Ford C-MAX vs. Acura RDX MPG

Chart is based on 179 fuel economy reports for the Ford C-MAX and 252 fuel economy reports for the Acura RDX.

Ford C-MAX MPG

Year	Body/Powertrain	flat, hilly, or mountainousLand	driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot	A/C use: none to heavyA/C	constant stop and goTraf %	many stops per mileCity %	stop every mile or twoSub %	fairly steady speedHwy %	Hwy Spd	MPG
2017	4dr Hatch 141-horsepower 2.0L I4 Hybrid CVT FWD	flat	light	none	0	0	53	47	69	34.8
2015	4dr Hatch 141-horsepower 2.0L I4 Hybrid CVT FWD	flat	light	light	24	37	21	19	66	44.4
2014	4dr Hatch 141-horsepower 2.0L I4 Plug-in Hybrid CVT FWD	flat	light	none	0	20	30	50	65	72.2
2013	4dr Hatch 141-horsepower 2.0L I4 Plug-in Hybrid CVT FWD	flat	light	light	17	21	42	21	70	63.0
2013	4dr Hatch 141-horsepower 2.0L I4 Hybrid CVT FWD	flat	light	light	1	18	35	46	63	43.1

This page shows only averages. See all the Ford C-MAX fuel economy data.

Year	Body/Powertrain	flat, hilly, or mountainousLand	driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot	A/C use: none to heavyA/C	constant stop and goTraf %	many stops per mileCity %	stop every mile or twoSub %	fairly steady speedHwy %	Hwy Spd	MPG
2014	4dr SUV 273-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	hills	med	none	0	6	11	83	93	29.1
2013	4dr SUV 273-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	hvy	0	34	0	66	70	25.1
2012	4dr SUV turbocharged 240hp 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	hvy	10	76	10	5	45	20.0
2011	4dr SUV turbocharged 240hp 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	light	9	28	33	30	67	19.4
2010	4dr SUV turbocharged 240hp 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	mtns	med	none	5	3	3	90	60	22.1
2009	4dr SUV turbocharged 240hp 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	none	0	50	10	40	60	18.0
2008	4dr SUV turbocharged 240hp 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	light	5	26	20	49	69	19.0
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2007	4dr SUV turbocharged 240hp 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	none	14	21	15	50	75	19.6

This page shows only averages. See all the Acura RDX fuel economy data.

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Ford C-MAX Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Comment
2013	The Ford C-MAX's fuel economy is at once the #1 reason most people will buy a C-MAX, but also the model's greatest shortfall. The EPA ratings are an impressive 47 mpg city, 47 highway. In real suburban driving we (and many owners) observed trip computer averages of 33 to 40, with an overall average of 35.8. Go easy on the gas and initiate braking early enough to fully recoup kinetic energy, and low to mid 40s can happen. But 47 is a stretch. There are two ways to look at this. On the one hand, the C-MAX isn't coming close to its EPA ratings. Odds are Ford will have to make an adjustment and credit past buyers for the difference, Hyundai-Kia style. (Which actually might be a reason to buy one before this happens.) On the other hand, even 36 mpg is about 8-12 miles-per-gallon better than similarly functional non-hybrid vehicles, including the related Ford Escape. Efficiency is supported by excellent, highly configurable instrumentation. I personally opted to view a tach (rare in a hybrid), driving style ratings, and average mpg. A "brake coach" lets you know after each stop what percentage of kinetic energy was regenerated. In hybrids, this has a large impact on mpg than how hard you accelerate (more on this below). The C-MAX is also offered as an "Energi" Plug-in Hybrid rated to cruise 21 miles on electricity alone. see full Ford C-MAX review

Ford C-MAX Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2013	4dr Hatch 141-horsepower 2.0L I4 Hybrid CVT FWD	With some care, it is not too hard to surpass the revised EPA estimates of 44 city / 39 highway. It particulary shines in city and suburban driving where you can crest 50 mpg on some short trips. In mixed driving, we match the EPA estimate of 40 MPG without paying much attention. While not as great as the Prius, this efficiency was certainly a step up for us and the difference in fuel costs over a year between the C-Max and Prius was not worth the shortcomings we found in the Prius (particularly poor handling and uncomfortable seats). see full Ford C-MAX review

Ford C-MAX Real Gas Mileage: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2013	4dr Hatch 141-horsepower 2.0L I4 Hybrid CVT FWD	On the down side for fuel economy, cold weather does a number on the MPG as is reported with other hybrid. On short trips (4 miles or less) on a cold start in cold weather with the heater going, expect low 20s for your MPG. This is mitigated over longer trips once the engine has warmed up, but we still get 1-3 MPG under our usual in cold weather for longer trips. see full Ford C-MAX review

Acura RDX Real Gas Mileage: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2009	4dr SUV turbocharged 240hp 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Turbo eats gas but provides for a fun ride see full Acura RDX review
2008	4dr SUV turbocharged 240hp 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Low for a 4-cylinder see full Acura RDX review
2007	4dr SUV turbocharged 240hp 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	I average around 20 MPG, but it is not an economy car - well worth it for the performance see full Acura RDX review