Ford B-Max vs C-Max: which is better?
Not sure whether to buy the Ford B-Max or the C-Max? Read our comparison guide to see which is better for you in 2024
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Ford B-Max vs. C-Max
It’s the ultimate MPV face-off – the Ford B-Max vs. C-Max.
Both are ideal family cars with underpinnings from other popular Ford models, so it can be a real struggle to pick your fave.
Both cars start as spacious five-seaters, but the C-Max also available as a seven-seater.
Plus, there are accessibility features like the B-Max’s sliding rear doors (which you can also get in the Grand C-Max, but that’s another conversation), and plenty of boot space as you’d expect.
Find your fit between the Ford MPVs in our C-Max vs. B-Max review below.
Our guide will answer:
Which Ford model has the better styling?
Is the C-Max or B-Max better to drive?
Does the B-Max or C-Max have better tech?
Is the C-Max or B-Max more reliable?
What are the B-Max vs. C-Max dimensions?
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Ford B-Max vs. C-Max: styling
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Once we tell you that the B-Max is based on the Fiesta and the C-Max the Focus, you won’t be able to unsee it. It’s surprising how much they resemble their hatchback cousins.
The shape of both cars is pretty similar, but the C-Max had a more recent facelift that gives it a more grown-up feel. That includes a larger grille and plenty of chrome touches.
The B-Max also gets those sliding rear-doors that are great for avoiding knocks in town centre carparks, but don’t look any bulkier than the typical doors on the C-Max.
All in all, they’re both laidback and pleasant in the way they’re styled.
Ford B-Max vs. C-Max: what are they like to drive?
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If you’re buying a MPV then you’re probably looking for practicality and efficiency rather than power and performance, but the ‘Max’ siblings are still a decent drive.
The B-Max feels like a larger Fiesta, with light steering and plenty of road visibility.
You can pick from a range of petrol and diesel engines, with the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol claiming up to 57.6mpg while still feeling agile.
The C-Max does just as well, being especially good at smoothing out the road with responsive steering.
There’s a large engine line-up here as well, with the 1.0-litre petrol still a strong choice and getting up to 55mpg.
Ford B-Max vs. C-Max: interior and technology
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The insides of the C-Max and B-Max are similar as well and give us a lot of that Ford durability. They’re both well-made and hard-wearing – ideal for family life.
The B-Max has a five-inch infotainment screen with sat-nav built-in in the Navigation trim models, plus Bluetooth as standard.
This is dwarfed slightly by the more modern-looking eight-inch colour touchscreen that you can get in C-Max Titanium and Titanium X models, but sat-nav is an option.
Other extras across the line-up include a panoramic sunroof in the B-Max Titanium and Titanium X model, or the heated seats of the C-Max Titanium X model.
Ford B-Max vs. C-Max: boot space and practicality
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Practicality is where both the C-Max and B-Max come into their own, with plenty of boot space and the option for up to seven seats.
The C-Max is a five-seater as standard, but there’s the Grand C-Max seven-seater if needed. The OG five-seater gives you the choice of a 432-litre boot or 1,684 litres with all the seats folded.
The B-Max, being a bit smaller, has a 318-litre boot, but you can flatten the seats to get 1,386 litres.
Both models get impressive head and legroom, so not even the rearmost passengers will feel cramped in the Grand C-Max.
Ford B-Max vs. C-Max: safety and reliability
If you’re after a family MPV then safety and reliability is a must, and that Ford name gives you something to have faith in. Both cars are solidly built and will last the test of time.
Each B-Max model comes with safety kit like traction control and stability control as standard, plus plenty of air bags.
The C-Max is just as secure, featuring some handy automatic braking tech, active park assist, and the pre-collision assist system.
Reliability reviews across the board are positive for both models, with its drivers praising the overall build quality and hard-wearing feel.
Ford B-Max vs. C-Max: dimensions
Ford B-Max
Length – 4,077mm
Width – 2,067mm
Height – 1,604mm
Boot – 318 litres
Ford C-Max
Length – 4,379mm
Width – 2,067mm
Height – 1,610mm
Boot - 432 litres
Ford Grand C-Max (seven-seater)
Length – 4,519mm
Width – 2,067mm
Height – 1,642mm
Boot – 115 litres (755 litres in five seat mode)
Verdict: Ford B-Max vs. C-Max: which should you buy?
Debating the Ford B-Max vs. C-Max is a tricky place to be. Both cars are practical, reliable and enjoyable to drive – so what sets them apart?
You might be drawn in by the appearance of either one, or the cheaper price of the B-Max could be enough to catch you.
If you need seven seats then there’s only one place to be (the Grand C-Max, of course) but the B-Max is by no means stingy on space.
Take a look at our full range of used B-Max and C-Max models to compare them even further.