2017 Ford C-Max Road Test and Review

2017 Ford C Max red overhead ・ Photo by Ford

The 2017 Ford C-Max is a segment-buster — combining the car-like ownership experience and design of a tall compact hatch, the enhanced cargo space of a small SUV and the fuel-efficiency of a hybrid. In fact, not only does the C-Max furnish a standard hybrid powertrain, but it's also available with a plug-in system that enables both all-electric and conventional-hybrid driving.

Ford builds on those advantages for the new model year, too, by introducing the first C-Max Titanium trim. From 17-inch machined-aluminum wheels to a hands-free power-opening tailgate, this range-topper is packed with premium comforts and design cues. Important returning features for the C-Max lineup are the SYNC 3 connectivity system and Ford’s MyKey teen-driving technologies. As a result, the C-Max stacks up better than ever against its arch-rival — the 2017 Toyota Prius v — while further boosting its appeal as compared to less-efficient non-hybrid small cars.

Exterior Design

Although the C-Max rides on the same size wheelbase as the 2017 Ford Focus and it’s only 2 inches longer, this hybrid is a significant 6.1 inches taller and 3.8 inches wider. The outcome is an aerodynamic and rounded profile that’s set off by dynamic sculpting; particularly sharp is the upper side character line that extends on both sides of the front-wheel arch. The dual-grille front end is another interesting touch, as are aero details like a standard rear spoiler and rocker-panel moldings.

Halogen headlights also are standard, and they’re complemented by other standard content that includes LED signature lighting, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Ford’s capless fuel-filler system, and heated exterior mirrors with integrated turn-signal indicators and welcome lighting. Foglights, a panoramic fixed-glass moonroof, and a SecuriCode keyless entry keypad are among the more notable C-Max options.

Photo by Ford

Interior Design

Beyond its attractive and streamlined exterior, the 2017 Ford C-Max also happens to be pretty stylish in the cabin. That's thanks in large part to a multi-piece dashboard with dual-outlet outboard climate vents and a deeply recessed infotainment screen, which leaves a unique shelf-like platform for the relevant physical controls. Below that, the climate controls and other switchgear have a clean and sophisticated layout.

Premium style cues that are standard in the cabin also include a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel and a SmartGuage with EcoGuide. Functionally speaking, this is an electronic coaching system designed to encourage economical driving, but it does so with an eye-catching “Efficiency Leaves” animation that’s incorporated into the standard part-digital instrument cluster.

For a more luxurious environment, owners can order the C-Max with ambient interior lighting, push-button start, and leather-trimmed seating that matches the standard driver’s chair with a 10-way power-adjustable seat for the front passenger.

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Interior Versatility

The C-Max's upsized exterior proportions support one of its top benefits: a spacious and versatile interior. In terms of passenger volume, for example, the 2017 C-Max has 99.7 cubic feet. It’s more than you get in either a Prius v or a 2018 Ford Escape crossover, and while those vehicles do offer a little more cargo space, they should — they’re both noticeably longer than a C-Max. Nor is there any shortage of storage space in the C-Max despite its svelte dimensions. With 32.4 cubic feet available behind the rear seats and 66 in total, the C-Max is within two cubic feet of those rivals in both ratings.

Let’s also get back to the passengers since there are impressive differences in headroom and legroom, too. More specifically, C-Max occupants will find more front and rear headroom than in the Escape or Prius v, and more front and rear legroom than in the latter vehicle.

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Standard Powertrain

Fuel economy also is high on the list of selling points for the 2017 Ford C-Max. For that, credit goes to the vehicle’s gas-electric hybrid powertrain. The system starts with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine, which is tuned to run on the high-efficiency Atkinson combustion cycle. Paired with an 88-kilowatt electric traction motor and lithium-ion battery, that unit helps the C-Max achieve standard EPA ratings of 42 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined.

Yes, the Prius v beats the Ford in all categories, but it’s only by 1 mpg in each one. And as far as output, the C-Max checks in with a class-leading 188 system horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque to the Toyota’s 134 hp and 153 lb-ft. An electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, designed and built in-house by Ford, is standard to manage that power.

The bottom line: The C-Max is no hot hatch, yet it is fun to pilot and responds well to spirited driving.

Photo by Ford

Optional Powertrain

Folks who want next-level efficiency should consider the 2017 Ford C-Max Energi model, which showcases a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a higher-capacity lithium-ion battery pack and an onboard charging port just in front of the drivers-side door. It can deliver an all-electric, zero-emissions driving range of 20 miles, with a full battery recharge taking as little as 2.5 hours with a typical 240-volt home or public charging station.

Of course, just to be clear, the plug-in hybrid models also carry the same “regular” hybrid powertrains as the unplugged C-Max trims. That allows drivers to enjoy another 550 miles of driving without having to stop for either electricity or gas. It's still rated for a thrifty 39 mpg after the 20-mile all-electric range is used up. Overall, the EPA says that — depending on gas prices, electricity rates and driving patterns — C-Max Energi drivers can save $2,750 in five-year fuel costs versus the average new vehicle. However, the Energi does have a little less interior space than the standard C-Max hybrid.

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Safety Technology and Ratings

Many small cars do offer more safety tech and higher safety ratings than the 2017 Ford C-Max. For instance, it earned four-star overall safety scores from NHTSA rather than the maximum five-star rating, based on four stars for frontal crash protection, five stars for side-crash protection and four stars for rollover resistance. 

Ford does include a standard rearview camera and an optional blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. Also, unlike most other smaller vehicles from mainstream brands, the C-Max is available with an active parallel-parking system that can identify proper-sized spots and then steer the car into place. Additional thoughtful safety details include exterior mirrors with standard blind-spot mirrors, and standard 911 Assist functionality. Bundled with the standard SYNC infotainment system, 911 Assist is a non-subscription service that can automatically dial “9-1-1” on the driver’s linked smartphone in case of an emergency.

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Infotainment Technology

When it comes to infotainment technology, the standard setup for the 2017 Ford C-Max is a mixed bag. On the one hand, it does provide SYNC voice-recognition technology, along with SiriusXM satellite radio, a USB port and the Ford AppLink (to access compatible smartphone-style apps).

But because this system relies on the previous-generation SYNC system rather than the latest version, most folks will opt for the latest SYNC 3 package. It brings together an 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, a voice-activated navigation system with integrated SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link services, and vastly improved speed and accuracy. It’s also worth noting that with SYNC 3, Ford will automatically deliver ongoing software updates via Wi-Fi.

To appeal to audiophiles, the C-Max has a standard six-speaker sound system and can be ordered with a premium Sony system with nine speakers and HD Radio capability.

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Pricing and Value

The 2017 Ford C-Max is priced from $24,175, and remember, the MSRP covers standard features such as a 40-mpg hybrid powertrain, exterior LED accent lighting, filtered air conditioning, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, voice-activated SYNC technology and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. But even with all that, the C-Max costs $2,500 less than its No. 1 rival, the Toyota Prius v.

The value play also extends to the C-Max Titanium, which opens at $27,175 with standard SYNC 3 infotainment technology. As for the Energi trims, these plug-in C-Max models furnish the benefits of all-electric driving for $27,120 and are eligible for a $4,007 federal tax credit.

Photo by Ford

The Verdict

The 2017 Ford C-Max stands out as a high-efficiency small car that’s just as cargo-friendly as some crossovers but also surprisingly fun to drive and fuel-efficient. The C-Max also does well in the categories of affordability and value, and its optional smartphone-integration technology is a major boon for owners. However, C-Max safety ratings do leave something to be desired, and it’s not quite as efficient or affordable as the admittedly smaller Kia Niro and Hyundai Ioniq — two of the industry’s fresher multi-purpose hybrids. (Just keep in mind that neither of those two vehicles had been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA as of this writing.)

The bottom line: The 2017 Ford C-Max remains one of the most practical and capable vehicles in the compact hybrid segment.

Photo by Ford