Item: 2015 Ford C-Max Energi
Author: John Diether

Overview

Like the standard C-Max hatchback, the Energi gets its go from an efficient hybrid powerplant. The difference is the Energi's ability to plug into the grid and charge its battery pack while parked. The benefit? Your first 20 or so miles of travel are gas-free.

What's New for 2015

The C-Max Energi continues unchanged.

Choosing Your C-Max Energi

The C-Max Energi uses the same hybrid setup and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) found in other Ford products for the past few years. Even though the notion of a plug-in car still seems exotic to some, rest assured there's nothing experimental going on. The 2-liter four-cylinder gas engine and electric motor together produce 188 horsepower and take the Energi from zero to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, a quick time for any compact hatchback, let alone a hybrid.

On a full charge, the Energi runs on electricity only for about 20 miles, then switches to hybrid mode, where it yields 38 mpg in combined driving. The average driver will be rewarded with 88 mpge (miles per gallon equivalent), but folks who mostly make short trips (with charging in-between) can do much better. Of course, you don't have to use the plug-in feature at all, in which case the Energi functions like any other hybrid. Charging a fully depleted battery pack takes about five hours on a typical home outlet, but you can cut that time in half by using a 240-volt charging station. Note that the Energi's special battery pack cuts maximum cargo space down to about 42 cubic-feet, which is at the low end of this class.

The C-Max Energi is available in a single well-equipped trim level: SEL. You get plenty of standard trimmings, including leather seating with heat in front and driver power, keyless ignition, automatic headlamps and wipers, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth phone and audio, the MyFord Touch and Sync infotainment interfaces, and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio.

There are three progressive option packages for the Energi. Group 301A adds navigation and a nine-speaker Sony sound system with HD radio. On top of that, Group 302A gets you a rearview camera and hands-free power liftgate. Group 303A finishes things off with front parking sensor and an automated parking system. A panoramic glass roof is available on all models as a standalone option.

CarsDirect Tip

In full hybrid mode, the Energi actually gets about 2 mpg less than the regular C-Max. To realize the Energi's enormous gas-saving potential, your driving habits will have to include a fair number of short trips and the ability to recharge in-between.

Choose your Ford C-Max Energi »

John Diether

Automotive Editor - October 28, 2014

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Specs & Features

Highlights

Overall Crash Safety Rating

Not Available

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque

2.0L I-4 / 141 HP / 129 ft.lbs.

Transmission

2-spd CVT w/OD

Drive Type

Front-wheel

Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined

40 / 36 / 38 Mpg

Passenger Capacity

Bumper to Bumper Warranty

36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Mechanical Specs

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque	2.0L I-4 / 141 HP / 129 ft.lbs.
Drive Type	Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined	40 / 36 / 38 Mpg
Brakes	4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension	Strut
Rear Suspension	Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Fuel Tank	14.0 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type	Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank	$53

Dimensions & Capabilities

Maximum Cargo Volume	42.8 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume	100 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length	173.6 "
Exterior Width	72.0 "
Exterior Height	63.8 "
Front Headroom	41.0 "
Rear Headroom	39.4 "
Front Legroom	43.1 "
Rear Legroom	36.5 "
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 "
Rear Shoulder Room	55.2 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight	3,859 Lbs.
Wheel Base	104 "
Turning Radius	19.2 '

Exterior Features

Door Count	4 Doors
Wheels	17.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint	Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone / Tri-coat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors	Dual Power Remote Heated Convex Spotter
Bumpers	Body-colored
Grille Moldings	Metal-look
Rear Spoiler	Lip
Exhaust	Stainless Steel

Interior Features

Seating

Passenger Capacity	5
Seat Trim	Leather
Front Seat Type	Bucket
Heated Front Seats	Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls	(8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls	4-way
Front Armrests	(8-way Power)
Rear Armrests	Center
Rear Seats	60-40 Split-bench

Radio & Infotainment

Radio	Siriusxm Am/fm/satellite, Clock, Seek-scan / Sony Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan / Clock / Siriusxm Am/fm/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers	6 / 9 Sony
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity

Convenience Features

Steering Wheel Type	Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control	Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control	With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror	Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window	Front And Rear
Tinted Windows	Light
Vanity Mirrors	Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry	Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets	3

Safety Features

Overall Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags	Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags	Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag	Driver
Passenger Side Impact Airbag	Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Front
Anti-Lock Brakes	4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors	Rear / Automated
Security Systems	Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable	Securilock

Warranty

Bumper To Bumper Months Miles	36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months	60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months	60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation	60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2015 Ford C-Max Energi for Sale