Ford C-Max hybrids take aim at Toyota Prius

Ford has pretty much figured out what it is going to take to sell its two high-fuel-mileage family crossovers: beat the competition on fuel economy.

Even before the vehicles are on the streets, Ford is boasting that the C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid are going to get more miles a gallon than their respective competition, the Toyota Prius v and the Toyota Prius plug-in.

Taking on the Prius is a pretty tough target, given that it's the only household name in the hybrid category. But Ford thinks it can take it on by trying to milk more mileage out of the C-Max's batteries.

Both vehicles feature technology that will allow operation in electric mode at higher speeds than any other hybrid.

"C-Max is the right car for the time as it combines the dynamics and quality of a traditional car with ... leading fuel efficiency that you cannot even get from Toyota," said Sherif Marakby, director of Ford's electrification programs and engineering, in a statement.

The C-Max will be built at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich. , with production powered in part by one of the largest solar energy generator systems in the state.