“The Ford C Max is a great value if you are interested in saving some money and being environmentally conscious.”
2017 Ford C-MAX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2017 Ford C-MAX is a mid-cycle styling refresh, with a revised grille, headlights, and taillights. Ford also replaced the SEL trim with Titanium while keeping the core hybrid systems familiar.
About the 2017 Ford C-MAX
1st U.S. generation (2013-2018 C-MAX Hybrid; 2013-2017 C-MAX Energi), mid-cycle refresh year.
The C-MAX is Ford’s tall-roof compact hybrid wagon for shoppers who want better fuel economy without giving up a roomy cabin, upright seating position, or easy city manners. Compared with sleeker hybrids, it leans more toward everyday usefulness and a normal, responsive driving feel. In 2017, the lineup gives buyers two versions of that same idea: a simpler no-plug hybrid or an Energi plug-in that can cover short trips on electricity before working like a regular hybrid.
SE serves as the practical core of the 2017 C-MAX lineup, with dual-zone climate control, a power driver's seat, voice-command audio, and a household-style power outlet. Titanium is the more upscale version, adding leather-trimmed and heated front seats, rear parking sensors, push-button start, and premium audio.
What changed, by category
Styling
Ford revised the grille, headlights, and taillights across the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi lineup.
Powertrain
The plug-in hybrid powertrain joined the SE trim. The familiar 2.0-liter-based hybrid systems and front-wheel drive otherwise carried over.
Tech
Satellite radio became standard across the lineup, and Ford regrouped the option packages.
2017 Ford C-MAX specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, eCVT | Automatic, eCVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid | Plug-In Hybrid / Hybrid |
| MPG City | 42 mpg | 42 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 38 mpg | 38 mpg |
| Horsepower | 188 hp | 188 hp |
| Torque | 129 lb-ft | 129 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 42.8–52.6 cu-ft | 42.8–52.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.5 in | 36.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 20 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 20 (Plug-In Hybrid) |
| MPGe Combined | 95 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 95 (Plug-In Hybrid) |
| Alarm System | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| Heated Mirrors | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Satellite Radio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Power Driver Seat | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Remote Start | ||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2017 Ford C-MAX?
The biggest change is refreshed exterior styling. The 2017 C-MAX has a revised grille, headlights, and taillights across both the regular Hybrid and plug-in Energi versions.
Did the 2017 Ford C-MAX get a new hybrid system?
No, the core hybrid system did not receive a major redesign for 2017. Both versions retained a 2.0-liter-based electrified powertrain and front-wheel drive, while the plug-in hybrid powertrain joined the SE trim.
What replaced the SEL trim on the 2017 Ford C-MAX?
Titanium replaced SEL as the upscale trim for 2017. It includes leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats, rear parking sensors, push-button start, and premium audio.
Is satellite radio standard on the 2017 Ford C-MAX?
Yes, satellite radio became standard across the 2017 C-MAX lineup. Ford also reorganized the option packages for this model year.
Is the 2017 Ford C-MAX a major change from the 2016 model?
It is a meaningful refresh rather than a full redesign. The exterior lighting and front end changed, Titanium replaced SEL, and some equipment packaging changed, but the basic hybrid hardware remained familiar.
2017 Ford C-MAX Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Ford C-MAX.
4.2
2017 Ford C-MAX
(295 reviews)
“We love the C Max! Looks and drives just like the Escape we owned before it. Love the fuel economy, we have been averaging 43 mpg in the city.”
“The Ford C-Max is close to the perfect vehicle for those of us that are looking for a reliable vehicle with a flexible interior package for hauling us and our stuff at the lowest cost of ownership we can find. What it lacks in flash and glamour, it more than makes up for in terms of excellent low cost reliable transportation. I love mine and will be keeping it for a long time to come.”