Hello! Almost a Prius v newbie - 1st Question!

Depends on price, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota Avalon hybrid, Kia hybrid, Hyundai hybrid. But for the combo of fuel economy and space you are making a very good choice.

 

I chose the Prius"v" on the basis of nearly 14 years of the company's experience with hybrids.

Over three generations of the Prius, I can see how they have employed "cutting edge" and expensive component designs in the frst generations; only to redesign the same systems components for simpler, less expensive, easier to service, less costly and more reliable components.

The "v" uses proven relatively inexpensive proven Nickel Metal Hydride batteries, while the C Max uses Lithium Ion batteries. Everyone has heard of the problems with Lithium Ion batteries in laptops and teh current Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Maybe, in 10 years, the Lithium Ion battery will have proven track record like the Prius' NiMH batteries.

As for me, I'll stick with the Prius hybrid system.

 

The C-max is probably the closest, but not really close for interior space, as you've observed.
Browse feully.com to get a good idea of how the vehicles compre for real life fuel mileage as well.

We bought the Prius hatch instead, last March. What impressed me most was the mileage I scored right "out of the box".

 

Mileage isn't everything.

The Ford C Max "Echo Boost" engine uses a rubber timng belt bathed in engine oil. Most timing belts need to be changed at about 90k miles.

The 1.8 liter Toyota engine usd on the Prius has a timing chain system of proven reliability and many years of production.

 

I'm still coveting the Prius v myself - which would be my first hybrid. I test drove the C-Max. I must say it drove very nicely, but you can easily find reports that the mpg is nowhere near what they publish, and the cargo space is MUCH smaller than the v. They really should be comparing it to the regular Prius - I think if you check the cargo volume it's actually pretty similar to the Prius. I think they purposefully compared it to the v so the mpg would look better. I was really disappointed to hear about the real-world mpg. I also like the proven Prius reliability. Now I just need to win the Lotto so I can afford the 5 with ATP.

 

I just went from a Prius reular--2008 to the V (5) and everything I found convinced me the Prius V is the most reliable, best milage, safest, and most convenient choice. I also accosted people driving them and they were very happy with their choices. I managed to carry incredible amounts of things in my reg P so I am expecting not even having to think about packing in the V.

 

The Prius has 30% to 60% more cargo room than the C-Max. And better MPG in the real world.

The C-max is quieter and accelerates faster.

Pick what is important to you.

 

You're going to get bias answers here.

I just purchased my Prius V in Toronto, Can't wait to put more KM in it. Yay!

 

I test drove a C-Max and Prius v in December 2012. I bought the Prius v.
Factors that influenced my decision:
1. The C-Max was going to cost $3,000 more with similar equipment. It seems that because the C-max had a few good reviews and better EPA numbers, the Ford dealer felt he could get his price.
2. Prius has proven reliability. Ford not so much.
3. C-Max does not have a spare tire but a can of fix-a-flat. I've been in enough situations where a damaged tire and fix-a-flat would have me calling for a tow truck and stranded without a car for a few days waiting for the right tire to be ordered.
4. The Prius has more luggage capacity. The C-Max has the ridiculous 2" bump up in the cargo floor that just screams indifferent engineering.
The C-Max did drive a bit better and was a little quieter.