TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the 2013 Ford C-MAX
2013 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
What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the 2013 Ford C-MAX
2013 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
2013 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
2013 Ford C-MAX Gas Mileage (MPG)
Unlike other fuel economy surveys, TrueDelta's Real-World Gas Mileage Survey includes questions about how and
where a car was driven. So you can get an idea of the Ford C-MAX's
real-world MPG based on how and where you drive a car.
TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the 2013 Ford C-MAX
What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the 2013 Ford C-MAX
CVT FWD
CVT FWD