2013 Ford C-Max vs. Its Competition

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid, Los Angeles, August 2012
John Voelcker John Voelcker

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 Hybrid, Los Angeles, August 20122013 Ford C-Max
Browse Used Listings		2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Browse Used Listings		2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (plug-in hybrid version)2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Browse Used Listings		2013 Toyota Prius 5dr HB Three (Natl) Angular Front Exterior View2013 Toyota Prius
Browse Used Listings		2012 Toyota Prius V 5dr Wagon Five (Natl) Angular Rear Exterior View2013 Toyota Prius V
Browse Used Listings		2013 Volkswagen Passat2013 Volkswagen Passat
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
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.
7.4
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.
7.4
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.
7.8
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     
N/AN/A$25,650$23,215$26,650$20,845
Gas Mileage     
36 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy51 MPG City / 49 MPG Hwy44 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy20 MPG City / 43 MPG Hwy
Engine     
N/AN/AGas/Electric I4Gas/Electric I4Gas/Electric I4Gas I5
EPA Class     
N/AN/ALarge CarsMidsize CarsMidsize Station WagonMid-Size
Style Name     
N/AN/A4-Door Sedan5-Door HB Two (SE)5-Door Wagon Two (GS)4-Door Sedan 2.5L Manual S
Drivetrain     
N/AN/AFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
N/AN/A5555
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
N/AN/ASedanHatchbackWagon4 Door Sdn
Transmission     
N/AN/AAutomaticContinuously Variable RatioContinuously Variable RatioManual
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2013 Ford C-Max vs. 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid2013 Ford C-Max vs. 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid2013 Ford C-Max vs. 2013 Toyota Prius2013 Ford C-Max vs. 2013 Toyota Prius V2013 Ford C-Max vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat