When it first hit the market in 2013, the Ford C-Max Hybrid felt like a vision of a greener future. But it’s been sitting on the sidelines since, watched by a new crop of competitors that has pushed hybrid fuel economy much higher. In the C-Max’s defense, it is more fun to drive than many hybrid cars and it offers a lot of cargo room in its tall wagon body. Still, it’s hard to compete with the Toyota Prius when it comes to EPA-estimated fuel efficiency.
The 2014 ford c max hybrid review is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder Atkinson engine and an electric motor that combine to produce 188 total system horsepower. This combination powers the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission. The C-Max also has a plug-in version called the Energi, which uses a larger 7.6-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that provides more all-electric driving range.
In Edmunds testing, the hybrid model accelerated to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, which is about two seconds quicker than a Toyota Prius. Its maximum all-electric range is 188 miles, which should be plenty for most people’s commutes.
Standard safety features include antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and a driver knee airbag. Available options include a rearview camera, navigation and a nine-speaker Sony audio system with HD Radio. Both models have a smart, easy-to-use SmartGuage display that can provide information on energy usage and even coach the driver into more efficient driving habits.
