2013 Ford C-Max vs. Its Competition

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Oct 20, 2012

The 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid slots neatly between the two largest Toyota Prius models, the five-door Liftback (at 50 mpg combined) and the larger, slower Prius V wagon (at 42 mpg combined).

Ford compares it to both, and they're the only five-door hybrids in the class.

While the Prius line can boast a rock-solid reputation for gas mileage and reliability, the C-Max is clearly more pleasant to drive--and more stylish inside, if less distinctive outside.

The 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid, yet to be launched, may compete with the C-Max Hybrid in showrooms, but the hybrid Fusion sedan it's for buyer who don't want the world to know they own a hybrid.

Another sedan option is the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, though its drivetrain isn't nearly as smooth as the Toyotas or Ford C-Max.

Finally, for buyers interested in a different kind of fuel efficiency, there's the new, large Volkswagen Passat TDI, with a clean diesel engine that delivers mileage almost as good as the hybrids.

2013 Ford C-Max	2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid	2012 Hyundai Sonata Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Toyota Prius Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Toyota Prius V Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Volkswagen Passat Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
7.8 The 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid is the first head-to-head challenger for the Toyota Prius since that car grabbed the green mantle a decade ago--and in many ways, the Ford's a better daily driver.	8.8 The 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid makes an extraordinary leap forward in fuel economy--but also, in its appealing looks and handling.	8.6 After more than a decade on the market, the latest Hyundai Sonata's an overnight success--thanks to great gas mileage, grabby styling, and exceptional value for the dollar.	7.6 The 2012 Toyota Prius remains the highest-mileage car offered in the U.S., and it's a practical and capacious mid-size hatchback with room for five	N/A The 2012 Toyota V wagon offers all the classic Prius hybrid virtues--low-speed electric running, top-of-class fuel economy, and interior space--in a super-sized package that still offers remarkable gas mileage ratings. We think it will do very well among Prius owners with families who need the extra space for people and stuff.	7.8 A massive rear seat and better-than-hybrid highway fuel economy mask the slight loss of refinement and nimble road feel in the 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
MSRP From
N/A	N/A	$19,795	$23,015	$26,550	$20,590
Gas Mileage
		22 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy	51 MPG City / 48 MPG Hwy	44 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy	20 MPG City / 43 MPG Hwy
Engine
N/A	N/A	Gas I4	Gas/Electric I4	Gas/Electric I4	Gas I5
EPA Class
N/A	N/A	Large Cars	Midsize Cars	Midsize Station Wagon	Mid-Size
Style Name
N/A	N/A	4-Door Sedan 2.4L Man GLS	5-Door HB One (Natl)	5-Door Wagon Two (Natl)	4-Door Sedan 2.5L Manual S
Drivetrain
N/A	N/A	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
N/A	N/A	5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
N/A	N/A	4 Door Sedan	Hatchback	Wagon	4 Door Sdn
Transmission
N/A	N/A	Manual	Continuously Variable Ratio	Continuously Variable Ratio	Manual