Among high-efficiency compact and mid-size cars, the 2016 Ford C-Max stands out for being enjoyable to drive and offering a truly nice interior.
The all-new Toyota Prius liftback promises 55 mpg and more driving fun, and its larger, slower Prius V tall-wagon sibling is rated at 42 mpg; the C-Max slots between them in size.
The new Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offers mid-size sedan room (as does the Camry Hybrid as well).
But in that class, we like the Ford Fusion Hybrid best for its stylish lines and, again, a premium interior.
Unlike the C-Max, it's a car that doesn't identify as a high-efficiency hybrid, and that may be what the market wants, since it's outselling the smaller C-Max.
A final contender would have been the Volkswagen Passat TDI, a mid-size sedan with German character and a high-efficiency diesel engine, but VW's diesel scandal saw that car pulled from the market—and it's not clear when it will return.
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 2016 Ford C-MaxBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Toyota PriusBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Toyota Prius VBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||
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The 2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi offer a sportier alternative to the Toyota Prius range that feels premium inside and more capable on the road. |
The 2016 Toyota Prius has moved much closer to driving like a regular car, while maintaining the highest fuel economy of any car without a plug; that should attract new buyers—if they can overlook the styling. |
The 2016 Toyota Prius V is the largest, most practical, and most family-friendly vehicle in the Prius lineup. |
| MSRP From | ||
| $24,170 | $24,200 | $26,675 |
| Gas Mileage | ||
| 40 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 54 MPG City / 53 MPG Hwy | 44 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||
| Gas/Electric I-4 | Gas/Electric I-4 | Gas/Electric I-4 |
| EPA Class | ||
| Large Cars | Midsize Cars | Midsize Station Wagons |
| Style Name | ||
| 5-Door HB SE | 5-Door HB Two (SE) | 5-Door Wagon Two (Natl) |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||
| 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||
| Hatchback | Hatchback | Wagon |
| Transmission | ||
| CVT w/OD | CVT w/OD | CVT w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||
| 2016 Ford C-Max vs. 2016 Toyota Prius | 2016 Ford C-Max vs. 2016 Toyota Prius V | |
