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.
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 2013 Ford C-MaxBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Toyota PriusBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Toyota Prius VBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Volkswagen PassatBrowse Used Listings |
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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. |
The 2013 Toyota Prius is a spacious, practical mid-size hatchback that will hold five people and their gear, while remaining the highest-mileage car sold without a plug. |
The 2013 Toyota Prius V is by far the roomiest Prius in the lineup, and its 42-mpg combined mileage is hard to beat. It's far from the fastest or most powerful family wagon, and it faces a new competitor, the Ford C-Max Hybrid--but it's still a capacious, comfortable, and highly fuel-efficient family wagon. |
Marginally less refined than the last version, today's VW Passat hits important marks with excellent diesel fuel economy, superior passenger space and top safety scores. |
| MSRP From | |||
| $25,200 | $23,215 | $26,650 | $20,845 |
| Gas Mileage | |||
| 42 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 51 MPG City / 49 MPG Hwy | 44 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 43 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||
| Gas/Electric I4 | Gas/Electric I4 | Gas/Electric I4 | Gas I5 |
| EPA Class | |||
| Large Car | Midsize Cars | Midsize Station Wagon | Mid-Size |
| Style Name | |||
| 5-Door HB SEL | 5-Door HB Two (SE) | 5-Door Wagon Two (GS) | 4-Door Sedan 2.5L Manual S |
| Drivetrain | |||
| Front-wheel drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||
| 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||
| Hatchback | Hatchback | Wagon | 4 Door Sdn |
| Transmission | |||
| Continuously Variable Ratio | Continuously Variable Ratio | Continuously Variable Ratio | Manual |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||
| 2013 Ford C-Max vs. 2013 Toyota Prius | 2013 Ford C-Max vs. 2013 Toyota Prius V | 2013 Ford C-Max vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
