Ford C-MAX Energi

Overview: Is the Ford C-MAX Energi a good compact MPV?

The Ford C-MAX Energi is a good choice for consumers looking for a compact vehicle that combines practicality, versatility, and fuel economy. While compact, the Ford C-MAX Energi comes with a cabin that is spacious enough for its passengers. The Ford C-MAX Energi offers decent acceleration and good forward visibility.

On the other hand, the Ford C-MAX Energi has questionable cargo space, mainly due to the placement of the battery pack. While it offers all-electric drive, the range isn’t suitable for long journeys. Buyers may find the design and tech features of the Ford C-MAX Energi quite outdated. Before making a purchasing decision, potential buyers must balance the pros and cons of a used Ford C-MAX Energi.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for a used Ford C-MAX Energi for sale.

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Key Features

The Ford C-MAX Energi offers:

• A 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine paired with an electric motor
• A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to handle power distribution
• Regenerative braking that helps recharge the battery
• Dual-zone climate control and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) charging options

Trims

The 2018 Ford C-MAX Hybrid is available in two trim levels: the functional SE and the more luxurious Titanium.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The Ford C-MAX Energi offers comfortable seating for all passengers, although taller passengers in the rear cabin may find the space quite cramped on longer trips. The cabin provides a quiet environment with minimal road noise, while the well-tuned suspension system allows for a smooth and pleasant ride.

Tech-wise, the Ford C-MAX Energi has the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which features a responsive 8-inch touchscreen and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bluetooth connectivity and satellite radio are included. However, more desirable techs, such as premium audio systems and rear parking sensors, are found only in the Titanium trim.

Cargo space is essentially a drawback of the Ford C-MAX Energi. The battery pack under the cargo floor limits the cargo space to 19.2 cubic feet, which expands to 42.8 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. However, these numbers are smaller than many rivals. Nevertheless, the hatchback design allows for easy cargo loading and unloading.

How It Drives

Boasting good fuel economy, Ford's C-MAX Energi is motivated by a plug-in hybrid system that combines a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine and an electric motor. Offering 188 hp and 129 lb-ft of torque, the compact MPV offers an engaging driving experience thanks to strong acceleration and composed driving character. Its steering is responsive, resulting in confident handling. The transition between electric and gasoline power is generally smooth during a drive.

Safety

The 2018 iteration of the Ford C-MAX Energi received an overall rating of 5/5 stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and mostly Good ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Reviews

Ford C-MAX Energi reviews from consumers at Edmunds gave the compact MPV model a high rating of 4.7/5 stars. Around 77% and 15% of the reviews gave the Ford C-MAX Energi a five- and four-star rating, respectively. They cited the Ford C-MAX Energi’s interior comfort, ride height, visibility, and handling.

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Ford C-MAX Energi FAQs

What is the difference between the Ford C-MAX Energi and the hybrid?

The Ford C-MAX Energi is a plug-in hybrid that can be recharged by plugging into an electric power source. The Ford C-MAX Hybrid is a traditional hybrid without the plug-in ability. The better comparison would be the Chevy Volt vs Ford C-MAX Energi.

Why did Ford discontinue the C-MAX Energi?

Low sales volume and the automaker’s shift to SUVs and crossovers are the main reasons for the discontinuation of the Ford C-MAX Energi. Nevertheless, used Ford C-MAX Energi are still found in the market.

Is the Ford C-MAX Hybrid a reliable car?

In general, Ford vehicles are considered reliable. J.D. Power and Consumer Reports have confirmed Ford C-MAX Energi's reliability. They gave the C-MAX Hybrid above-average reliability ratings in their reviews.

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