in mileage), he should get close to the EPA numbers during the warmer months.
Dan, this was definitely the most informative video I have seen of any car review. Even if it doesn't make the EPA mileage, still impressive enough, and it's actually practical, usable, and is not a compromise like the Prius. How was the comfort?
I expect that the estimates will be adjusted. The EPA testing procedure may be at the core of the issue. From what I saw in two weeks of winter testing, the car is capable of low to mid 40s when driven carefully at anything other than highway speeds greater than the low 60s. I'm testing a C-MAX Energi this week. Having a big battery with a plug makes all the difference. I crawled through 45 minutes of NYC rush hour without using a drop of gasoline on Tuesday night.
One of the best detailed reviews so far! I give Ford an A for the gauge set up. Knowing exactly how far you can put your foot down and still stay in EV mode is a must for stop and go. Too much apologizing on behalf of Ford though. The mileage you got with that driving style was poor. No other word for it. I've never been below EPA in my CRZ, nor my friend with his Prius c on any trip over 5 miles.
No apologies here, Rich. The EPA procedures need to be revised. Third-party real-world testing under a variety of conditions would be best. FWIW, I replicated the 65 MPG loop I did with the Prius C (in warmer temperatures) in the C-Max.
If you've ever tried to hypermile, you'd probably have noticed that all cars operate more efficiently at warmer temperatures, even after reaching operating temperature
Yes, but you can't have mine! At 40k miles with no repairs, it's averaging 72 mpg...plus 75 cents of AC power every night (it's the Energi version.) It's quiet, comfortable and quick. I still don't see anything more useful on the market. It's not a Jeep and it's not a GTI, but it's all the car most of us ever need. My last car was a GTI, and this steers and handles as well up to 7/10s corner speeds.
Gotta do an apples-to-apples comparison. Temperatures and winter fuel have a significant effect on MPGs. I tested the 2010 Fusion Hybrid in June 2009, in much milder temperatures. It scored an average of 42.7 MPG on the Interstate highway and 44.5 MPG combined. I'd be very happy to go to Southern Florida right now to test the 2013 C-Max under similar conditions. For an extended period. :)
Great review. These slower, thorough reviews are so much more useful than, say, Consumer Report 2min reviews because they generalize way too much and doesn't give the viewer a chance to truly make an informed decision.
Wow, thanks again, Mike ... I'm aiming to do more like this. It takes a ton of time to do right. I found the C-Max to be extremely comfortable. Huge amounts of headroom. The seats were very much to my liking and the five level seat heaters are splendid. Gotta wonder if they'll do a Lincoln version like that wild concept they showed a few years back.
Great review as always. This car is more fun, looks better, is a US product, has better sound deadening nada better interior (materials and look) than a Prius (I owned a 2010 Prius 3). Sure a Prius may get better mpg in real world but I'll trade 5 mpg to get all the better cmax stuff. It's nice to see a reviewer getting over 40mpgs.
Few points/questions though. In your similar Prius C review, you were able to get well above the EPA ratings, into the upper 50s, using what it looked like very similiar driving styles as the C-Max. High 50s vs low 40s is a major difference. Seems like Ford's MPG calculations are way more dependent on these advanced hybrid driving techniques to achieve its MPG goal than Toyota's are. Even though the C-MAX is SO much better equipped than the Prius C, comparing efficiency should still be valid
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.
The engine will kick in more often when the hybrid battery level is low. Keep an eye on the gauges. “Regen when you can” to get juice back into the battery. Getting the most MPGs with a hybrid takes a bit of technique, overall.
@@mpgomatic Does shifting to low to slow car put power back into the battery ? And does driving in low put power back into the battery but burn more gas ? Does tapping the brakes while driving wear out the brake pads faster ? THNX
I haven't documented it, so I'd bow to their experience. Rolling below the target/speed limit may infuriate the drivers behind you, so I tend to avoid doing that unless conditions allow.
The Prius C is a much smaller, much less powerful car. It'll be interesting to see how long it takes for Ford to puts their hybrid technology into something Fiesta-sized. The C-MAX and the Prius C scored similarly on that same route with all the downhill ... it's easy when gravity works in your favor. :)
I know you don't like hybrids Urbex, but this one's quite good. :) We can only hope that Ford will bring its excellent small diesels across the pond, down the road. I reckon that they're letting the other manufacturers (VW, Audi, Mercedes, BMW, and now Mazda and GM) test the waters here first before they commit. Diesels are well suited to our highway system and longer travel distances.
Not sure about oil change intervals, but the Nissan Leaf runs in a different horse race. :) It's direct competitor isn't the C-Max, it's the Focus Electric (along with the Honda Fit EV, the Chevy Spark EV, and the Mitsubishi i-MiEV).
The new Impreza did well for us. It's not fast, but it's responsive. I would love to own a WRX or STi one day. They're impossible to get out for review though. I gotta come up with something special to pitch on that ...
It remains to be seen if (and to what degree) the C-Max's MPGs will improve as the engines are fully broken in and the temperatures warm up. Cold weather is always tough on hybrids. Anyone that's owned one will admit that they get lower MPGs in the winter. MPGs are just one part of the equation when buying a new car. The C-Max trumps the Prius when it comes to ride, handling, performance, and comfort.
For mostly highway, I'd lean towards the Sportwagen TDI. The hybrids are at their best in the city, stop-and-go, traffic. Diesels are the way to go for the open road.
you don't want to hit the break hard. You want to start braking earlier but slower so that the regenerative brakes are in use but not the regular brakes.
They're both hybrids, but they are honestly apples to oranges. If you want to be subjective you have to admit that the C-Max is a larger, faster, and heavier car. That weight is reflected in the ride quality, and somehow Ford managed to make it handle really well for a Hybrid.
i just rented a cmax an drove it about 1800 miles..mostly on interstate from fl to nc and back..avg speed was 75 on interstate..35 mpg was best i could get..the prius i rented last time avg 50mpg..cmax fun to drive.comfy..quiet.
The EPA only tests a fraction of the new cars each year. The testing is done by independent companies and submitted by the automakers. It relies mostly on in-lab data and calculations - not real world. If the EPA questions the results submitted on a specific car, they will then test it.
That's how most people drive. This is mpgomatic (notice the emphasis on mpg), not Road and Track. Are you suggesting maybe he should speed and tailgate? "While tailgating another vehicle at 20 mph over the limit, I noticed my fuel economy to be about 12 mpg less than the EPA estimated highway fuel economy. This was not surprising."
I had two Subaru vehicles before the 2011 Kia Sportage SX (AWD). I am getting better fuel economy than the 2009 Subaru Forester XT, but it is definitely not a Subaru in the snow. Not terrible, but he AWD system gets stuck in snow from a stop unlike the Subaru. I am hoping the 2014 Forester will be better in fuel economy while still being great in the snow.
Mpgomatic I have heard a lot of reviewers saying that the c-max couldn't reach E.P.A mpg numbers. I think some of them are bias. We're you able to archive what the epa says or is what others saying true
Quick question. At what speed does the gas motor kicks in after a Stop of the vehicule. I own a Ford Escape Hybrid... and im able to reach 25mph before the gas motor kicks in. What is the C_max kicking speed? Thanks
As much as I hate hybrids, this one seems pretty interesting. The performance, tech features, practicality, and fuel economy are impressive (even if you only managed 41-43 mpg). Great video Dan, this might be perfect for my folks. Unfortunately, I deal with cold weather and lots of snow in NEPA, so AWD is a must for me. BTW.. now that's it's winter, what's your recommendation for us cold weather folks that deal with lots of snow/ice on hilly twisty roads?
this car still gets over 40mpg and it has literally 2-3 times as much sound proofing as the toyota. This is a much more premium vehicle with much better driving dynamics and a much better interior.
Thanks for the fine review. I’ve owned my 2013 C-Max SE Hybrid since Nov. 6. I traded in my 2009 Honda Fit Sport and while I really liked the Honda, this is a much nicer vehicle in every way. This is also my first American car in 40 or 50 years. I’m getting around 37 m.p.g. but that doesn’t really bother me (mountains of western, NC) as the vehicle is so nice. I owned a Honda Insight a while ago and while I like Hondas, I couldn’t get rid of the Insight fast enough.
It looks like the made the rear seats so shallow, so that they could create the illusion of much more headroom than the focus. Those seats look really uncomfortable
Yep. Much of it depends on how much you drive each year. If you were driving 20,000 miles per year in a 20 MPG vehicle, with gas at $4, you'd spend $4000 per year on gas. Switch to something that gets 45 MPG and you'd spend $1,780 on gas, saving $2,220 per year or $22,200 over ten years. Repairs are the wild card. I had to have the transmission rebuilt in the Jeep a while ago and it cost north of $2,000. Not fun.
I'm sorry, the Prius V has 27% more cargo capacity. With seats folded down, the C-Max has 53cuFt, Prius V has 67cuFt, and the regular Prius has 40ishcuFt. So I guess it's in between the two Prii. Although, the C-Max is also taller, so more of that cuFt is practically unusable vs the Prius V. At the very least, it shouldn't be automatically compared to the Prius V. If anything, it's closer to the regular Prius.
I appreciate your video. I test drove a 2013 today and really liked it. I was impressed. Although I only averaged about 28mpg on my short test drive. I had a few questions for you. A) Should I wait for the 2014 model with the transmission and slight aero changes that improve economy? I'm worried that the transmission will upshift to early and I may not like the change. B) How does the heater work in the cold in stop and go traffic? C) How does the remote start option work to heat the car? Thanks
Consumer Reports is a "non-profit" that needs folks to buy their magazine on the newsstand, or by subscription, or throw money at their paywall. They can't afford to give too much away. You might be amazed at how well their top executive staff is paid.
The 3 cars I'm debating (have a daughter and a large dog and commute about 60 miles a day.. Mostly hwy) are the jetta tdi sportwagen, cmax hybrid and Prius V. I need some room (height also) in the rear for my 100lb dog and good crash ratings. Best choice? Am I missing a car? I don't wanna spend more on the more expensive german tdi's like the upcoming mb glk or q5
Hey, I'm not here for arguments. :) Anyone considering the purchase of a new vehicle with fuel economy as a primary factor should take the time to do the math for their specific situation. Hybrids make sense for some people. They don't make sense for others.
You made an excellent comment about the Pulse and Glide driving technique at 21:30. This involves accelerating (pulse) up to, and then past your desired speed a little bit, then coasting (glide) down to it and maintaining it for as long as possible using electric only. Its the last part I have question about. Other people say to continue coasting until you are 5-7 mph slower then desired speed, then pulse back up and repeat. Is seems like your technique is a lot easier. Is it as efficient?
Have you raised this point on the forums? Most of the folks are at least in the mid 30's. I assume you've already had the vehicle checked out by the dealer to verify there's not something that needs to be fixed. The people on the forums might be able to give you some insight. (it's the fordcmaxhybried forum)
Excellent reviews...I have subscribed to your channel. I've owned Civics, Corollas, and the FIAT 500 sport. Hands down the Fiat has given the worst mileage... 29 to 35 if I don't go over 30. The car that most surprised me was my 07 Camry se v6 with the Average of 25... I think Diesel makes the most sense for me
Questions for owner: does the backseat power outlet work without the engine turned on? I want to know if I can use it while car camping to power light or charge my laptop. Also does the vent at the back actually blow air? My 2016 kia Forte has vents but close to nothing comes out from it, even at max power. Lastly, can you use the video input freely? Meaning can I output videos for kids while driving? Thanks on advance guys, I'm really looking forward to get this car.
Thanks, Mike! You'll always pay a penalty for AWD. My recommendation is move south for the winter. ;) Ah, I wish I could ... There's a reason why Subarus sell so well in Vermont and Colorado. I don't own one, but when I move to the hills, I will.
I found the C-Max to be comfortable Bob Keilitz , but seat comfort is something that's extremely subjective ... what fits one person well, might not fit the next. I *always* recommend that folks 'try on' a car for size before they buy. Spend as much time as you can driving the car before signing on the dotted line. Make sure it fits! (like a new pair of shoes) =)
I certainly agree! Bike seats are the same way. Back to cars . . . I can't stand the seats in the Chevy Cruze . . . but a lot of other people certainly seem to like them. Very subjective, indeed. Styling is the same way.
Bob I went from Miami FL to St. Augustine FL. 5 .5 hr drive avg speed 73 and MPG's 37.8 no up climbs.. Comfort is great.. I adjust the seat at least three times in my ride other then that I was good. The Sony sound system was pleasant better with CD's or a good Flash drive with music that's not so compressed.. Great passing power, I ran the car on Alligator Ally to Naples FL did 110 Mpr yes it's a Hybrid but it's also a FORD.. held it their 15 seconds ?
I thought the EPA mileage ratings are done by the EPA? I also thought the testing is done by conducting the same test on simular cars. I love the Prius and I think it is a great car but I really love what Ford did here to have extra room. The car is taller and is a little more SUV crossover like. I drive a 1st gen Scion xB now and love the taller roomer interior. I see myself in the Cmax.. I also plan to check out the Prius V which I also think is a better comparison to the Cmax.
I am just wondering how frequently oil change needs to be done on these Ford C-Max Hybrids? If you have Nissan leaf- no engine- no oil change needs to be done!
I dig the Energi. The big battery pack provides a pure electric driving experience. Go to the dealer and borrow one for a 20 mile test drive? =) There's an Energi Drive to NYC in my playlists ...
I see Ford adjusted the C-Max to 45/40 mpg. Why hasn't Ford changed the Ford Fusion Hybrid mpg.There were lawsuits on false claims on mpg on the Fusion Hybrid as well. I think Ford should stick to making mustangs and other gas guzzlers and leave the hybrid technology for Toyota.
Does anyone know if the gasoline engine automatically starts in cold weather (as in below 0ºC/32ºF?), regardless if the engine needs to be on (battery is charged and travelling at slow speeds)
After heavy criticism and multiple lawsuits against Ford's latest hybrids for disappointing gas mileage, the automaker has conceded by lowering fuel-economy estimates on this model to 45/40 mpg. THANK YOU,---about time.
I thought my 2013 C-MAX would be a Prius Killer? NOT! I want to support US companies and US jobs. What was Ford thinking when they published 47/ 47/47 estimates? I would have been ok with low 40's but 28-33 is not even in the ballpark. I lease both a 2010 Prius and 2010 Honda Insight and consider myself an experienced hyper-miler. My mileage in the Prius is 50 plus, the Insight is 40 plus, The C-MAX is a great car, with extremely inflated EPA posted estimates.
I don't understand why people are comparing the C-Max to the Prius V. The Prius V is a lot bigger vehicle. It has twice the cargo capacity of the C-Max. Shouldn't the C-Max be compared to the regular Prius? In fact, it looks even small enough to be comparable to the Prius C!
Ford certainly is building the fashionable cars,nicer look than toyota, the Ford Fusion is really neat although the Chevy volt ,albeit pricey is sharp,but then the Chevy cruse and dodge dart are also considerations and not pricey
I bought a new Ford 2015 C-Max Energi SEL with the 300A package on Black Friday and traded in my Ford 2012 Focus with 77,000-miles on it. I chose this car over all others hybrids because of it looks, the ability to drive on electric power only [for about twenty miles], its great pickup and its interior does not have the reminiscent look of cheap plastic.
I drive 58.2 miles to work everyday, six days a week to Chicago. Twelve of those miles are in the city of Chicago alone and the other 46.2-miles are highway. In the mornings it’s not too bad of a trip into work so I save my Energi’s battery for the trip home getting out of Chicago. The trip home is nothing but stop and go traffic all the way to and on the Kennedy Expressway until I get off on the 294-exsit that takes me to the 290-expressway.
With my 2012 Focus, as good as it was, by the end of the week it averaged about 33-34 mpg, not bad, and I would have to fill up every Thursday and Sunday respectively. So on Sunday like all others preceding this one, I filled my C-Max Energi hoping to make it the entire week between fill ups. Working 6-days a week @349.2-miles a week just to get to work, this does not include any weekend driving. I now have over 461-miles on the car and still have not filled up the tank with gas (it’s at half a tank right now as of this writing). The average is about 58.8-mpg and every night I recharge the battery with the charger that Ford provided with the car. I set the cruse control to 65-mph on the way to work but this is completely unusable coming home do to traffic congestion.
I know that Ford had to drop the MPG that they claimed the C-Max Energi would get twice for those that complained about not achieving the 47-mpg that Ford said the car would originally get to 42-mpg. The only thing I can think of is those that complained were not driving the car like they should drive a hybrid of this type. If your driving habits are less than stellar then so will your gas mileage be less that stellar too.
Chicago 😈
I am blaming you! Both of our cars were crapping out. A 2001 Volvo and a 2005 Mercedes CLK. We bought my wife a 2013 c-max based on your review initially. Love the car and I could not get to drive it. So, my Benz started having troubles and I just bought another at the same dealer on December 31 and got 5 year zero financing. It is all your fault!
Not only do hybrid cars give you better mileage, they actually train you to be a better driver.
Getting a C-Max tomorrow! First hybrid. Really enjoyed this video; answered a lot of questions I had about driving hybrids. Thanks for making it!
Glad I could help, Stephen Dukenski ... good luck with your new C-Max!
You better take it back, because it does not get the mileage it's supposed to. The reason you pay the premium is to get better mileage and less emissions, but the C-Max doesn't keep it's promise.
It's unfortunate that folks were mislead initially. But since I purchased the car last week, and not 2 years ago, I had full knowledge of the claimed 47 mpg and its revision. I'm quite pleased with the 41.8 and climbing lifetime mpg I have right now; but yeah, I'd be pretty teed off if I were expecting 47!!
If you're satisfied with 41.8 mpg then my comment is nullified.
I still love this channel... So many MPG Omatic opportunities these days! COME BACK!
Many thanks for the kind words, Jimmy! Knock wood things get better this Spring and we can get back to it. Stay tuned!
Like how you brought us into the car and and took us on an EV cruise and demonstrated the awesome LED dash.
I just purchased the SEL. So impressed with the car. Used 2013 C Max SEL Ford CPO with 63k miles. Excellent condition . I Live in Miami FL.. Always using A/C avg 38/39 but I'm happy with that..A/C drains EV quicker .. yet I think I'm doing great .. Love the Sync system love the higher road stance and driving position. I did 110 on Alligator Ally heading towards Naples FL..
+Jesse Revilla Good luck with the new C-Max, Jesse! CPO is a great way to go.
Thanks for the kind words, Chekainc! Keep in mind, if you drive 75 MPH on the freeway, you won't see 47 MPG. So much of this (fuel-efficiency) is dependent on cruising speeds, driving styles, and environmental conditions. Cold weather is tough on hybrid fuel economy, and the C-Max is no exception.
Many thanks for the kind words!
I liked your Ford C-max review and some others on RUclips, so we went out and bought one. I'm impressed and happy with this car. We love it and all the gas money we save. Its a well made car and drives great on the road. Thanks for your review.
YW, Mike! I'm testing the C-MAX Energi this week. A big battery and a plug makes this a more compelling car. You'll want to test drive the Energi against the standard C-MAX ... the drivetrain characteristics are substantially different. You have to drive the standard C-MAX carefully to get acceptable numbers. The Energi's battery makes things easier.
After a car accident I was given Ford Fusion Hybrid rental. That's it I was hooked. Yet did not like a sedan so had my eyes on the Prius V.5 . Then I caught the C Max did not know.. Research and purchased a used 2013.. Thanks for you real on road tutorials. I understand fully how to work with this car.
Thank you for this honest review. Before I saw this video I was afraid to buy a C-max hybrid. When I was watching other reviews of this car the journalist made it seem like it would be impossible to reach the advertised m.p.g. Thank you again for being one of the only fair and balanced auto reviewers.
This is by far the best video I have watched on the C -Max. I was able to gather enough information to get 45.8 mph on a 12 mile test drive at the dealer. I love the fact that this vehicle has some get up and go, and the higher seating position is very comfortable. Great visibility as well. Can't remember when I had so much fun driving a vehicle, but really enjoy this car. I think the 17 inch wheels were a mistake. Too much road feel. 15 or 16 inch with the same outside diameter would be btr.
You are the best. I got the same exact numbers when I drove the car in Texas, and I have a very light foot on the gas. Everyone including the dealer kept telling me that I am probably doing something wrong, but now I feel that I am not the only one with these MPG numbers :)
Very helpful video. I am debating between this and the Subaru Crosstreck which is similar to my 10 year old Subaru forester. I test drove the car on Sunday and was impressed. Now what I'm seeing on the C-MAX forums (where most of the folks have their accounts hooked up to fuely and display their MPGs) I've seen it range from mid 30's to mid 40's. However I think mpgomatic is correct in the video that it depends on how you drive...right tool for the right job!
My coworker just purchased a Cmax per my suggestion and he's getting 42+ mpg right off the bat, driving mostly interstate. He's very happy with it. I think with break in (I think Ford modifies the battery charge/discharge rates early on, hence the change in mileage), he should get close to the EPA numbers during the warmer months.
Dan, this was definitely the most informative video I have seen of any car review. Even if it doesn't make the EPA mileage, still impressive enough, and it's actually practical, usable, and is not a compromise like the Prius. How was the comfort?
Awesome video! You put a lot of work into these and I appreciate honest reviews such as these, thank you!
Many thanks, Mike!
Thanks for the kind words, Shahul! While Highway MPGs are an issue, results over 40 MPG are achievable if you keep the speed down.
I'm very impressed with the quietness of the cabin.
Great review. I never would have thought about buying a hybrid until I watched your review, honest and informative.
I expect that the estimates will be adjusted. The EPA testing procedure may be at the core of the issue. From what I saw in two weeks of winter testing, the car is capable of low to mid 40s when driven carefully at anything other than highway speeds greater than the low 60s.
I'm testing a C-MAX Energi this week. Having a big battery with a plug makes all the difference. I crawled through 45 minutes of NYC rush hour without using a drop of gasoline on Tuesday night.
One of the best detailed reviews so far! I give Ford an A for the gauge set up. Knowing exactly how far you can put your foot down and still stay in EV mode is a must for stop and go. Too much apologizing on behalf of Ford though. The mileage you got with that driving style was poor. No other word for it. I've never been below EPA in my CRZ, nor my friend with his Prius c on any trip over 5 miles.
No apologies here, Rich. The EPA procedures need to be revised. Third-party real-world testing under a variety of conditions would be best. FWIW, I replicated the 65 MPG loop I did with the Prius C (in warmer temperatures) in the C-Max.
This is an excellent video review. Best I have seen in a long while actually. Great job mate, great job indeed.
If you've ever tried to hypermile, you'd probably have noticed that all cars operate more efficiently at warmer temperatures, even after reaching operating temperature
Would it be a good idea of getting a 2017 C-Max even though it has been discontinued?
Yes, but you can't have mine! At 40k miles with no repairs, it's averaging 72 mpg...plus 75 cents of AC power every night (it's the Energi version.) It's quiet, comfortable and quick. I still don't see anything more useful on the market. It's not a Jeep and it's not a GTI, but it's all the car most of us ever need. My last car was a GTI, and this steers and handles as well up to 7/10s corner speeds.
@@wheatridger uhhh mine feels like the GTI of hybrids. You’ll be surprised how quick it gets to 60
@@theowl2044 Eight seconds, in reviews I've seen. If I got a personal plate, I might call it NRGTI.
@@wheatridger Nice! I have to say, perhaps it is a measly 8 seconds, but it feels fast. And that's all I care for!
Gotta do an apples-to-apples comparison. Temperatures and winter fuel have a significant effect on MPGs. I tested the 2010 Fusion Hybrid in June 2009, in much milder temperatures. It scored an average of 42.7 MPG on the Interstate highway and 44.5 MPG combined. I'd be very happy to go to Southern Florida right now to test the 2013 C-Max under similar conditions. For an extended period. :)
Great review. These slower, thorough reviews are so much more useful than, say, Consumer Report 2min reviews because they generalize way too much and doesn't give the viewer a chance to truly make an informed decision.
Wow, thanks again, Mike ... I'm aiming to do more like this. It takes a ton of time to do right.
I found the C-Max to be extremely comfortable. Huge amounts of headroom. The seats were very much to my liking and the five level seat heaters are splendid. Gotta wonder if they'll do a Lincoln version like that wild concept they showed a few years back.
Thanks for the review. This is exactly what I have been looking for. I am heading out to buy one of these tomorrow.
Great review as always. This car is more fun, looks better, is a US product, has better sound deadening nada better interior (materials and look) than a Prius (I owned a 2010 Prius 3). Sure a Prius may get better mpg in real world but I'll trade 5 mpg to get all the better cmax stuff. It's nice to see a reviewer getting over 40mpgs.
Few points/questions though. In your similar Prius C review, you were able to get well above the EPA ratings, into the upper 50s, using what it looked like very similiar driving styles as the C-Max. High 50s vs low 40s is a major difference. Seems like Ford's MPG calculations are way more dependent on these advanced hybrid driving techniques to achieve its MPG goal than Toyota's are.
Even though the C-MAX is SO much better equipped than the Prius C, comparing efficiency should still be valid
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.
The engine will kick in more often when the hybrid battery level is low. Keep an eye on the gauges. “Regen when you can” to get juice back into the battery.
Getting the most MPGs with a hybrid takes a bit of technique, overall.
@@mpgomatic Does shifting to low to slow car put power back into the battery ?
And does driving in low put power back into the battery but burn more gas ?
Does tapping the brakes while driving wear out the brake pads faster ? THNX
Loved the review! The driving portion was so engaging. More reviews p
I haven't documented it, so I'd bow to their experience. Rolling below the target/speed limit may infuriate the drivers behind you, so I tend to avoid doing that unless conditions allow.
The Prius C is a much smaller, much less powerful car. It'll be interesting to see how long it takes for Ford to puts their hybrid technology into something Fiesta-sized. The C-MAX and the Prius C scored similarly on that same route with all the downhill ... it's easy when gravity works in your favor. :)
I know you don't like hybrids Urbex, but this one's quite good. :) We can only hope that Ford will bring its excellent small diesels across the pond, down the road. I reckon that they're letting the other manufacturers (VW, Audi, Mercedes, BMW, and now Mazda and GM) test the waters here first before they commit. Diesels are well suited to our highway system and longer travel distances.
Not sure about oil change intervals, but the Nissan Leaf runs in a different horse race. :) It's direct competitor isn't the C-Max, it's the Focus Electric (along with the Honda Fit EV, the Chevy Spark EV, and the Mitsubishi i-MiEV).
The new Impreza did well for us. It's not fast, but it's responsive. I would love to own a WRX or STi one day. They're impossible to get out for review though. I gotta come up with something special to pitch on that ...
It remains to be seen if (and to what degree) the C-Max's MPGs will improve as the engines are fully broken in and the temperatures warm up. Cold weather is always tough on hybrids. Anyone that's owned one will admit that they get lower MPGs in the winter.
MPGs are just one part of the equation when buying a new car. The C-Max trumps the Prius when it comes to ride, handling, performance, and comfort.
Good review, didn't consider this car until I saw a couple of reviews and videos. Guess I'd better start saving up...
For mostly highway, I'd lean towards the Sportwagen TDI. The hybrids are at their best in the city, stop-and-go, traffic. Diesels are the way to go for the open road.
you don't want to hit the break hard. You want to start braking earlier but slower so that the regenerative brakes are in use but not the regular brakes.
Does it have auto brake hold feature? And also engine stop/start?
Nice car, thinking to get it
They're both hybrids, but they are honestly apples to oranges. If you want to be subjective you have to admit that the C-Max is a larger, faster, and heavier car. That weight is reflected in the ride quality, and somehow Ford managed to make it handle really well for a Hybrid.
i just rented a cmax an drove it about 1800 miles..mostly on interstate from fl to nc and back..avg speed was 75 on interstate..35 mpg was best i could get..the prius i rented last time avg 50mpg..cmax fun to drive.comfy..quiet.
The Focus is an excellent choice ... same basic platform, great ride and handling.
Thanks! Workin' on it ...
The EPA only tests a fraction of the new cars each year. The testing is done by independent companies and submitted by the automakers. It relies mostly on in-lab data and calculations - not real world. If the EPA questions the results submitted on a specific car, they will then test it.
I love your videos, especially this one. Informative, honest (to me, anyway), and pretty cool.
just watched the entire review, very good man, definitely like all the information you have given. I think I would own this car if I HAD to go hybrid.
That's how most people drive. This is mpgomatic (notice the emphasis on mpg), not Road and Track. Are you suggesting maybe he should speed and tailgate? "While tailgating another vehicle at 20 mph over the limit, I noticed my fuel economy to be about 12 mpg less than the EPA estimated highway fuel economy. This was not surprising."
Yep. I'd like to do the whole rig. One day.
I had two Subaru vehicles before the 2011 Kia Sportage SX (AWD). I am getting better fuel economy than the 2009 Subaru Forester XT, but it is definitely not a Subaru in the snow. Not terrible, but he AWD system gets stuck in snow from a stop unlike the Subaru. I am hoping the 2014 Forester will be better in fuel economy while still being great in the snow.
I really like these watching these... I didn't know the cmax was so good
Mpgomatic I have heard a lot of reviewers saying that the c-max couldn't reach E.P.A mpg numbers. I think some of them are bias. We're you able to archive what the epa says or is what others saying true
Quick question. At what speed does the gas motor kicks in after a Stop of the vehicule.
I own a Ford Escape Hybrid... and im able to reach 25mph before the gas motor kicks in.
What is the C_max kicking speed?
Thanks
As much as I hate hybrids, this one seems pretty interesting. The performance, tech features, practicality, and fuel economy are impressive (even if you only managed 41-43 mpg). Great video Dan, this might be perfect for my folks. Unfortunately, I deal with cold weather and lots of snow in NEPA, so AWD is a must for me. BTW.. now that's it's winter, what's your recommendation for us cold weather folks that deal with lots of snow/ice on hilly twisty roads?
appreciate the video review .helped alot as i was considering this ca already. thank you , great job.
this car still gets over 40mpg and it has literally 2-3 times as much sound proofing as the toyota. This is a much more premium vehicle with much better driving dynamics and a much better interior.
Thanks for the fine review. I’ve owned my 2013 C-Max SE Hybrid since Nov. 6. I traded in my 2009 Honda Fit Sport and while I really liked the Honda, this is a much nicer vehicle in every way. This is also my first American car in 40 or 50 years. I’m getting around 37 m.p.g. but that doesn’t really bother me (mountains of western, NC) as the vehicle is so nice. I owned a Honda Insight a while ago and while I like Hondas, I couldn’t get rid of the Insight fast enough.
No regrets on c max ? Still have it?
Any regrets with your c max ? Looking at a 2016 c max energi to buy
It looks like the made the rear seats so shallow, so that they could create the illusion of much more headroom than the focus. Those seats look really uncomfortable
one of the best cmax reviews I've seen, but about halfway thru I wondered "is Ford paying this guy" :) if not I appologize and great job
Yep. Much of it depends on how much you drive each year. If you were driving 20,000 miles per year in a 20 MPG vehicle, with gas at $4, you'd spend $4000 per year on gas. Switch to something that gets 45 MPG and you'd spend $1,780 on gas, saving $2,220 per year or $22,200 over ten years.
Repairs are the wild card. I had to have the transmission rebuilt in the Jeep a while ago and it cost north of $2,000. Not fun.
Did you hear your noise as u we’re stopping
excellent video. I learned so much. Big Thanks.
I really want a CMax badly!
I'm sorry, the Prius V has 27% more cargo capacity. With seats folded down, the C-Max has 53cuFt, Prius V has 67cuFt, and the regular Prius has 40ishcuFt. So I guess it's in between the two Prii. Although, the C-Max is also taller, so more of that cuFt is practically unusable vs the Prius V. At the very least, it shouldn't be automatically compared to the Prius V. If anything, it's closer to the regular Prius.
I appreciate your video. I test drove a 2013 today and really liked it. I was impressed. Although I only averaged about 28mpg on my short test drive. I had a few questions for you. A) Should I wait for the 2014 model with the transmission and slight aero changes that improve economy? I'm worried that the transmission will upshift to early and I may not like the change. B) How does the heater work in the cold in stop and go traffic? C) How does the remote start option work to heat the car? Thanks
Consumer Reports is a "non-profit" that needs folks to buy their magazine on the newsstand, or by subscription, or throw money at their paywall. They can't afford to give too much away. You might be amazed at how well their top executive staff is paid.
nive video man!!hello from 2019 ))
The 3 cars I'm debating (have a daughter and a large dog and commute about 60 miles a day.. Mostly hwy) are the jetta tdi sportwagen, cmax hybrid and Prius V. I need some room (height also) in the rear for my 100lb dog and good crash ratings. Best choice? Am I missing a car? I don't wanna spend more on the more expensive german tdi's like the upcoming mb glk or q5
Hey, I'm not here for arguments. :) Anyone considering the purchase of a new vehicle with fuel economy as a primary factor should take the time to do the math for their specific situation.
Hybrids make sense for some people. They don't make sense for others.
You made an excellent comment about the Pulse and Glide driving technique at 21:30. This involves accelerating (pulse) up to, and then past your desired speed a little bit, then coasting (glide) down to it and maintaining it for as long as possible using electric only. Its the last part I have question about. Other people say to continue coasting until you are 5-7 mph slower then desired speed, then pulse back up and repeat. Is seems like your technique is a lot easier. Is it as efficient?
so are you willing to say the OLD fusion hybrid gets better mpg's than the c-max hybrid?
Im confused.. people are saying diesels get better hwy mpg.. but the number on the sticker is higher with the prius and c max than on the tdi vws
Indeed ... the large battery pack must be plugged in to charge.
Have you raised this point on the forums? Most of the folks are at least in the mid 30's. I assume you've already had the vehicle checked out by the dealer to verify there's not something that needs to be fixed. The people on the forums might be able to give you some insight. (it's the fordcmaxhybried forum)
Great video! Is this northern New Jersey by any chance?
jeff cowen Close! Central Jersey. =)
Excellent reviews...I have subscribed to your channel. I've owned Civics, Corollas, and the FIAT 500 sport. Hands down the Fiat has given the worst mileage... 29 to 35 if I don't go over 30. The car that most surprised me was my 07 Camry se v6 with the Average of 25... I think Diesel makes the most sense for me
Questions for owner: does the backseat power outlet work without the engine turned on? I want to know if I can use it while car camping to power light or charge my laptop.
Also does the vent at the back actually blow air? My 2016 kia Forte has vents but close to nothing comes out from it, even at max power.
Lastly, can you use the video input freely? Meaning can I output videos for kids while driving?
Thanks on advance guys, I'm really looking forward to get this car.
IDK. I had the car for a week on a media loan almost a decade ago. Good luck with it!
Thanks, Mike! You'll always pay a penalty for AWD. My recommendation is move south for the winter. ;) Ah, I wish I could ...
There's a reason why Subarus sell so well in Vermont and Colorado. I don't own one, but when I move to the hills, I will.
Do you have to turn on EV mode manually or does it come on by it self?
Not to worry! The hatch will open conventionally (without the dance step).
you can get over 40mpg in this car without hypermiling. The insight and the prius are also much smaller cars.
Is the car comfortable enough to take on a long trip?
I found the C-Max to be comfortable Bob Keilitz , but seat comfort is something that's extremely subjective ... what fits one person well, might not fit the next. I *always* recommend that folks 'try on' a car for size before they buy. Spend as much time as you can driving the car before signing on the dotted line. Make sure it fits! (like a new pair of shoes) =)
I certainly agree! Bike seats are the same way. Back to cars . . . I can't stand the seats in the Chevy Cruze . . . but a lot of other people certainly seem to like them. Very subjective, indeed. Styling is the same way.
Bob Keilitz I hate Chevy cruze seats they are like a wooden bench
Bob I went from Miami FL to St. Augustine FL. 5 .5 hr drive avg speed 73 and MPG's 37.8 no up climbs.. Comfort is great.. I adjust the seat at least three times in my ride other then that I was good. The Sony sound system was pleasant better with CD's or a good Flash drive with music that's not so compressed.. Great passing power, I ran the car on Alligator Ally to Naples FL did 110 Mpr yes it's a Hybrid but it's also a FORD.. held it their 15 seconds ?
yes it's a awesome car to take on a road trip it Regens on its on nice nice car on gas and luxury in the inside
I thought the EPA mileage ratings are done by the EPA? I also thought the testing is done by conducting the same test on simular cars.
I love the Prius and I think it is a great car but I really love what Ford did here to have extra room. The car is taller and is a little more SUV crossover like. I drive a 1st gen Scion xB now and love the taller roomer interior. I see myself in the Cmax.. I also plan to check out the Prius V which I also think is a better comparison to the Cmax.
I am just wondering how frequently oil change needs to be done on these Ford C-Max Hybrids? If you have Nissan leaf- no engine- no oil change needs to be done!
I dig the Energi. The big battery pack provides a pure electric driving experience. Go to the dealer and borrow one for a 20 mile test drive? =) There's an Energi Drive to NYC in my playlists ...
I see Ford adjusted the C-Max to 45/40 mpg. Why hasn't Ford changed the Ford Fusion Hybrid mpg.There were lawsuits on false claims on mpg on the Fusion Hybrid as well. I think Ford should stick to making mustangs and other gas guzzlers and leave the hybrid technology for Toyota.
Does anyone know if the gasoline engine automatically starts in cold weather (as in below 0ºC/32ºF?), regardless if the engine needs to be on (battery is charged and travelling at slow speeds)
After heavy criticism and multiple lawsuits against Ford's latest hybrids for disappointing gas mileage, the automaker has conceded by lowering fuel-economy estimates on this model to 45/40 mpg. THANK YOU,---about time.
I thought my 2013 C-MAX would be a Prius Killer? NOT! I want to support US companies and US jobs. What was Ford thinking when they published 47/ 47/47 estimates? I would have been ok with low 40's but 28-33 is not even in the ballpark. I lease both a 2010 Prius and 2010 Honda Insight and consider myself an experienced hyper-miler. My mileage in the Prius is 50 plus, the Insight is 40 plus, The C-MAX is a great car, with extremely inflated EPA posted estimates.
So in order to get the best from my hybrid, I have to be brake happy?
I don't understand why people are comparing the C-Max to the Prius V. The Prius V is a lot bigger vehicle. It has twice the cargo capacity of the C-Max. Shouldn't the C-Max be compared to the regular Prius? In fact, it looks even small enough to be comparable to the Prius C!
great review.
49 is my average since new btw. Current trip since 1k is 52.
So in EV mode your not using any fuel right?
I always wondered what would happen if a cat or some small animal walks under the C-Max... would it trigger the hatch to open?
Good eyes! I'd love to review the Model S. One day ...
Ford certainly is building the fashionable cars,nicer look than toyota, the Ford Fusion is really neat although the Chevy volt ,albeit pricey is sharp,but then the Chevy cruse and dodge dart are also considerations and not pricey