C-Max hybrid to get 47mpg both city/hwy

I have read 3 tests so far that specifically mention MPG they got and they all got less than Prius v, let alone than Prius.

Edmunds got 33mpg in C-Max as I mentioned above, and 40 in Prius v, and I cant imagine how big difference would regular Prius vs C-Max be in real life mpg... Of course, you might not care about mpg that much - in that case, C-Max is considerably faster car for sure, especially at higher speed.

But if I got it and it got 33 mpg, i would personally be mightly annoyed.

 

I will personally be annoyed as well if 33mpg ends up being the case. I will have to look for it again but I have seen a review where the drivers obtained 48mpg and report others who were more hyper-miling minded who were in the 50mpg+ range. Most of these reviewers don't really drive efficiently. I know Consumer Reports states 44 mpg for the regular Prius during their testing.

 

Care to provide links?

I just did look through of about 7 reviews with test drives. Of those that make a mention of fuel economy they saw, 3 got over 40mpg.
Review: The Ford C-Max Guide to the Galaxy

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid SEL First Test - Motor Trend

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid: The Jalopnik Review
Perhaps not the most rigorous testing, but if Edmunds' reported fuel economy included the speed and performance testing, it's just as valid.

This one didn't hit 40mpg.
2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid Review: Car Reviews

So it might be on par with v.It is a YMMV thing after all.

 

Edmunds reported 33 mpg over their normal routes where Prius v got 40 mpg over the same routes... difference is large and it is not from manufacturer event where they were driven over particular roads.

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid review

If you want to dream that it will get anywhere close to Prius mpg, you can continue to do so... it must be drivers fault then.... But it leads me to remember Ford Fusion of past that never got better than Camry results as numbers suggested or Sonata Hybrids where test drivers got 60+ mpg in manufacturer events but then 20% less than Camry in real life.

Curb weight is big problem of all current Ford's and even new Fusion is 200lbs heavier than Camry... thats not good for real life economy.

 

Yep Edmunds, tests really badly. They don't try for repeatable tests or adjust for weather, etc. IIRC they claimed the leaf went to 60 in 7 seconds, and when called on it, it turned out the reporter didn't know how to use a stop watch, and just glanced at his wrist watch at random times.

I'm sure motor trend or car and driver will do a head to head, same day, same roads. Motor trend in a non-calibrated road test had the c-max only slightly better than the prius v. You really have to try hard to test as bad as edmunds. Remember how they said the prius phv got much better fuel economy from its battery in CD than the volt. Turns out they tried to calculate that one from the gas used. Duh. Edmunds and CR both get Fs in my book on any kind of "real world" testing.

 

So, that's a no on a link to the three tests you mentioned then.

It appears that Edmunds isn't doing any actual fuel economy testing. They only report what fuel economy they observed during the usual driving tests. We don't even know if this based of calculations or the car display.

Their full test involves the usual performance testing; 0 to 30, 0 to 60, 1/4 mile, slalom, brake distance, etc. The C-max is a little porker in the weight department. The Fusion hybrid may be lighter. Weight hurts fuel economy the most during acceleration. More so when it's drag race type acceleration from a stop. Repeats of such acceleration can eat into an observed mpg for the heavier car.

If a commute involves a lot of full stops and gos, then the C-max may not work out as the best choice for fuel economy.

The C-max is 1.7 sec faster, 0 to 60, than the v, despite its extra weight. Honestly, being faster to 60mph and on the 1/4 mile doesn't really matter in the class of family mover. The 0 to 75 numbers are interesting though. The traffic moves that fast on some highways, and on ramps where installed when 55mph was the limit. The Prius v takes over twice as long as the C-max to reach 75mph from a stop.

Being 3mph faster on the slalom means the C-max is more manuveurable, despite being heavier.

Edmunds does report what the tire pressure was set at, and even the weather. CR should take note.

The C-max was tested at 91.4F, and the Prius v at 68F. Well, 20 degrees difference. Not like that would have much affect on vehicle efficiency. No affect at on engine cooling, the intake air, or whether the AC is on.

2012 Toyota Prius V Full Test and Video

 

Some companies are more aggressive when it comes to gas mileage than others and the mileage reflects more about the driver.

Comments in this video about fuel economy!(YMMV)
Toyota Camry Hybrid vs. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid : Car Reviews

 

I had the chance to test drive the C-Max today and am fairly certain I will buy one when one with the options I want comes available. I really liked the higher seating position as well as the ride. The increase in horsepower is very apparent and the overall ride and drive is much more like a traditional car. I found road noise to be better than my Prius as well, but this was a calm day in Nebraska. Overall I came away even more impressed than I anticipated. The things I wish were different about my Prius are found in the C-Max. The C-Max is more fun to drive, rides better IMHO and more like a "normal" car, and I really like the extra tech features. The adjustable gauges on each side of the speedometer are especially useful. The system informed me of my last trip's info after shutting the car down (mpg over distance and energy recaptured ... Also gives a fun little score on how well I utilized the regenerative brakes). It's hokey but it works.

My main concern is fuel economy. I had a short drive today (twice) ... Both times right around 4 miles and from a cold start and included heavy acceleration a few times. Both short trips recorded 38 mpg, but to be honest my Prius most likely would have performed worse fuel economy-wise in the same situation. My main concern with fuel economy comes from considering the added weight of the options I want in the C-Max. In the Prius the options with weight seem pretty standard and if you choose a moonroof you can't get the heavier 17" rims so it all balances out. Another concern is the width of cargo area - maybe similar to a slight bit narrower than my Prius. I was anticipating the overall surface area with the seats down to be larger but it appears similar to maybe a touch smaller??? It seems the increase in overall cargo area is mostly height - which I knew coming in, but to see it in person cemented that slight concern. Room for driver and passengers is significantly more spacious. The seats are much more comfortable as well. The very small amount of hyper-miling I attempted, it seemed easier to hold higher speeds without engaging the gas engine.

I love my Prius ... Believe me, but this car is such a step up in so many areas - even if it costs a few mpg (hopefully no more than the sticker states). I am looking forward to more time with a C-Max in the future for a more proper comparison.

 

Thanks, Husker. Any chance you could get the C-Max for a longer stretch and drive it similarly to your Prius, over the same course, under similar conditions? Just to confirm comfort and handling and to check MPGs.

I think the numbers are real in terms of space. The height is going to give you a different feeling of space, but the space really is not going to be the same as the Prius.

Have you test driven the Prius v? Have you compared the C-Max to the Prius v?

 

I did test drive the Prius V a few weeks ago. The comparisons feel like they should be between the regular hatchback and the C-Max rather than the V. The V is its own beast IMHO. It felt really slow and overwhelmed compared to the C-Max. The back seat room in the C-Max and V felt comparable but the V's reclining rear seats are a really nice feature. I believe the C-Max's seats are noticeably more comfortable than both the Prius and Prius V.

I will see what I can do on that similar drive. All I know is I pushed the C-Max while driving, which is not something I do with my Prius ever.

 

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

An edmunds.com video

 

That is interesting. I haven't been able to see a C-Max yet, but I had compared the Prius back seat to that of the Focus (same frame as the C-Max). To me, the Prius, especially the Prius v, had more room and comfort in the back seat than the Focus. For this reason, I have felt the back seats of the C-Max would be no better, but it sounds as though I may be surprised when I have a chance to actually sit in the C-Max.

 

best to buy it and let us know how it goes.. you know you want it

 

Well guys ... I went and bought a C-Max. I won't have a ton to say right now as I just picked it up and am on my way cross country to see the Nebraska @ Ohio State game. You can be sure I'll have a lot to say after this trip. Some impressions so far ...

- aesthetically I like everything better ... the gauges, the overall looks, comfort ... The ride is much better than my Prius hatchback Pkg V. The front seats are more comfortable ... Road noise down the Interstate is WAY better. The doors feel more solid (and heavier).

- Fuel economy ... I'm sure this is what everyone cares about most. Must say I'm extremely disappointed in the fuel economy on the Interstate so far. At 75 mph I averaged 33 mpg from Omaha to Des Moines (139 miles). I have made this drive a lot prior and I would imagine in these conditions at that speed in my Prius I'd have averaged 42-44 mpg. Around town I was able to do very well and I'm feeling like it will push 50 mpg easy when I get more time in town. Time at lower highway speeds have me thinking 45 mpg will be typical highway fuel economy. Seems the interstate driving especially kills the economy on this vehicle (of course it's tough on all of them). Gliding was common even at 55-60 mph however. In regards to fuel economy I'm wondering if the testing is done on a base equipped car and mine is loaded with power options that require motors (=weight) power seats, lift gate, park assist.

SOME CORRECTIONS FROM MY PREVIOUS COMMENTS:

- I believe the surface area of the cargo space is slightly smaller than my hatchback Prius. I previously thought the C-Max was larger.

- the rear seats are about the same comfort level and it feels very much like a bench back there.

OTHER RANDOM THOUGHTS:

- Sync system is great overall. Syncing the iPad and phone was super-easy. Stereo was very solid sound-wise, but I liked my Prius JBL as well.

- ride and noise down the road are especially pleasing. Much more connected driving experience.

- love the extra spaciousness and headroom.

- the interior feels substantially more upscale than my Prius.

- like the elevated seating position a great deal and overall viewing/sight out of the car is much improved.

- enjoy the exterior look a great deal more than the Prius.

OVERALL THOUGHT:

Really enjoying everything about the car a great deal, but have to admit this Interstate fuel economy is very concerning to me at this time. Is the added comfort and convenience worth it? Time will tell ... If city fuel economy proves legit I will have an easier time accepting this reduced Interstate economy.

Feel free to ask any questions ...

 

Thanks so much for sharing your experience thus far. This kind of feedback is extremely valuable!

Would you be so kind as to take a few pictures for us? I'd rally like to see the rear cargo area with something in there for scale. The bump especially. A regular side shot of the would be cool too. The pictures on the Ford site are so stylized.

 

Will do but possibly not until I get home from my trip

 

Your economy should improve with time. There is a break in period for the engine, transmission, and tires before you see your best numbers.

What speeds are you doing on the interstate? Is the traffic requiring heavy acceleration?

What is the tire pressure?

 

Another thing to look at is the accuracy of the reading. I'm not going to say that the C-max is accurate because I don't have one but my Fiesta is always within 1mpg. My Prius is usually 3mpg generous if not worse.

 

I have owned a ton of new cars and never really seen a break in period make much of a difference in my experience. I have no idea what the tire pressure is at as well since I picked it up and immediately had to hit the road. I ran my Prius at recommended pressures and from all I can tell the C-Max seems to obtain around 7-8 mpg less than my Prius at the same speeds in my estimation - again this is all by the computer's readings.

Really enjoying everything about the car besides the slight concerns about fuel economy. More musings ...

- very solid feeling car all around ... Feels more substantial than my Prius by a long shot. This leads to a much quieter experience going down the road. Interior materials are a huge upgrade overall. Fit and finish and soft touch interior is very well done.

- still loving the seating position and headroom increase ... Able to see out of the car much better. Stereo sounds great!

- handling and ride are again a huge upgrade IMHO. Much more European feel.

- extra horsepower and pickup are a huge difference as well.

- so many niceties on the C-Max not found on my Prius - power rear hatch, turn signals on mirrors, adjustable (and hotter) seat heaters, more interior lighting, better Nav and electronics (although I never had Entune), panoramic sunroof (that doesn't open), power driver's seat, underfloor storage in rear seat footwells, more readout adjustments, front and rear parking sensors

What's missing ...

- no HID headlamps
- no EV button or other driving modes (some adjustments found in dash setting menus)
- less underfloor storage in cargo area
- no spare tire

I'm sure many on here don't find this all worth the loss in fuel economy (not sure I do either) ... But I do believe this is a very nicely packaged car from Ford for what is generally a lower price than a similarly equipped Prius (packaging both the way I would order one equates to a $2000 premium for the Prius). There is also a $1000 rebate for the C-Max right now. Not sure what Ford's plan is with the C-Max marketing wise ... Seems like a more relevant match to the hatchback versus the Prius V IMHO. I do know most of the dealers I talked to about the C-Max seemed to be having a tough time selling them so far given the fact it's a new model.

 

Fuel economy today was around 36 mpg ... Seems 75 mph = 34 mpg and 70 mph = 36 mpg