
The six-year-old Ford C-Max faces a host of new and redesigned competitors that best it on most scores.
The Ford Fusion Hybrid and Energi mid-size sedans do as well on fuel economy and have a more conventional shape.
The smaller Hyundai Ioniq offers far better fuel economy, if less interior space, in a less expensive subcompact hatchback.
Its twin under the skin, the Kia Niro, is a hybrid wagon with useful interior space and pleasant lines.
The new Toyota Prius liftback is a far better car on the road than its predecessor, while the aging Prius V wagon offers more interior volume than the C-Max.
Finally, the second-generation Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid only has four usable seats but provides 53 miles of electric range and sportier performance for those who don’t need much cargo space.
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Quick Specs | ||||
The 2018 Ford C-Max Hybrid and Energi plug-in hybrid are comfortable and spacious, but their fuel economy is lower than virtually all hybrid competitors. |
The 2018 Chevrolet Volt is an accomplished and refined extended-range electric car that makes an ideal everyday commuter. |
With a plug-in hybrid joining hybrid and electric versions, the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq normalizes green powertrains: it’s relatively fun to drive, and doesn’t look strange. |
New-car buyers seeking the comforts of a factory warranty can be limited in budget picks. The 2018 Kia Rio does many little things right for not a lot of cash. |
The 2018 Toyota Prius wins our minds with its fuel-efficiency and low running costs. Our hearts are a different story. |
MSRP From | ||||
$24,120 | $33,220 | $22,200 | $13,900 | $23,475 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
42 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 43 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 55 MPG City / 59 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 54 MPG City / 53 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Gas/Electric I-4 | Gas/Electric I4 | Gas/Electric I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Gas/Electric I-4 |
EPA Class | ||||
Large Cars | Compact Cars | Large Cars | Compact Cars | Midsize Cars |
Style Name | ||||
SE FWD | 5-Door HB LT | Blue Hatchback | LX Manual | One (GS) |
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 | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
Hatchback | Hatchback | Hatchback | Sedan | Hatchback |
Transmission | ||||
CVT w/OD | Automatic | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | CVT w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2018 Ford C-Max vs. 2018 Chevrolet Volt | 2018 Ford C-Max vs. 2018 Hyundai Ioniq | 2018 Ford C-Max vs. 2018 Kia Rio | 2018 Ford C-Max vs. 2018 Toyota Prius |