2018 Ford C-MAX — Full Specifications
As an Amazon Associate and CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2018 Ford C-MAX is a saloon/sedan powered by a 2L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine. It returns around 48 mpg (UK) / 40 mpg (US EPA) combined. Owners often keep a Ford C-MAX workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2017 Ford C-MAX: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 48 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) | 48 combined / 50 urban / 46 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 40 combined / 42 city / 38 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 138 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 1 configuration for the 2018 Ford C-MAX, all with the 2L 4-cyl engine. 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 | 48 | 40 (42/38) | 138 | $1,700 |
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 2018 Ford C-MAX
Running Costs: 2018 Ford C-MAX
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2018 Ford C-MAX at 48 mpg combined, expect roughly 758 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.
2018 Ford C-MAX Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2018 Ford C-MAX as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Ford C-MAX. The most-reported areas are Air bags (2), Steering (2), Electrical system (2). Complaints include 2 reported crashes, 1 reported injury. That is well below the median of 59 complaints across the 6 Ford C-MAX model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2018 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:
- Air bags (2 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Steering (2 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
- Electrical system (2 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Transmission & drivetrain (1 owner complaint) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
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 2018 Ford C-MAX's 48 mpg is 20 mpg above that make average. Its 138 g/km CO₂ figure is 117 g/km lower than the 255 g/km Ford average.
Of the 6 Ford C-MAX model years we cover, the 2018 is the most economical on its best configuration (48 mpg UK combined). 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 2018 Ford C-MAX
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2018 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 2018 Ford C-MAX?
The most efficient configuration returns around 48 mpg (UK) combined, or 40 mpg on the US EPA cycle.
How much does the 2018 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 2018 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 2018 Ford C-MAX have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2018 Ford C-MAX as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2018 Ford C-MAX?
Among the 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Air bags (2 complaints), Steering (2 complaints), Electrical system (2 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 2018 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.