Ford is lowering the fuel economy rating for its 2013 C-Max hybrid model as real-world experiences didn't match its EPA estimates, according to Consumer Reports.
The hybrid vehicle was advertised as having fuel economy estimates of 47 mpg in the city, 47 on the highway, and 47 combined. After additional testing however, the revised estimates are: 45 mpg in the city, 40 on the highway, and 43 combined.
Customers who purchased the hybrid model will receive a one-time payment of $550, and those who leased one will receive a one-time payment of $325 according to Ford.
Ford and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) still feel the company followed the rules when releasing the EPA estimates for the vehicle.
The issue is that the EPA lets automakers "group similar vehicles together and apply the same ratings" according to USA Today. Ford said its Fusion and C-Max hybrids had the same EPA estimates, when they clearly don't.
"This has been a very collaborative discussion with the EPA and doing what's right for their customers," says Raj Nair, a Ford group vice president, in a press statement.
The Ford Fusion hybrid was rated at 47 city, 47 highway, and 47 combined. There is no issue with the Fusion's EPA estimates.
In comparison, the Toyota Prius V gives back 44 city, 40 highway, and 42 combined according to Toyota's website.
Ford recently announced that a number of improvements will be made to the C-Max hybrid and it will be releasing a 2014 model year version with an improved fuel economy. Fuel economy estimates have not been announced for the new model as of press time.
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