CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 40.3%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 350
Average Price: Around £5,000

Ford C-Max (2011-2019) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Fun to drive for an MPV	Pre-facelift cars feel a bit cheap inside
Practical and roomy cabin	Models with an auto gearbox have worse fuel economy
Grand C-Max has room for seven and sliding doors	Not as many driver aids as some more modern MPVs

Quick Summary

The Ford C-Max (2011-2019) is a compact MPV that combines practicality with engaging driving dynamics. This second-generation model features sharper styling than its predecessor and offers seating for five in standard form or seven in the Grand C-Max variant. With a 471-litre boot that expands to 1,851 litres with rear seats folded, it provides excellent space for families. A 2015 facelift brought a reprofiled nose and enhanced infotainment with the SYNC3 system, making later models considerably more refined inside.

The C-Max excels where rivals like the Renault Scenic and Citroën C4 Picasso fall short: it's more robust, reliable, and genuinely enjoyable to drive. Engine options range from efficient 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrols to economical 1.5-litre TDCi diesels, with the latter achieving up to 74.3mpg. Running costs are reasonable, with servicing available at competitive independent garages. The driving position is excellent with good visibility, and the supple suspension delivers a comfortable ride without sacrificing composure through corners. Whilst pre-facelift models have a less premium interior, post-2015 cars offer considerably better quality and technology.

Best for: Families needing practical space without sacrificing driving enjoyment, those seeking an engaging MPV alternative to SUVs, and budget-conscious buyers wanting excellent value on the used market.

Not ideal for: Buyers prioritising maximum interior flexibility (like the Citroën C4 Picasso's three individual rear seats), those wanting the latest driver assistance systems, or those with automatic gearbox preferences due to reduced fuel economy.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the C-Max if: You're a family needing practical space without sacrificing driving enjoyment, seeking an engaging MPV alternative to SUVs, or looking for excellent value on the used market.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise maximum interior flexibility, want the latest driver assistance systems, or prefer automatic gearboxes despite reduced fuel economy.

Competitive Position: The Ford C-Max (2011-2019) is a strong all-rounder in the MPV segment, offering a rare combination of practicality and driving engagement. Whilst the Citroën C4 Picasso provides more distinctive styling and interior flexibility, and the Renault Scenic offers greater space, neither matches the C-Max's robustness, reliability, or driving enjoyment. The Ford Focus outperforms it in user ratings, but the C-Max delivers superior practicality for families. With excellent value on the used market and reasonable running costs, the C-Max represents a sensible choice for those unwilling to compromise between family transport and driving pleasure.

Read our full Ford C-Max Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.