The ‘Green’ Crossover Battle: Toyota PriusV vs. Ford C-Max Energi

Test vehicles MSRP:

C-Max Energi: $36,635 (Base Model $33,745)

PriusV: $37,411 (Base Model $27,445)

Seating Capacity: 5 occupants

Standard Safety Features:

C-Max: airbags (1^st and 2^nd row with airbags, knee, front and side); ABS; a reverse sensing system; SOS post-crash alert system; a tire pressure monitoring system; stability control; traction control; blind spot mirrors; a hill-start assist system; and a perimeter alarm

PriusV: airbags; ABS; traction control; electronic brake distribution; and a tire pressure monitoring system; downhill brake control; hill-start assist control system and LED highlights

Standard Equipment and Optional Features Included:

C-Max Standard: 17-inch wheels; 120-volt charge cord; 110-volt powerpoint; dual zone ventilation system; in-floor storage; a 10-way power driver’s seat; leather seats; electric power assist steering; a push-button keyless starter;  a regenerative braking system; a plug-in hybrid system; MyTouch infotainment system; a tilt/telescopic steering wheel; and a remote liftgate

C-Max Options: a 9-speaker audio system; a back up camera; an oversized power moonroof; Ford’s signature keyless entry liftgate; and an advance parking parallel system

PriusV Standard: 17-inch wheels; a rear spoiler; 6-way adjustable manual seats; heated seats; leather-like seats; a push-button keyless starter; Toyota’s Entune System allows the occupants to listen to use such applications as Bing, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable and Pandora; a navigation system; a tilt/telescopic steering wheel; and an all-glass fixed dual solar roof with sunshades

PriusV Options: a rear bumper protector; factory wheel locks; cargo net; carpet mats with trunk mat; radar cruise control system; a pre collision system;a back up camera; an Advanced Parking Guidance System; and an 8-speaker JBL audio system

Standard Audio:

C-Max: a 6-speaker AM/FM//CD Player with a 6-month satellite radio subscription

PriusV: a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/HD

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty:

C-Max: 3-year/36,000 miles

PriusV: 3-year/ 36,000 miles

Hybrid/Electric Warranty:

C-Max: 8-year/100,000 miles

PriusV: 8-year/ 100,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty:

C-Max: 5-year/60,000 miles

PriusV: 5-year/60,000 miles

MP3 Capability:

C-Max: Yes

PriusV: Yes

Standard Engine/(GAS) Horsepower:

C-Maxi: 2.0-liter, 4-cyl./141-hp

PriusV: 1.8-liter, 4-cyl./98-hp

Recommended Fuel:

C-Max: Regular Gas and Electric (Plug-In)

PriusV: Regular Gas    

Standard Fuel Mileage: 

C-Max: 108-city/92-highway (plug-in)/ 45-city/40-highway (hybrid)

PriusV: 44-city/40-highway

Cargo Volume:

C-Max: 19.2 cu. ft.

PriusV: 34.3 cu. ft.

Suspension System:

C-Max: Independent (Front) McPherson/Torsion bar

PriusV: Independent Rear

What’s New:

C-Max: While this European crossover is a new addition to North America's Ford family, it has been available in Europe for a few years.

PriusV: With the exception of a few content modifications, this vehicle is a carryover for the 2013 model year.

Pros:

C-Max: Ford’s crossover offers a number of high tech features such as an automatic parking parallel system and the brand signature MyFord Touch infotainment system. Unlike the PriusV, the C-Max has the capability of being fueled by gasoline or electricity. Obvious, using electricity alone will cut the overall ownership cost. As a side note, the C-Max is also available independently as either a hybrid or as a gas-electric plug-in vehicle. 

Ironically, for comparison sakes, the PriusV, which is available as a hybrid only, is priced thousands more than the C-Max hybrid or the gas-plug-in vehicle, C-Max Energi, which is also priced significant less than Toyota five-passenger crossover hybrid.

And, with the C-Max being available as a plug-in vehicle, its eligible for a $4,007 tax credit from the government. Other incentives could be available based upon one’s local jurisdiction too. Thus, this really gives the C-Max a significant price advantage over the PriusV.

PriusV: Toyota’s PriusV is disguised as a station wagon, offering plenty of room for both occupants and cargo. The PriusV controls are easy to use. The stylish oversized fixed skyroof provides lots of light. As most folks in this class realize, the Prius family has been the leader in hybrid technology. O n the other hand, Ford is relatively new in the game, when compared to Toyota.

Cons:

C-Max: While Ford’s C-Max was praised for being one of the first to offer a high-tech infotainment system known as MyTouch, it’s also received a lot of criticism for the system being plagued with issues too. At times, the system can be a little cumbersome to utilize, seeing that there are no knobs (or switches) to change stations or  the audio settings. Unfortunately, everything from the ventilation system to the heated seats to the audio system are all controlled by a touchscreen system.

Besides the complicated MyTouch system, the C-Max plug-in cargo area is somewhat limited due to the location of the electric battery, which severely limits the cargo carrying capacity. (We hear a longer wheelbase model could be arriving in the states, at some point).

Lastly, the C-Max Energi is only available in the higher end SEL trim. By offering a lower price package, this could expand sales of the C-Max.

PriusV: Unlike the C-Max, the PriusV is not available as a plug-in electric vehicle. Only the original Prius hatchback offers both a hybrid and a plug-in model. Moreover, the PriusV lacks a useable roof, since it’s fixed. Also for $38,000, the PriusV should offer real leather, as opposed to the pseudo softex. Furthermore,  it may take a moment for the average driver to adjust to the location of the driver-oriented gauges, which are located in the center of the instrument panel.

Lastly, Toyota engineers should add more horsepower to the PriusV to match the C-Maxi.

The Verdict:  Toyota’s PriusV and Ford’s C-Maxi are today’s modern day versions of  high-tech station wagon. Conversely, unlike the station wagons of the past, these front-wheel drive, five-passenger vehicles are literally ‘Green’. They are ‘Green’ in the sense that both vehicles offer hybrid engines. Although Toyota is the global leader in hybrid systems, the C-Max ups the ante, offering a plug-in vehicle. The C-Max takes a page from GM’s Chevy Volt, offering both gas and electric to power the vehicle.

The C-Max Energi does fall short when compared to the Prius literally due to the shorter wheelbase. Unfortunately, this equates to a much smaller cargo area. In fact, the C-Maxi Energi had significantly less space for cargo too, especially when the second-row seats are occupied.

On the other hand, the C-Max Energi overpowers the PriusV offering more horsepower than the Toyota all at a lower price point, especially when the government tax incentive (s) kick-in for being an electric vehicle too.

So, for those yearning to go 'Green' in a wagon-like style vehicle, the PriusV and the C-Max are both great choices to consider. Yes, there are a number of differences. However, it’s a matter of consumers deciding what is high on their shopping list: the space, the price point, the cargo room or one’s track record with hybrid technology!