Ford C-Max

Based on the frisky Focus, the C-Max hybrid uses that car as the basis for an economical yet fun-to-drive alternative to the typical hybrid-car snooze fest. Its steering is firm and communicative; a four-cylinder and a pair of electric motors provide decent motivation. The Energi, the plug-in version, ups battery capacity to extend the electric-only range, but at 44 mpg city/41 mpg highway, gets 1 mpg less in the city and 1 mpg more on the highway. We don’t think it’s worth the higher price.