Ford C-MAX takes on Toyota Prius in new Olympic-style ad campaign [Video]

Ford's new "Hybrid Games" marketing campaign showcases the C-MAX besting the Toyota Prius v in a series of hybrid-related challenges.

Although the Ford C-MAX is the new kid on the block in terms of hybrids, it is aiming to become top dog. In order to dethrone Toyota, in particular the Prius v, Ford has launched a new ad campaign which showcases the advantages that the C-MAX hybrid posses over it main competitor.

Titled “Hybrid Games,” the new multi-media ad blitz showcases the C-MAX and Prius v in a number of different contests including the “The Semi Pass” and “MPG Challenge.” According to Ford’s website, the new marketing campaign is about establishing that not all hybrids are created equal.

“Sure, hybrids help conserve fuel and reduce emissions. But when it comes to the daily need for performance, comfort, room and convenience, how do they stack up? The Hybrid Games turn routine driving into a thrilling spectacle of competition,” reads the site.

So how does the C-MAX stack up against the perennial favorite Prius v? According to “The Semi Pass” test, the C-Max Hybrid is able to easily pass a semi truck due to its superior horsepower. The video features an amusing announcing team narrating the challenge as if it were an Olympic event.

Unfortunately for the Prius v, its inferior horsepower (134 hp) cause it to take longer to pass the semi truck. “What’s your rush dude, let’s just enjoy this,” says the X-Games-esque announcer to his uptight partner. Next up is the C-MAX hybrid, which demolishes the competition with its 188 horsepower and 129 ft.–lbs of torque.

In addition to possessing 40 percent more horsepower and 20 percent more torque, the C-MAX also touts a better fuel economy than the Prius v. The “MPG Challenge” shows the two vehicles facing off in dreaded L.A. traffic. The amusing challenge displays the C-MAX and Prius v performing a series of mundane errands like going to the bank and checking out a garage sale. The challenge ends when the Prius owner is forced to stop for gas. In the end, the C-MAX wins out with 47 mpg combined and a total range of 571 miles versus the Prius v’s 42 mpg combined.

Aside from superior fuel economy and horsepower, the C-MAX also boasts a cheaper price than the Prius v. The base price for the C-MAX is $25,995, which is $1,300 lower than the Prius v. Ford sold 969 C-Max hybrids in September, in its first month of availability. Toyota sold 3,088 Prius v hybrids. Stay tuned to see if the C-MAX's sales improve as its "Hybrid Games" marketing campaign unfolds over the next 15 months.

Check out the "MPG Challenge" clip below and CLICK HERE to check out all the “Hybrid Games” videos for yourself, as well as several other C-MAX clips.