2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid

What's New for 2013

The 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid is an all-new vehicle.

Introduction

Ford launched an ad campaign a few years ago hinged on a theme of "bold moves." Meant to project the automaker's new tolerance for risk and daring, the campaign underpinned the arrival of shake-up cars like the Flex, Fusion Hybrid and F-150 Raptor. Although the marketing bravado has since faded, Ford is still throwing the dice, this time with the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi.

Although the C-Max wagon has already been on sale in Europe, the Hybrid marks the debut for the C-Max stateside. It will use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. The combination, in conjunction with a lithium-ion battery pack, generates 141 horsepower in the standard gas-electric C-Max Hybrid. The C-Max Energi, meanwhile, will be Ford's first production plug-in hybrid.

For the Hybrid, Ford is claiming that it achieves an impressive 47 mpg city and 47 mpg highway. The Ford C-Max Energi, meanwhile, is expected to achieve more than 500 miles of driving range between its gasoline engine and its lithium-ion battery pack, and it will be possible to fully charge the batteries overnight through a standard 120-volt electric outlet.

The C-Max line features a high roof design that gives each vehicle plenty of headroom for passengers along with a higher command-style seat position. It also features five-passenger seating that includes a split, fold-flat second-row seat. According to Ford, the C-Max Hybrid provides 54.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row and 24.5 cubic feet behind the second row. The Energi will be slightly less spacious.

We expect the C-Max Hybrid to compete primarily against the Toyota Prius V. Besides providing slightly better fuel economy, the C-Max will likely be more enjoyable to drive and have a nicer interior. But the Prius is more established, and its Entune electronics interface is easier to use than the finicky MyFord Touch system.

We've yet to drive the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid, but check back later for a full review, including specs, driving impressions and buying advice as it becomes available.