2018 Ford C-Max review
Ford C-Max highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Comfortable cabin
- Great cargo capacity
- Accelerates quickly
Cons
- Lacks driver-assistance features
- Unimpressive design
- Outdated platform
Mileage (EPA estimate)
42 city, 38 highway, 40 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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Wagon space with a hybrid powertrain
The 2018 Ford C-Max is a wagon that runs on a hybrid powertrain and offers a smooth, quiet ride with lots of room for cargo and passengers. It's a practical choice for families, first and foremost, but it's also quite fun to drive thanks to the quick acceleration and great maneuverability. Ideal for driving around town and on the daily commute, the 2018 Ford C-Max is an ideal option if you appreciate versatility and function.
All Ford C-Max years
What is new for the 2018 Ford C-Max?
- New trim level added: Sport Edition for enhanced performance features.
- Base trim discontinued: Standard Model no longer available, replaced by updated entry-level option.
- Introduction of advanced safety package as standard equipment across all trims.
- New infotainment system with improved connectivity and user interface now included in mid-level trims.
- Removal of the optional V6 engine due to low demand, now exclusively offering a turbocharged four-cylinder.
2018 Ford C-Max trims
Curious how Ford C-Max trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesSE:
- 188-hp, 129-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Power Seats
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Mirrors
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- View our Ford C-Max SE inventory
Titanium:
- Includes all features available on the SE
- Parking Sensors
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather Seats
- Remote Start
- Smart Key
- Sony Sound System
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- View our Ford C-Max Titanium inventory
SE Hybrid:
- Includes all features available on the Titanium
- 2.0L
- View our Ford C-Max SE Hybrid inventory
Titanium Hybrid:
- Includes all features available on the SE Hybrid
- No significant upgrades found on the Titanium Hybrid
- View our Ford C-Max Titanium Hybrid inventory
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Ford C-Max
1. Good gas mileage
Since it's a hybrid, it's only natural to expect good gas mileage from the 2018 Ford C-Max. The base model comes with a thrifty powertrain consisting of a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that's paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission in combination with two electric motors and a battery pack. With this powertrain, the 2018 Ford C-Max gets an EPA-estimated 40 mpg combined.
2. Comfortable interior
The 2018 Ford C-Max comes with a roomy cabin with nice materials, offering a comfortable ride for passengers in both rows. It can seat up to five people, with front head- and legroom measuring 41 inches and 43.1 inches, respectively. In the back, passengers get 39.4 inches and 36.5 inches of headroom and legroom, respectively. The 2018 C-Max comes standard with cloth upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, along with a power-adjustable driver's seat.
3. Virtually no road or engine noise
In addition to being spacious and elegant, the cabin of the 2018 Ford C-Max offers a quiet ride, too. That's thanks to the hybrid powertrain as well as innovative noise cancellation solutions — including acoustic glass. This combination helps reduce road and wind noise, resulting in a calm and pleasant ride experience.
4. Balanced handling
Apart from the quiet ride passengers are sure to appreciate, the 2018 Ford C-Max offers a fulfilling driving experience, as well. It drives smoothly, with balanced handling that resembles that of a smaller hatchback rather than a wagon. It turns corners with confidence and is agile, with quick acceleration and precise steering, going from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds.
5. Generous cargo capacity
The high cargo capacity plays a significant role in making the 2018 Ford C-Max as appealing as possible. There is ample room for storage behind the rear seats, measuring 24.5 cu-ft, which is already generous and sufficient for most daily needs. However, if you need more space, you can fold down the rear seats to open up a total cargo capacity of 52.6 cu-ft, allowing you to carry several suitcases at a time or other bulkier items without a problem. The hands-free liftgate makes packing that much easier too.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.8 out of 5
5 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 4 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 1 |
| 3 Stars | 0 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
RepairPal gave the Ford C-Max an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Ford C-Max 7th out of 46 among Compact Cars.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Ford C-Max is $416, compared to an average of $453 for Compact Cars and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Ford C-Max owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.7 times per year, compared to an average of 1.1 times for Compact Cars and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 11% for the Ford C-Max, compared to an average of 12% for Compact Cars and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Ford C-Max features and specs
Curious how Ford C-Max trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Titanium Hybrid 4D Wagon 2WD
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Remote Start
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Alloy Wheels
- Automatic Transmission
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- AM/FM Stereo
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Sunroof(s)
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Auxiliary Audio Input
Drive Wheels
2WD
Engine size
2.0L
Engine type
Gas
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Ford C-Max FAQ
The 2018 Ford C-Max has received an average 4.8 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Ford C-Max, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Ford C-Max Reviews.
The Ford C-Max received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Ford C-Max as 7 out of 46 among Compact Car
Here are the pros and cons of the 2018 Ford C-Max: Pros - Fuel Economy - Technology and Entertainment - Dashboard Cons - Technology and Entertainment - Ride and Handling - Weather Versatility
Here is what's new for the 2018 Ford C-Max:
- Titanium
- SE
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Sunroof(s)
- Auxiliary Audio Input
The 2018 Ford C-Max offers the following fuel efficiency options: • Hybrid: 42 city / 38 highway MPG (Titanium trim) • Hybrid: 42 city / 38 highway MPG (SE trim) Actual mileage may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle condition, and driving habits.
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.

