CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.3%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 375
Average Price: Around £5,350

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 offers sharp styling, seating for five in standard form or seven in the Grand C-Max variant, and a spacious interior with 471 litres of boot space that expands to 1,851 litres with rear seats folded. A subtle 2015 facelift brought improved exterior styling and a smarter interior with enhanced infotainment, making later models feel considerably more premium than earlier examples.

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. With a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines, supple suspension, and sharp steering, it delivers a stress-free yet engaging driving experience. Running costs are reasonable, with diesel engines offering excellent economy, and servicing is affordably priced. The 2015 facelift introduced the superior SYNC3 infotainment system, making later cars significantly more user-friendly than earlier models with their fiddly button-heavy interfaces.

Best for: Families needing practical transport without sacrificing driving enjoyment, those seeking affordable MPV ownership, and buyers wanting a more engaging alternative to SUVs.

Not ideal for: Those prioritising the most spacious or flexible interiors (Citroën C4 Picasso offers more), drivers wanting the latest driver assistance features, or buyers of pre-facelift models seeking a premium interior feel.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the C-Max if: You're a family needing practical transport without sacrificing driving enjoyment, seeking affordable MPV ownership, or wanting a more engaging alternative to SUVs.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise the most spacious or flexible interiors, want the latest driver assistance features, or are buying a pre-facelift model and value a premium interior feel.

Competitive Position: The Ford C-Max (2011-2019) is a well-rounded MPV that strikes an excellent balance between practicality and driving engagement. Whilst the Citroën C4 Picasso offers greater interior flexibility and space, the C-Max is more robust and genuinely enjoyable to drive. It outperforms the Vauxhall Astra in overall refinement and the Ford Focus in practicality. With reasonable running costs, affordable servicing, and a choice of efficient engines, the C-Max represents excellent value in the used MPV market, particularly later facelift models with improved interiors and infotainment systems.

Read our full Ford C-Max Review

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