2016 Ford C-MAX — Full Specifications
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The 2016 Ford C-MAX is a saloon/sedan powered by a 2L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 47 mpg (UK) / 39 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 46–47 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Ford C-MAX workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2015 Ford C-MAX: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 47 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 4★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 2L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Hybrid |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 100 cu ft (2,832 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 24 cu ft (680 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 47 combined / 49 urban / 43 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 39 combined / 41 city / 36 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 143 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 9 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,700 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2016 Ford C-MAX, all with the 2L 4-cyl engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 38 to 39 mpg (US), or 46 to 47 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 47 | 39 (41/36) | 143 | $1,700 |
| 2L 4-cyl (Plug-in Hybrid) | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 46 | 38 (40/36) | 80 | $1,750 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 100 cubic feet (about 2,832 litres) and luggage volume at 24 cubic feet (about 680 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2016 Ford C-MAX
Running Costs: 2016 Ford C-MAX
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2016 Ford C-MAX at 47 mpg combined, expect roughly 774 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $1,700 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2016 Ford C-MAX Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Ford C-MAX (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Back over prevention (1), Power train (1), Structure (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Back over prevention — campaign 25V695000, reported 13 October 2025. Risk: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Power train — campaign 22V413000, reported 10 June 2022. Risk: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects…
- Structure — campaign 17V052000, reported 24 January 2017. Risk: Improperly welded apron joints may reduce the front-end structural integrity of the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Ford C-MAX. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (15), Back over prevention (9), Unspecified (8). Complaints include 7 reported crashes, 1 reported fire, 7 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 59 complaints across the 6 Ford C-MAX model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2016 Ford C-MAX
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Transmission & drivetrain (1 recall campaign · 7 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Electrical system (15 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Body structure (1 recall campaign) — Inspect for corrosion and for subframe or body-panel damage, especially underneath.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Ford models in our database average about 28 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2016 Ford C-MAX's 47 mpg is 19 mpg above that make average. Its 143 g/km CO₂ figure is 112 g/km lower than the 255 g/km Ford average.
Of the 6 Ford C-MAX model years we cover, the 2016 ranks 4th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (47 mpg UK combined, against a high of 48 mpg). See every Ford C-MAX year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2016 Ford C-MAX
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2016 Ford C-MAX have?
It's fitted with a 2L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (variable gear ratios) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Ford C-MAX?
The most efficient configuration returns around 47 mpg (UK) combined, or 39 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 46 to 47 mpg.
How much does the 2016 Ford C-MAX cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $1,700 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2016 Ford C-MAX have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2016 Ford C-MAX have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Ford C-MAX (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Back over prevention (1), Power train (1), Structure (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2016 Ford C-MAX?
Among the 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (15 complaints), Back over prevention (9 complaints), Unspecified (8 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2016 Ford C-MAX have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 100 cubic feet (about 2,832 litres) and luggage volume at 24 cubic feet (about 680 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.