Trade In my Early 2013 for a new 2017

[RMS13]

Thinking about getting a new Cmax Hybrid for the everyday car. No real issues with the 2013 just what to get another one while they are still being made. Its the only car my wife has every commented on about she likes it. What are the improvements on the 2017's? any non-improvements? The 2013 is a SEL and the 2017 is the Titanium 301 package.

[raadsel]

The first thing I can think of, is the Sync 3 system, at least on the packages with the upgraded infotainment packages, which also adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If you buy the Platinum you get the LED signature lighting, and if you add the 301A package, you add Blind Spot Monitoring/Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Another feature that sticks out, though people here would debate if it is an "improvement" is the Eco mode that dampens throttle response.

 

There are a number of small improvements; things like the plastic pieces on the rear window which (I believe) are supposed to improve aerodynamics; minor improvements to the hybrid system, as well as fixing things like the transmission failure issues. You should get slightly better fuel economy with the 2017.

[NRGTi]

I have a 2017 Energi Ti and a 2014 Hybrid SEL in my driveway now. I enjoy the new car's parking aids, the remote start and most of all, the "DISP" button on the dash that blacks out the center screen display when you choose. I never wanted bright screens on my dash, especially at night, and this simple button reduces the visual distraction factor greatly. I ought to be a federal safety requirement!

 

I'd expect that the newer model will prove more reliable than the troubled first-year ones.

 

Unless you're often maxing out the cargo space, don't ignore the Energi model. Mine racks up over 15 more MPG than my daughter's Hybrid (and it's more suited to my urban driving than her transcontinental jaunts to college). The tax credits available make this doubly a limited-time bargain.

Edited November 12, 2017 by NRGTi

[RMS13]

The new 2017 is much quieter and rides smoother than the 2013. SYNC 3 is sooo much better as well. When I turn the car off I get a trip summary information screen on the left like in the 2013, but the lifetime screen summary does not appear. I think I'll miss this screen. I wish it could be added back or I can find some other way to get the information. I do like having the gas mileage screen on the right screen of the dash. I can follow mpg as I follow the My View/power screen on the left side. I am waiting to try out the Apple Car Play one night this week. As I understand it, I'll be looking forward to using the iphone navigation. Never could get use to using the cumbersome Ford nav.

[NRGTi]

I think you just learned the best reason to trade for the newest C-Max you can get, since it's the end of the line. I wouldn't expect any upgrades between 2017 and the '18 Hybrid models, and I'd be wondering how many of them would be available. 

 

Others (well, including me) have listed the changes with the '17 mild refresh. I'd add that the new wheels look much better, and the black & silver face is easier to keep clean. I just can't locate the "little plastic pieces around the back window" that are supposedly changed. My '17 and my daughter's '14 look the same to me. 

[raadsel]

I think you just learned the best reason to trade for the newest C-Max you can get, since it's the end of the line. I wouldn't expect any upgrades between 2017 and the '18 Hybrid models, and I'd be wondering how many of them would be available. 

 

Others (well, including me) have listed the changes with the '17 mild refresh. I'd add that the new wheels look much better, and the black & silver face is easier to keep clean. I just can't locate the "little plastic pieces around the back window" that are supposedly changed. My '17 and my daughter's '14 look the same to me. 

 

This image shows what the 2013 C-Max rear window looks like; there is no "spoiler" on the side of the window, you just have the curved glass where it meets the body. With this image of a later model C-Max, you can see there is a type of spoiler on the side of the window (the plastic piece), that sits on top of the glass right before it meets the body of the car.

 

My recollection (though I might remember incorrectly) is that the 2014 added those "spoilers" on each side of the window and that the size of the spoiler shrunk a bit on later model years.

[ptjones]

One thing I didn't like was the stiffer steering feel on 2017 which I attribute to  being lot newer suspension and 38psi vs 50psi in  my tires. :)

 

Paul

[jackalopetx]

Why don't you just wait for the next generation? The C-Max is now a very old model

[ptjones]

Again it looks like the new Hybrid Escape is going to take the place of it. :sad: 

 

Paul 

[homestead]

Found this on escape hybrid.

[ptjones]

Saw that too. :)

 

Paul

[SnowStorm]

The 2019 Escape sounds interesting but I really want to hear more about the Model E cars and Ford's all-electric plans.  That Escape might be a competitive "stop-gap" vehicle until the Model Es are out.  Within about 3 years I would love to have a 250+ mile EV with SUV or C-Max style body, at least 1000 pounds towing and future upgradeable to full autonomy (don't need AWD).  Remember, "The ICE age is ending".

[mtb9153]

If AWD were available? It would be a no brained for me. Have wished I could afford to let Maxus go for a newer CMax, but probably isn’t going to happen.

[raadsel]

The 2019 Escape sounds interesting but I really want to hear more about the Model E cars and Ford's all-electric plans.  That Escape might be a competitive "stop-gap" vehicle until the Model Es are out.  Within about 3 years I would love to have a 250+ mile EV with SUV or C-Max style body, at least 1000 pounds towing and future upgradeable to full autonomy (don't need AWD).  Remember, "The ICE age is ending".

 

My impression is that the Model E will be something closer, at least in design, to the Focus -- not sure if it will be a sedan or hatchback. I get the impression on the size because it is, in some ways, a C-Max replacement but likely not an SUV or station wagon, as that will be the Escape's role. In fact, my guess is that the Escape will be specifically designed to compete with the Prius, as a low power hybrid (under 150 hp) that is designed to get over 50 mpgs.

 

I don't know this for sure, this is just the impressions I've gotten when reading what Ford is "planning." It is also somewhat simple logic -- they have the Escape as the C-Max replacement (with likely similar power) and the Fusion as a mid-sized. Their hope was to make the C-Max a "Prius Killer" and it makes sense they'd want to try to to that again.

[SnowStorm]

It will be interesting to see how the 2019 Escape battery is packaged.  If its just added "on top" of the original design (like the C-Max Energi), it won't be near as desirable as if it is packaged efficiently under the floor like newer ground-up electric designs.  Since it is a plug-in, it should have full speed EV capability which should make hybrid mode more efficient.  With care given to other design choices it should get better mileage than the RAV4 hybrid - but don't see much chance of it matching the C-Max.  If Ford gets it all "right", the new Escape could be wildly popular.

[obob]

It will be interesting to see how the 2019 Escape battery is packaged.  If its just added "on top" of the original design (like the C-Max Energi), it won't be near as desirable as if it is packaged efficiently under the floor like newer ground-up electric designs.  Since it is a plug-in, it should have full speed EV capability which should make hybrid mode more efficient.  With care given to other design choices it should get better mileage than the RAV4 hybrid - but don't see much chance of it matching the C-Max.  If Ford gets it all "right", the new Escape could be wildly popular.

 

I am wondering if they are going to sacrifice the spare tire.