The Ford C-Max is an alternative fuel vehicle based on the Focus with room for up to five passengers. Ford makes it available in both a hybrid and a plug-in electric hybrid and both deliver excellent fuel economy and an excellent driving experience. For 2017, both models received some minor updates to the front fascia, a new top-level Titanium trim, and some add-on features. Here are some more details about both models and some reasons why hybrid drivers should consider the 2017 C-Max.
The Ford C-Max Hybrid
The C-Max is a cross between a hatchback wagon and a scaled down crossover SUV. The base SE model comes with 17-inch alloy wheels and a sporty rear spoiler. It comes with a rearview camera and a 110-volt power outlet along with Ford’s Sync voice command system. You’ll also get Bluetooth for phone and audio and smartphone integration. A Driver Assist package adds a power liftgate, the upgraded Sync 3 infotainment system, and a reverse sensing system to help with parallel parking. The C-Max Hybrid gets a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gas engine and a pair of electric motors that get their energy from a lithium-ion battery. The combination produces 188 horsepower.
The Ford C-Mac Hybrid Titanium
Upgrade to the Titanium trim for fog lights, heated outside mirrors with puddle lamps, and rear parking sensors. This trim also adds chrome exterior trim and leather upholstery on the inside. Inside, you’ll also get a push-button start, remote start, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Add the Titanium Driver Assist Package for front parking sensors, a blind-spot monitoring system, and automated parallel parking. This package also adds a hands-free power liftgate.
The Ford C-Max Energi
The C-Max Energi is similar to the hybrid in that it also gets a 2.0-liter gas engine and two electric motors. The difference is the larger battery in the Energi. This model has a 7.6 kWh battery pack to help extend the range to 20 miles on pure electric power and 39 miles in hybrid mode for a total of 95 mpge. The base SE trim is similar to the hybrid model and the same additional packages are also available so you can add the extra safety systems, the SE Comfort package for heated outside mirrors, or the Cold Weather Package for heated front seats.
The Ford C-Max Energi Titanium
The Energi Titanium trim is another reason to consider the C-Max. It comes with the same features as the hybrid Titanium trim including an upgraded Sony audio system and ambient lighting. You can also add the Driver Assist Package, or you can add the Cargo Management system that includes a cargo net, and a folding cargo organizer.
The biggest selling point for both the C-Max Hybrid and the C-Max Energi is the fuel economy, but both models also offer much more. They’re fun to drive, have plenty of space for passengers and cargo, and if you choose the Energi, it can travel at higher speeds than the hybrid.
“c-max big aperture 2nd try” by D – 15 Photography used under license CC0 1.0 /cropped from original
