Unplanned car comparison

[Stormy]

My new CMAX had to go into the shop for paint touchup and a couple of minor service items. The dealer was out of loaners, so they set me up with a rental. The rental company put me in a 2013 Prius. So based on <1000 miles with my SEL and four or five days with a 17000 mile base trim level Prius, here are my impressions.

Seats - The CMAX seat padding is flatter and firmer. I found the Prius seats too soft and concave for my taste.

Ride and Handling - The CMAX ride is also firmer, and somewhat harsh over bumps. The Prius suspension was much softer, but it seemed to have more body roll on curves. I could live with either.

Brakes and Throttle - The feel of the two cars was hugely different, and I couldn't stand the Prius -- until after a couple of days I noticed the ECO/PWR buttons. If you've never tried a car with alternate driving modes, try a Prius test drive so you can feel the difference between the modes. It's amazing what different electronics settings do to the driving feel of a car! The Prius PWR setting seemed to me to be the closest to the feel of the CMAX. Either car would have adequate power for me. Toyota has made the Prius so it's hard to drive it inefficiently; Ford's made the CMAX so it's a pleasure to drive but you have to be trained by the car to get better mileage.

Console design - At least with the base trim level, the Prius instrumentation is simple, easy to see, and undistracting. I'm still trying to learn my way around MyFord Touch. The Prius slanted console holding the radio, gearshift, and climate control (which also has storage underneath) made controls easy to reach. The backup beeping would drive me crazy, though.

Noise - No comparison. The CMAX is QUIET.

Rear view - The bar across the middle of the Prius rear window makes the mirror view hard to comprehend. But it's really nice at night when an SUV starts tailgating with high beams and foglights on - I could scrunch down so the bar blocked the glare (buddy, I'm going 5 MPH over the speed limit in the slow lane and the next two lanes are open -- Please pass me!).

Gas Mileage - I'm new to both of these cars, but my wife has a Camry Hybrid - so I have some hybrid driving experience. I'm getting 43-44 MPG with the CMAX, but the Prius seemed to be getting 53-55. If I'd known I was going to have it so long, I'd have reset the trip display on the Prius to get a real number.

Bottom line - When I got my CMAX back, I realized how much I enjoy it.

[mlaurence]

Thanks for the comparison. Nice review!   I'd say you were fair to the Prius and picked the winner I would have picked.  I've driven Prius rentals before and bought a C-Max, so I picked it too.  I love the quiet, solid build of the C-Max, the extra touches of the SEL package, comfortable seats, and nice ride.  Unlike you, I'm really happy so far with MyFord Touch.  The voice commands have made it easy to sort out the many complicated features of the phone/entertainment package...at least for me. 

 

But I've also been a little frustrated that I can't quite seem to get the 47mpg or better that some people on this group are reporting.  It does seem like Toyota makes it easier to drive the Prius the way you'd want to if you wanted top mileage.  But I also want to be able to step on it when necessary, have some fun, and get some performance out of my almost $30,000 car.  Ford makes it a lot easier to do that, and that above all is why I prefer the C-Max.

[fotomoto]

As a former owner of Gen3 prius (2010), I feel slightly qualified to comment.   :)  I've also drove it over the exact same commute route as the CMAX for thousands of miles.   So in no particular order, here are some quick thoughts......

 

The Prius FE computer, like the Cmax, is optimistic.  53mpg is more like 50 at the pump.  Just driving it, I typically avg 46-48mpg.  I had to hypermile to get near the vaunted 50 zone.  Ran like a swiss watch but I did have one cold start issue when the ICE sounded like it was going to grenade (long story).  Seats are uncomfortable after an hour or so and long trips literally become painful (back).  Moderately loud, bouncy ride with a light, skating feeling at highway speed.  Entertainment system would freeze with a large thumb drive.  As one friend described, the graphics look like windows 3.1. LOL  Upgraded JBL sound was OK.   Has a mini-spare. Car is a EPA mid-size with a good size hatch.   Weak, droning drivetrain.  ECO mode is gutless but makes the throttle for P&G easy-peasy.  It also has a much easier to read and understand power gauge for P&G.  ICE will start up after :12 seconds anytime you power on the car unless the ICE is up to min. temp or you remember to push the EV mode button but even that has limitations.  Better turning lock. Rear view is more restricted.  Lower seat height make getting in/out harder.  I preferred the steering wheels controls/interface which also has a temperature control.  No glare on glass or displays from shiny trim. Stock 15in tires will be cheaper to replace. Made in Japan.

 

YMMV.