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Ford C-Max

From Focus-based five-seater to Ford's first U.S. hybrid-only line.12

Researched October 25, 2026 from 31 sources

Also called

  • bloated FocusA few staffers reviewing the 2013 Hybrid used it; the C-Max shared the Focus platform and production line.3

At a glance

0100200
84–188 hpPower
07.515
8.5–14.3 s0–100 km/h
0125250
164.2–217 km/hTop speed
0200400
141–400 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,372–1,769 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.211161718

Engine
1.0–2.0 L gas/diesel; 2.0 L Atkinson Hybrid/Energi (1.4/7.6 kWh)24
Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive; hybrids add electric motors2414
Gearbox
EU: 5/6-speed manual, 4/6-speed auto, PowerShift, CVT; Hybrid: HF35 eCVT23
Built at
Saarlouis, Germany; Ford Valencia, Spain; Michigan Assembly, U.S. hybrids215

The story

The original C-Max put Focus driving appeal into a roomier five-seat MPV. The 2017 Energi plug-in added an EPA-rated 20 electric miles and could recharge in about 2.5 hours at 240 volts.14

2003: Focus C-Max production begins20032010: Grand C-Max adds seven seats20102012: Ford's first U.S. hybrid-only line20122013: 47 mpg becomes 43; owners get rebates20132014: A second cut: Hybrid falls to 40 mpg20142015: Facelift brings 1.5-liter engines20152017: Energi ends; Grand gets a safety retest20172018: The U.S. Hybrid bows out20182019: Saarlouis builds the last C-Max2019 Ford Focus C-Max / C-Max (first generation) (C214): 2003–2010C214Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max (second generation) (C344): 2010–2019C344 20052010201520202025
GenerationsMilestones127
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
2003–2010Ford Focus C-Max / C-Max (first generation) (C214)
2010–2019Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max (second generation) (C344)
2003Focus C-Max production begins
2010Grand C-Max adds seven seats
2012Ford's first U.S. hybrid-only line
201347 mpg becomes 43; owners get rebates
2014A second cut: Hybrid falls to 40 mpg
2015Facelift brings 1.5-liter engines
2017Energi ends; Grand gets a safety retest
2018The U.S. Hybrid bows out
2019Saarlouis builds the last C-Max
  1. 2003

    Focus C-Max production begins

    The five-seater starts production at Saarlouis on June 27. Its Ghia 2.0 TDCi pairs 136 hp with 0–60 mph in 9.4 seconds and an official 50.4 mpg.256

  2. 2010

    Grand C-Max adds seven seats

    The second generation launches in October. Alongside the five-seater, the Grand C-Max brings seven seats and sliding rear doors.7

  3. 2012

    Ford's first U.S. hybrid-only line

    With the seven-seat U.S. gasoline plan dropped, five-seat Hybrid and plug-in Energi arrive in September and October.28

  4. 2013

    47 mpg becomes 43; owners get rebates

    Fusion Hybrid tests supplied the original 47-mpg label. Retesting cuts combined economy to 43 mpg; buyers receive $550 and lessees $325.9

  5. 2014

    A second cut: Hybrid falls to 40 mpg

    Aerodynamic and tire-friction errors prompt another cut: 2013–2014 Hybrid falls from 43 to 40 mpg combined; Energi drops from 43 to 38 mpg.210

  6. 2015

    Facelift brings 1.5-liter engines

    The European facelift adds 1.5 EcoBoost and TDCi engines; the C-Max-only ECOnetic claims 3.8 L/100 km. The 2.0 diesel reaches 168 hp.2711

  7. 2017

    Energi ends; Grand gets a safety retest

    Euro NCAP's Grand C-Max retest returns three stars and flags poor rear-passenger chest protection; U.S. Energi production ends in September.21213

  8. 2018

    The U.S. Hybrid bows out

    U.S. Hybrid production ends, closing the American C-Max chapter.2

  9. 2019

    Saarlouis builds the last C-Max

    Production finishes at Saarlouis in Germany in June, bringing the C-Max's 2003–2019 run to an end.2

Every generation

  • Ford Focus C-Max / C-Max (first generation)
    C2142003–2010
  • Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max (second generation)
    C3442010–2019

Power over the years

From 100 hp to 188 hp in 10 years.

050100150200 20022004200620082010201220142016 hp 2003 · 100 hp · 1.6 Duratec2003 · 125 hp · 1.8 Duratec2003 · 136 hp · Ghia 2.0 TDCi2004 · 115 hp · 1.6 Ti-VCT2004 · 143 hp · Focus C-Max Sport 2.02005 · 90 hp · 1.6 TDCi2010 · 84 hp · 1.6 Ti-VCT2013 · 188 hp · Hybrid (combined)2015 · 104 hp · C-Max ECOnetic 1.5 TDCi2015 · 168 hp · 2.0 diesel PowerShift2015 · 180 hp · 1.5 EcoBoost automatic 188 hp Hybrid (combined) 100 hp 1.6 Duratec
126111920
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
20031001.6 Duratec
20031251.8 Duratec
2003136Ghia 2.0 TDCi
20041151.6 Ti-VCT
2004143Focus C-Max Sport 2.0
2005901.6 TDCi
2010841.6 Ti-VCT
2013188Hybrid (combined)
2015104C-Max ECOnetic 1.5 TDCi
20151682.0 diesel PowerShift
20151801.5 EcoBoost automatic

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    Focus C-Max LX / C-Max Style

  • Focus C-Max Zetec

    Standard

    Focus C-Max Zetec

  • Standard

    C-Max Titanium (2007 facelift)

  • C-Max Zetec / Titanium (second generation)

    Standard

    C-Max Zetec / Titanium (second generation)

  • Standard

    C-Max Titanium X (second generation)

  • Grand C-Max

    Standard

    Grand C-Max

    2010–2019

  • C-Max Hybrid

    Standard

    C-Max Hybrid

    2012–2018

    188 hp
  • C-Max Energi

    Standard

    C-Max Energi

    2012–2017

    188 hp

  • Special

    C-Max Flexifuel / CNG conversion (first generation)

  • Special

    Focus C-Max Sport

  • C-Max Solar Energi Concept

    Special

    C-Max Solar Energi Concept

    2014

How to spot one

Look for

  • Early Focus C-Max: rounded, sloping roof and turn signals built into the door mirrors.6
  • The 2007 facelift has twin trapezoidal grilles, pronounced wheel arches and angular headlights.2
  • Second-generation Grand C-Max: look for a longer body and sliding rear doors.27
  • The 2015 C-Max and Grand C-Max have a large upper grille and newly shaped headlights.71122
  • Energi plug-ins have a charging port between the driver's door and front wheel.15

Year by year

  1. 2007

    The Focus name disappeared; twin trapezoidal grilles, angular headlights and LED taillights joined red instrument and switch lighting.1221

  2. 2010

    The second generation added the longer, seven-seat Grand C-Max with sliding rear doors alongside the regular five-seater.27

  3. 2015 (C-Max / Grand C-Max)

    Large upper grille, new front and rear lights; inside, a revised Focus-style dashboard and SYNC 2 on higher trims.71122

  4. 2017 (US Hybrid / Energi)

    Hybrid and Energi got a smaller upper grille and sharper lights. Energi added LED running lights and new 17-inch wheels.241416

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Ford C-Max
    C-Max
    Photo of a Fiesta
    Fiesta

    Fiesta

    The original C-Max resembles a larger Fiesta; look for its expanded MPV body and rounded, sloping roof.6

  • Photo of a Ford C-Max
    C-Max
    Photo of a S-Max
    S-Max

    S-Max

    The 2007 C-Max borrowed the S-Max's nose; its body is more compact and seats five, while the S-Max offers 5+2 seats.21

  • Photo of a Ford C-Max
    C-Max
    Photo of a Mazda5
    Mazda5

    Mazda5

    Both use minivan-style sliding doors; launch-era Grand C-Max cars carry C-Max badges without Grand lettering.8

Against its rivals

  • Citroen Xsara Picasso 2.0 HDi

    C-Max vs Citroen Xsara Picasso 2.0 HDi

    Price lower is better

    C-Max18,000 £
    Citroen Xsara Picasso 2.0 HDi16,700 £
    6
  • Toyota Prius v (2012)

    C-Max vs Toyota Prius v (2012)

    Measured fuel economy

    C-Max37.3 mpg
    Toyota Prius v (2012)39.4 mpg
    9
  • Chevrolet Volt

    C-Max vs Chevrolet Volt

    EPA electric range

    C-Max20 mi
    Chevrolet Volt53 mi
    4
  • Honda Civic (turbo)

    C-Max vs Honda Civic (turbo)

    Highway fuel economy

    C-Max33 mpg
    Honda Civic (turbo)41 mpg
    14

Prices

Value today $3.6K–$10.7K2829

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K$40K 201520202025 Value today: $3,550–$10,700 2013 · $25,995 · US Hybrid SE base2013 · $28,995 · US Hybrid SEL base2013 · $32,280 · US Hybrid SEL as tested2016 · $25,045 · US Hybrid base2016 · $32,645 · US Energi SEL base2016 · $37,510 · US Energi SEL as tested2017 · $24,995 · US Hybrid base2017 · $26,650 · US Hybrid as tested2017 · $27,995 · US Energi base2017 · $29,195 · US Energi as tested 2025 · $3,550 · 2013 Hybrid SE, 109,341 miles, Biddergy2026 · $8,100 · 2016 Hybrid SE, 35,879 miles, Biddergy2026 · $10,700 · 2017 Hybrid SE, 33,594 miles, Biddergy $10.7K Biddergy, 2026
234141618282931
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2013Price when new$25,995US Hybrid SE base
2013Price when new$28,995US Hybrid SEL base
2013Price when new$32,280US Hybrid SEL as tested
2016Price when new$25,045US Hybrid base
2016Price when new$32,645US Energi SEL base
2016Price when new$37,510US Energi SEL as tested
2017Price when new$24,995US Hybrid base
2017Price when new$26,650US Hybrid as tested
2017Price when new$27,995US Energi base
2017Price when new$29,195US Energi as tested
2025Auction sale$3,5502013 Hybrid SE, 109,341 miles, Biddergy
2026Auction sale$8,1002016 Hybrid SE, 35,879 miles, Biddergy
2026Auction sale$10,7002017 Hybrid SE, 33,594 miles, Biddergy
2026Value today$3,550–$10,700

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 12 stories from its legend
    • “A C-Max driver topped 78 entries on PAX”
    • “The Hitman's Bodyguard's C-Max dash to The Hague”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 2 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 31 sources
  1. Used Ford C-MAX buying guide: 2003-2010 (Mk1) | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  2. Ford C-Max - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  3. 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid SEL First Test - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  4. Tested: 2017 Ford C-Max Energi Plug-In Hybrid caranddriver.com
  5. Ford Focus C-MAX (2003 - 2007) | fordfan.de fordfan.de
  6. Ford Focus C-Max | The Independent | The Independent the-independent.com
  7. Used Ford C-MAX review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  8. First Drive: 2012 Ford C-Max motortrend.com
  9. 47 No More: Ford Lowers C-Max Fuel Economy Rating to 45/40 MPG motortrend.com
  10. Fuel Economy Label Updates | US EPA epa.gov
  11. Verkaufsstart für die neue Ford C-MAX-Baureihe | fordfan.de fordfan.de
  12. Ford C-MAX MPV (2011-2019) - Reliability & safety | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  13. Euro NCAP | Ford C-MAX euroncap.com
  14. Tested: 2017 Ford C-Max Hybrid caranddriver.com
  15. Ford Supercharges Electric Vehicle Plan, Unveiling New C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid Products prnewswire.com
  16. 2017 Ford C-Max Gets New Titanium Trim, Lower Starting Price motortrend.com
  17. Vorläufige Technische Daten Ford C-MAX / Ford Grand C-MAX | fordfan.de fordfan.de
  18. 2016 Ford C-Max Energi SEL Review motortrend.com
  19. Autozine - Nieuws: Ford Focus C-MAX nu ook in sportieve uitvoering autozine.nl
  20. 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid Test - Review - Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  21. Informationen zur Vorstellung des Ford C-MAX auf dem Genfer Autosalon 2007 | fordfan.de fordfan.de
  22. New Ford Grand C-MAX 2015 review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  23. Let the Sun In: Ford C-MAX Solar Energi Concept Goes Off the Grid, Gives Glimpse of Clean Vehicle Future prnewswire.com
  24. Daniel - svensken bakom nya C-Max aftonbladet.se
  25. Max Headroom – Driven to Write driventowrite.com
  26. Pax Time Results iowaregionscca.org
  27. Los coches más famosos del cine - Clicacoches clicacoches.com
  28. Biddergy - Worldwide Online Auction and Liquidation Services - (2013) Ford C-Max Hybrid biddergy.com
  29. Biddergy - Worldwide Online Auction and Liquidation Services - (2017) Ford C-Max Hybrid SE - 33,594 Miles biddergy.com
  30. Ford Focus C-MAX | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  31. Biddergy - Worldwide Online Auction and Liquidation Services - (2016) Ford C-Max Hybrid SE - 35,879 Miles biddergy.com
  • carbuyer.co.uk
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • motortrend.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • fordfan.de
  • the-independent.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • epa.gov
  • euroncap.com
  • prnewswire.com
  • autozine.nl
  • aftonbladet.se
  • driventowrite.com
  • iowaregionscca.org

Photo credits

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