
In size and purpose, the 2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid fits into the market between the Toyota Prius Liftback (at 50 mpg combined) and the larger, slower Prius V wagon (at 42 mpg combined).
In this crowd, the C-Max models are much more enjoyable to drive, even though the Prius line boasts a rock-solid reputation for gas mileage and reliability.
And even though it might be a bit less distinctive inside, its interior is more welcoming and stylish.
The Kia Optima Hybrid (as well as its sibling, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid) has been re-tuned this year, with revamped powertrain programming but essentially the same hardware; it's a surprisingly good hybrid.
Meanwhile, Ford's own Fusion Hybrid is a potential cross-showroom rival to the C-Max, but for those who don't want to be seen in a hybrid.
It's an especially smooth, efficient, and responsive take on an already noteworthy sedan.
And for an alternative that's something different, take a look at the roomy Volkswagen Passat TDI, with its fuel-efficient clean-diesel engine that achieves well over 40 mpg on the highway.
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Quick Specs | ||||
Compared to the Toyota Prius, the 2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi provide more driving enjoyment as well as a more comfortable, stylish interior -- even if they don't quite measure up in real-world fuel efficiency. |
The 2014 Hyundai Sonata remains one of the best buys among mid-size sedans--although with so many much-improved rival models, it's no longer such a standout. |
The 2014 Toyota Prius remains the iconic, highest-mileage gasoline car on the market; it's a practical and spacious hatchback that can seat five while returning jaw-dropping fuel economy |
The 2014 Toyota Prius V combines a spacious interior with excellent real-world gas mileage but it can feel underpowered when heavily loaded. |
The 2014 VW Passat gains a good new four-cylinder, while it keeps its grip on TDI economy, excellent interior room, and top-notch crash-test scores. |
MSRP From | ||||
$24,170 | $21,450 | $24,200 | $26,750 | $20,845 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
40 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 51 MPG City / 49 MPG Hwy | 44 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 43 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Gas/Electric I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Gas/Electric I-4 | Gas/Electric I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-5 |
EPA Class | ||||
Large Cars | Large Cars | Mid-Size Cars | Mid-Size Station Wagon | Mid-Size Cars |
Style Name | ||||
5-Door HB SE | 4-Door Sedan 2.4L Automatic GLS PZEV | 5-Door HB Two (SE) | 5-Door Wagon Two (GS) | 4-Door Sedan 2.5L Manual S *Ltd Avail* |
Drivetrain | ||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
Hatchback | Sedan | Hatchback | Wagon | Sedan |
Transmission | ||||
CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | CVT w/OD | Manual w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2014 Ford C-Max vs. 2014 Hyundai Sonata | 2014 Ford C-Max vs. 2014 Toyota Prius | 2014 Ford C-Max vs. 2014 Toyota Prius V | 2014 Ford C-Max vs. 2014 Volkswagen Passat |