Usually when automakers boast EPA fuel economy ratings, the most competitive number is always used in the headlines whether it be class-leading city, highway or combined fuel economy. In the case of the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid, however, Ford Motor Company has no such problem to worry about. The reason? Ford's latest hybrid people has received its official EPA fuel economy ratings, and it returns an estimated 47 miles per gallon... in city, highway AND combined driving!
In terms of the competition, the Ford C-Max Hybrid is aimed squarely at the Toyota Prius v which is rated at 44 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and a combined rating of 42 mpg. Not only is the C-Max Hybrid more efficient than its Toyota rival, it is also a better value with a starting MSRP of $25,200 compared to the up-sized Prius' starting price of $26,550. The Ford C-Max also has 15 unique and class-exclusive features such as the Active Park Assist or the Hands-Free Liftgate. Compared to the Prius v's nickel-metal hydride battery, the C-Max uses a more advanced lithium-ion battery pack that allows it to offer its impressive fuel economy while also giving the C-Max an all-electric top speed of 62 miles per hour.
“The all-new C-MAX Hybrid is a great symbol of how Ford has transformed into a fuel-economy and technology leader with 47 mpg across the board and a highway rating 7 mpg better than Toyota Prius v,” said Joe Bakaj, Ford Vice President of Powertrain Engineering. “We’ve done this with innovation while driving costs down 30 percent so we can bring these fuel-saving vehicles to more customers.”
Based on the same C-segment platform as the Ford Focus (and built at the same Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich.), the new Ford C-Max Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle inline-four that is paired with Ford's next-generation hybrid system. Those looking to be a little more environmentally friendly should check out the Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid.
Ford says that the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid is available for order now (at select dealerships), but it has yet to announce an official release date.