2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid and Energi: Test Drive Review

Ford's Escape CUV and Fusion sedan were all-new and improved for 2013, but only the Fusion gets a hybrid model, because Ford is importing its European compact C-Max CUV (which offers gas or diesel power across the pond) as, like the Toyota Prius, a hybrid-only line.

The 2013 Ford C-Max comes in two variations: standard parallel hybrid and plug-in hybrid, the latter creatively called "Energi." Both trump their Toyota rivals in a number of ways, including performance, dynamics, EV range, price and ? though there have been questions?about this ? efficiency. They offer 188 gas engine/electric motor combined horsepower vs. the Prius' 134, and the plug-in Energi version delivers 100 combined MPGe (equivalent) EPA economy vs. the Prius plug-in's 95 MPGe. And Ford says the Energi can deliver up to 620 miles total range on a tank of gas and a fully-charged battery, topping the Prius plug-in's claimed 540.

Ford also claims an electric-only range of "up to" 21 miles for the Energi vs. the Prius plug-in?s 15 miles. But both plug-ins fall well short of those numbers in real-life driving. We found the C-Max Energi starting its engine at 12 or 13 miles, the Prius plug-in at six or seven.

Both 2013 Ford C-Max versions are powered by a 2.0-liter high-efficiency Atkinson Cycle 4-cylinder engine with dual independent variable valve timing coupled to an electric traction motor through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. As in Toyota's Synergy Drive, this combo drives the front wheels through a "powersplit" transaxle, with the engine and motor sharing the workload to optimize fuel efficiency as driving conditions change. And, like every hybrid and electric vehicle, its motor becomes a generator to recapture energy and return it to the battery during coasting and braking.

Our favorites among the C-Max's claimed 15 class-exclusive features are the available hands-free liftgate ? just kick your foot under it to swing it open, again to close it ? and Active Park Assist, which can choose a suitable parallel spot and steer you into it while you work the pedals. AdvanceTrac stability control with RSC (Roll Stability Control), Curve Control and seven airbags are standard. The plug-in Energi also offers three EV modes: "EV Now" (electric only), "EV Later" (saves battery energy for when you prefer to use it) and "EV Auto" (normal gas/electric blend).

To our eyes, the C-Max is an attractive compact crossover that drives as nicely as it looks, while effectively hiding its hybridness and delivering impressive efficiency for its size. Its performance is ample, its ride is smooth, its steering crisp and its handling surprisingly agile, bordering on fun. Inside, its cabin is pleasantly quiet, comfortable and roomy for its compact size, with well-laid-out controls and soft-touch materials where you most appreciate them.

The C-Max starts at $25,200, the bigger-battery Energi at $33,745 ($29,995 after a $3,750 federal tax credit), making it the U.S. market's most affordable plug-in EV or hybrid.

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