In taking aim at the presently premier hybrid on the market, Toyota’s illustrious Prius, Ford again unleashes its capable C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi gas-electric duo for the 2015 model year. Both the Hybrid and the Energi are delivered in compact hatchback garb, and both seat 5 folks in fuel-efficient and fairly comfortable surroundings. And then things get a little weird.

The C-Max Hybrid offers 2 trim levels, the base SE and the up-featured SEL, while the Energi is delivered only in SEL garb. As a traditional hybrid, the 2015 C-Max Hybrid totes a comparatively pint-size lithium-ion battery allowing some 52.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seatbacks folded. The plug-in Energi, on the other hand, lugs a much larger battery pack that lets you carry only 42.8 cubes of cargo capacity with, alas, rear seatbacks that don’t fold quite flat and leave a bi-level space that can lead to awkward loading. Thus, neither C-Max iteration is going to win any prizes for its luggage-bearing volume, but the Energi is especially stingy that way.

No major tweaks are slated for the 2015 C-Max twins, leaving the base Hybrid SE to return with standard 17-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler outside, with cloth upholstery, full power accessories, cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering inside. Also along for the Hybrid SE’s ride are such conveniences and creature comforts as Sync infotainment interfaced with Bluetooth hands-free technology, as well as dual-zone climate control and leather and simulated alloy cabin accents. Standard entertainment, meantime, includes a single-CD player with 6 speakers and an auxiliary audio input (USB port).

Moving up to the Hybrid SEL, look for such added standard bling as a power-opening liftgate, leather upholstery, heated front seats with a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a remote garage door opener, rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and an upgraded Sync system featuring improved navigation functions and an 8-inch touchscreen display. Oh, and the SEL also boasts standard satellite radio with 6 months of free service. Of course, features-wise the Energi SEL is a mirror image of its non-plug-in Hybrid SEL cousin.

Noteworthy options in both C-Max variations include HDD navigation, a 9-speaker Sony premium stereo, a rear-view camera, front parking sensors and automated parallel-parking technology. While all of the above available add-ons are delivered in various package deals, a panoramic sunroof and remote engine start are available as standalone options.

Powertrains in both the C-Max Hybrid and its Energi kinsman start with a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine and standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). And there the resemblance ends, with the Hybrid packing a gas/electric system that’s rechargeable only via the engine and regenerative braking, while the plug-in Energi can be recharged using an available 240-volt charging system, with a full electrical load taken on in about 2.5 hours.

Look for 188 combined horsepower in both 2015 C-Max variants, with the Hybrid pumping out 121 lb-ft of torque as its Energi co-conspirator puts out 129 lb-ft. Meantime, as mentioned, a 1.4kWh (kilowatt per hour) lithium-ion battery does the job in the Hybrid’s more traditional system, while the Energi totes a king-size 7.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack that Ford alleges will allow this compact plug-in to travel up to 19 miles on electric power alone.

Finally, besides the usual 4-wheel antilock braking (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags and dual-row head airbags, both the C-Max Hybrid and the C-Max Energi come with a standard driver’s-side knee airbag. Additionally, both trims boast turn-signal-integrated mirrors, a post-collision safety system and Sync emergency telecommunications. Each SEL trim level, meanwhile, is additionally delivered with standard front fog/driving lights and a remote antitheft alarm.