Ford C-Max Hybrids Make KBB.com 10 Best Green Cars of 2015 List

Kelley Blue Book has named Ford’s C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid to its list of the 10 Best Green Cars of 2015. Compiled every year in observance of Earth Day, the list features the vehicles that offer the best combination of value, efficiency and overall appeal. This is the third year in a row the C-MAX line has made the list, and as always, the honor is well deserved.

A Long Time Coming

While Ford’s C-MAX line is a relatively new name in the North American auto market, the original gasoline- and diesel-powered models were available in Europe as early as 2003. The line finally made its way overseas with the unveiling of the C-MAX Hybrid at the 2011 North American International Auto Show.

The C-MAX Hybrid went on to make its market debut in September of 2012. The C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid followed in October, and both models have since proven themselves capable of competing with even the most well-established hybrid vehicles on the road.

Impressive Efficiency

The 2015 Ford C-MAX Hybrid is powered by an electric motor with a leading-edge lithium-ion battery and a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle I-4 gasoline engine. Together they can produce up to 188 horsepower, but the electric motor alone can handle an efficient ride at up to 85 mph.

With the help of Ford’s Next-Generation SmartGauge with EcoGuide and a Brake Coach that helps the driver to brake efficiently for optimal energy regeneration, the C-MAX Hybrid earns an estimated 42 mpg city/37 mpg highway/40 mpg combined.

The 2015 Ford C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid utilizes a larger lithium-ion battery and an external port that can fully charge the vehicle in just 2.5 hours using an available 240-volt home charging station. Alternatively, a 120-volt outlet and standard cord can fully charge the battery overnight.

Efficient driving modes like EcoCruise and EV+ mode help to save fuel during acceleration and utilize electric mode depending upon both the terrain and the distance to the pre-programmed destination. These systems help the C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid to earn a combined 88 city/highway mpg.

Competitive Performance

Both C-MAX models stand out from other hybrids in their ability to provide strong acceleration. Even at the highway speeds at which most hybrids struggle, the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid have enough overhead power to pass slower traffic without hesitating or topping out too early.

The spirited feel of the hybrid line is further enhanced by handling that’s far superior to the numb control offered by most hybrids. Firm steering provides the driver with a confident and centered feel on the road, and the stiffness of the body soaks up the grit of the road while dampening the roll and pitch of the body through the turns.

The performance of the C-MAX line is rounded out by a solid set of vehicle control systems. Ford’s AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control system and strong braking provided by four power disc brakes controlled by the Anti-Lock Braking system maintains a solid grip on the road at all times.

Appealing Interior

The 2015 C-MAX Hybrid and the 2015 C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid help to raise the bar for hybrids on the inside as well. With seating for five and an interior that’s designed to optimize the space in the cabin, the C-MAX line boasts a decidedly upscale interior that’s made with high-quality materials and available with a competitive variety of available features.

The available SYNC with MyFord Touch system includes all of the infotainment features that consumers have come to expect. Its hands-free technology allows the driver to access everything from phone calls and text messages to climate control via simple voice commands, and its digital audio system offers convenient compatibility with USD drives, SD cards and most digital music players.

In addition, unique EV content is also included in the available C-MAX SYNC with MyFord Touch system. In addition to a monitor that displays the current driving mode, and EcoRoute navigation calculates the most efficient route for your vehicle to take to any given destination. The 2015 C-MAX Energi also includes convenience features that help to schedule charging during times when utility rates are at their lowest.

Superior Safety

The 2015 C-MAX Hybrid and 2015 C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid have earned high safety ratings from two of the most respected safety institutions in the country. Both C-MAX models earned four-star overall ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The C-MAX Hybrid has also earned the highest rating available in four out of the five categories tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

An advanced airbag system comes standard in both models and includes a driver’s knee airbag that works in tandem with the driver’s front airbag to provide enhanced protection in the event of a front or side impact. Additional front side airbags and side-curtain airbags are also standard, and the system includes an intelligent passenger sensing system that automatically detects the presence of a passenger in the front seat.

In addition to Ford’s integrated safety systems, both C-MAX models come with some of the most advanced safety features on the market. Ford’s MyKey system is a standard feature that allows parents to set limits on both the speed of the vehicle and the level of audio system, and other available features like rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and parallel park assist combine to make the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid into two of the safest models on the market.

The days when owning a hybrid meant having to make sacrifices in terms of power, performance and available features are over. Ford’s 2015 C-MAX Hybrid and 2015 C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid have earned their places on Kelley Blue Book’s list of 10 Best Green Cars for more than their outstanding efficiency — they’ve earned them for being outstanding automobiles.

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