Ford is comprehensively reinforcing why the C-Max Hybrid and Energi plug-in hybrid are superior to the Toyota Prius v.

The C-MAX, Ford says, surpasses the Toyota hybrid in fuel economy, speed, range, horsepower, and price.

The EPA has now made official C-MAX Hybrid's EPA rating of 47 mpg for both city and highway, beating the Prius v by up to 7 mpg.

"The all-new C-MAX Hybrid is a great symbol of how Ford has transformed into a fuel-economy and technology leader with 47 mpg across the board and a highway rating 7 mpg better than Toyota Prius v," Joe Bakaj, Ford vice president of powertrain engineering, said in a statement. "We've done this with innovation - represented by nearly 500 hybrid patents - while driving costs down 30 percent so we can bring these fuel-saving vehicles to more customers."

Ford attributes the C-MAX Hybrid's fuel efficiency to elements such as its patented SmartGauge with EcoGuide, which "coaches" the driver by displaying growing green leaves in the gauge cluster as a reward for economical driving. Another feature is its ECO Cruise, which works on the car's powertrain to optimize efficiency in highway travel.

The equal highway and city mileage represents a major automotive feat.

"City, highway and everywhere in between, C-MAX Hybrid is EPA-certified at 47 mpg," Bakaj said. "It's a win-win-win."

The C-MAX Energi's 85-mph top speed is the highest of any plug-in hybrid vehicle, 20 mph higher than the Prius's.

The car travels entirely on electricity when a button is pushed to place it in "EV" mode.

"We understand customers place a high value on the zero-emission electrified driving experience," Bakaj said. "This inspired our engineering team to equip the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid with a button that enables drivers to choose an electric-only driving mode."

In EV mode, the C-MAX Energi is capable of 195 horsepower (compared to the Prius's 188), and has a range of over 20 miles (more than triple the Prius plug-in) and overall range  of 550 miles (versus 540).

Ford also calls the C-MAX Hybrid America's most affordable hybrid utility vehicle. Its starting price of $25,995 is $1,300 lower than that of the Prius.

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