Prius vs C-MAX?

The Prius has proven reliability through several models and generations. I would never consider a C-Max due to this fact. If you are willing to roll the dice and don't care about statistical reliability then it is a worthy competitor. I am not impressed with Ford's interior, they look like they didn't know if they were designing a transformer or a interior, I am sure the younger buyer are entertained by the design.

 

Well, C-Max does get 50mpg then!
MPG re-do
Ford revised combined city/highway mpg downward on these models.
• 2014 Ford Fiesta (up to 2 mpg reduction, depending on powertrain)
• 2013-14 Ford C-Max Hybrid (43 to 40 mpg)
• 2013-14 Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid (43 to 38 mpg)
• 2013-14 Ford Fusion Hybrid (47 to 42 mpg)
• 2013-14 Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid (43 to 38 mpg)
• 2013-14 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid (45 to 38 mpg)
MPG revisions undercut Ford marketing

 

I though we have concluded that the C-Max is the Prius v (lowercase v for the Prius v wagon, not an uppercase v) (big Prius) competitor, which would put there sticker mpg close to each other. C-Max 42/37 versus Prius v 44/40. What does Ford have to offer that Toyota doesn't, I don't like their interiors. If they were significantly cheaper then that might pique my interest. Check fuelly.com to compare real world numbers.

We cross shopped the following vehicles for work: updated Nissan Rogue, CR-V, Chevy/GMC Equinox/Terrain, and Ford Escape. We only wanted to consider vehicles which had a dealership in town. We ended up with Rogue's, which was the best out of the bunch. I would say the GM offering and CR-V was in the middle and the Ford Escape was the worse out of the bunch. I think the only reason Ford can sell vehicles is that people want something different, they don't care about other qualities, the novelty matters more, same goes with Hyundai/KIA. I will take a relatively boring Honda or Toyota every day of the week.

 

yes we've all heard of the C-MAX. nice little car, but it is vastly inferior in mpg's. the other things you stated are correct, although, looking at one, the hatch space didn't look larger to me. taller maybe, but i don't typically pile stuff up to the ceiling.

 

C-Max hybrid compared to Honda Fit(no hybrid) Compare Side-by-Side

 

I agree completely! The Ford interiors are far nicer and more comfortable. MFT is also much quicker to respond and easier to use that Entune and MFT has way more features.

 

Having owned both, I agree with the OP's basic assessments.

The Prius is better in overall MPG and track record; however, Ford has the second most extensive track record in hybrids. The drivetrains are fairly similar (patent sharing a few years back). Other than teething issues with the company wide Ford sync system using Microsoft code that was fixed with a major update download about a year ago, the car has been very reliable. There are some dead 12v battery issues predominately with the base SE model but we have nearly 50,000 miles combined on our SEL's without one hiccup. I was so impressive with our SEL hybrid that we traded it in for top of the line Energi models. I would have strongly considered a PIP for the wife but they aren't available here in Texas.

 

Fuel economy, seating and trunk space were the differentiators for me.

Real world fuel economy for the C-max as reported by owners was 10% less than real world for the v as reported by owners. (fuelly.com)

I have three grandkids and they and their car seats fit in the rear seats of the v leaving the fronts for grandpa and grandma.

A 6.5' xmas tree goes to recycling in the v. A group of 4 goes to the beach for a week with all our luggage, towels, rafts, beach umbrellas, boogie boards, etc. The c-max luggage space was tiny by comparison.

I prefer the C-max styling. I like its NVH. I like its handling.

I did not consider the Prius hatchback (4 seats, smaller trunk in height) or the C (4 seats, smaller trunk). While they excelled in one of the important criteria (MPG), they failed at 2 (seating, trunk space).

But in the aspects of a car that were of significant value to me, the v was better.

We also own an Avalon for when she wants her plushmobile.


Fuel economy and

 

A friend just bought a Cmax .
Im from Detroit and throughout my 58 year lifetime,American cars have been built to fall apart at 100,000 miles .Or at least require 20% of the original purchase price in repairs.
Usually starting around 50,000 miles.
Last time I drove a Ford with 30k miles,I was stranded on a dark highway with a broken fan belt that the dealer had just replaced weeks before.
American car $30,000 for 100,000 miles.
Toyota $30,000 for 250,000 miles plus with minor maintenance.