2013 Ford C-Max Undercuts Toyota Prius V By $555

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

Ford has priced their C-Max MPV with a base sticker of $25,995, or $555 less than its main rival, the Toyota Prius V.

Ford claims that the C-Max has a few more cubic feet of cargo room, as well as a taller roofline than the Prius V for more headroom. Features like MyFordTouch will be offered as standard.

Ford expects the C-Max to best the Prius V in fuel economy as well, but figures weren’t announced. Also conspicuously absent was pricing for the C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid – which Ford claims can beat the fuel economy of the Prius Plug-In. The base C-Max uses the 2.0L Atkinson cycle engine and hybrid powertrain similar to the Ford Fusion Hybrid.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Rudiger Rudiger on May 17, 2012

    The dumb front end styling, although non-cohesive, isn't much worse than the Prius V. In that regard, street-price for the C-Max will likely be quite a bit less than the Prius. Coupled with a better equipment list, the C-Max could be quite a worthy alternative to the V. For instance, the C-Max is supposed to have what is turning out to be a very popular option (already available on the new Escape), the 'kick' operated rear door opener. OTOH, the closest thing Toyota has, the Smart Key System (SKS), has been cheapened up on all models (except the most expensive) to only operate the driver's door. Previously, 'any' Toyota SKS-equipped vehicles operated three doors. But, as usual, Toyota is decontenting the hell out of their vehicles while keeping the MSRP high. I, for one, am hopeful that the C-Max will kick the V's ass.

    • Jimmyy Jimmyy on May 17, 2012

      I have a 12 Camry Hybrid that has the smart key. I thought I was able to open the passenger door by standing by it. I will double check that.

  • Jimmyy Jimmyy on May 17, 2012

    This vehicle is no sales threat to the Prius V. The only way the CMax could be a factor is if the price tag was thousands and thousands under the Prius V. However, at 500 dollars under, Toyota is laughing at the CMax. The Prius family of hybrids is the gold standard. The CMax is a Prius look alike. I thought Chinese were the ones that copied vehicles, then sold them at a huge discount. Here, we have Ford copying the Prius, then trying to sell them at the same price. Wow. What has become of the American auto industry. What a shame.

  • Tekdemon Tekdemon on May 17, 2012

    you guys should probably clarify that title since the C-max isn't a hybrid in most of the world so I was quite confused how it would be getting better mileage.

  • ZoomZoom ZoomZoom on May 17, 2012

    I won't buy one because I don't trust Mike Rowe. He should dress at least a little bit better; he looks like a pauper in drab colors in those Ford commercials. That won't make me trust him any more because I find him annoyingly annoying anyhow, but it wouldn't hurt his image.

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