Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Ford C-MAX MPV (2011-2019) - Practicality & boot space

Loading the Ford C-MAX boot is made easier by a high sill and uncluttered sides

Carbuyer Rating

3.3 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.0 out of 5

Read owner reviews
Practicality & boot space Rating

3.5 out of 5

Thanks to its high roofline, versatile rear seats and low but square-shaped boot, the Ford C-MAX is a very practical family car. It also offers good interior storage for those things families always carry, such as water bottles and CDs, although Titanium and Titanium X cars have a little more than the Zetec. And with the diesel engine, the C-MAX is a pretty good tow car as well.

Ford C-MAX interior space & storage

Space is a little tight when all three rear seats are occupied. Legroom and headroom are good, though. In the front there’s a decent-sized glovebox and door bins. In Zetec trim, there’s a centre console featuring a sliding armrest and open storage bins, but Titanium and Titanium X add cup-holders and air-vents for rear-seat passengers. Above, an overhead console brings additional storage, including a sunglasses holder.

Boot space

With the rear seats in place, the C-MAX’s boot holds 432 litres, less than the new Ford Focus estate (575 litres), but considerably more than the hatchback (375 litres). With the rear seats removed, that space grows to an impressive 1,684 litres, although that’s only possible with the standard tyre repair kit, rather than the optional spare wheel, fitted.

While reasonably large, the C-MAX's boot is soundly beaten by the Citroen C4 SpaceTourer boot (537 and 1,851 litres with seats up and down). The Volkswagen Golf SV has more seats-up space (590 litres), which is arguably more useful more of the time, but less space with the seats folded, at 1,520 litres.

Advertisement - Article continues below

One last point: the C-MAX’s rear seats are heavy, so removing and reinstalling them smoothly takes practice. Loading the boot is made easier by a high sill and clear, uncluttered sides.

Towing

With its high driving position and versatile interior, plus an optional sat-nav system for stress-free touring, the C-MAX makes for a very good tow car. All models can tow 1,200kg. However, some versions of the Citroen C4 SpaceTourer can tow up to 1,700kg, giving you a useful extra safety margin.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Jaguar Type 00 concept revealed: a bold electric future for the British brand
Jaguar Type 00
News
3 Dec 2024

Jaguar Type 00 concept revealed: a bold electric future for the British brand

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
6 Dec 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Vauxhall Frontera review – hybrid or electric, it’s up to you
Vauxhall Frontera front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
5 Dec 2024

Vauxhall Frontera review – hybrid or electric, it’s up to you

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024