Overview & Reviews

For the most part, the pickings in the midsize hybrid sedan segment are fairly mundane. One exception is the Ford Fusion Hybrid, a sedan that offers better fuel economy than its main competitors while also being more enjoyable to drive.

Though driving enjoyment typically isn't high on the list of a hybrid buyer's list of priorities, the Fusion Hybrid delivers an unusually lively experience behind the wheel. If you're shopping for a new or used hybrid-powered sedan, this Ford should definitely be near the top of your list. Its unusual combination of solid driving dynamics and superior fuel economy, along with its good looks, comfortable ride and accommodating interior, makes it easy to recommend.

Current Ford Fusion Hybrid
The Ford Fusion Hybrid is a midsize four-door sedan that's available in three trim levels: S, SE and Titanium. There is also the plug-in, extended-range version, called the Fusion Energi, which is reviewed separately.

The hybrid powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine working in concert with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. All told, there's 188 horsepower on tap along with impressive EPA fuel economy estimates of 47 mpg in all three cycles: city, highway and combined.

Standard equipment highlights on the S include 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, the voice-activated Sync audio/cell phone interface and a sound system with a CD player and USB/iPod interface. The SE adds a keyless entry keypad, a power driver seat, a rear seat center armrest, satellite radio and numerous options. The Titanium's highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, remote start, keyless ignition and entry, leather upholstery, heated front sport seats, a power passenger seat, the MyFord Touch electronics interface (with configurable gauge displays), a rearview camera and an upgraded audio system. Key options include a navigation system, adaptive cruise control, automated parking assist and blind-spot detection.

In reviews, this Fusion Hybrid impressed us with its athletic handling and communicative steering that provides a more engaging driving experience than you'd expect from a fuel sipper. At the same time, the ride is supple over bumps and ruts, the cabin is supremely quiet and Ford has made strides in making braking effort seem more natural: a previous complaint with the Fusion and indeed many hybrids. And while the trunk is compromised by the presence of its battery pack, the remaining space is more useful than that of rival hybrid sedans. If there is a primary drawback, it's that Ford's electronic interfaces are less unintuitive than other systems.

Used Ford Fusion Hybrid Models
The current, second-generation Ford Fusion Hybrid was introduced for 2013. All told, Ford managed to take all the attributes of the previous Fusion Hybrid -- notably, excellent fuel economy, sharp styling, sporty handling, a smooth ride and plenty of handy features – and bolster it with more dramatic exterior styling, improved driving dynamics and the latest in electronics and features. These Fusion Hybrids are identical to the latest version with a few minor exceptions. Specifically, they lack the availability of the S trim level, inflatable rear seatbelts, a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats.

The first-generation Ford Fusion Hybrid debuted for the 2010 model year and ran through 2012. It was a midsize sedan that employed a 2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine paired with an electric motor and a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack to produce 191 hp. The power was sent to the front wheels through a CVT. Along with a fuel mileage estimate of 39 mpg in combined driving, this Fusion Hybrid had the ability under low load conditions to propel itself to nearly 50 mph on battery power alone.

The handsome cabin sported quality materials and a wealth of standard features. The latter included 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, the MyKey system (limits top speed and audio volume), a keyless-entry security code pad, automatic headlamps, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. There was also the Sync electronics interface (includes voice commands, Bluetooth and iPod control) and a six-speaker sound system with CD/MP3 player, satellite radio and steering-wheel controls. Options included a rearview camera, a premium audio system, a sunroof and a navigation system with Sirius Travel Link.

In reviews, we were pleasantly surprised by the Ford Fusion Hybrid's well-sorted chassis. It's not a sport sedan, but it is sportier than you'd expect a hybrid sedan to be. Granted, you'll get even better mileage out of cars like the smaller Honda Insight and ubiquitous Toyota Prius. But when you compare apples to apples, the first-generation Ford Fusion Hybrid is an excellent choice for a used hybrid family sedan.

User Reviews:

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  Great car. 120,000 miles and going - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Jeffrey - February 5 - 5:37 am

  I was one of the first to buy the Fusion Hybrid in October 2009. So far all it has needed was an oxygen sensor at 92k. I replaced the tires at 62k and the regular battery went at 5 years, typical. I average 42 mpg. To address some of the other reviewers issues, who havent owned theirs as long. 1- mileage. If you live in the cold, dont expect treat mileage. But also consider how bad a regular car would do in that same situation. 2- direction of travel makes a difference on a trip. Ive been all over the country, and wind plays a big part in your mileage. 3 - if your an agressive driver, dont expect miracles from a hybrid. 4- fir some reason the mileage goes way down in the rain. 5 - after sitting in the sun the mileage will be a lot lower than if I just came out of the cool garage. Must be the added use of ac.

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  very nice car! - 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By rebelemtp - February 5 - 12:31 am

  read the reviews here before buying this car. bought the car May 2010. Love this car! only had one problem with a sencior in passager seat for the air bag, for the passager side. fixed and no problems. the syc, doesnt work with all phones, not with iPhone, or some droids. the mpg are good real good. like other reviews to get the best mpg, get the car up to the speed posted quick and cruze. trying to speed up real slowly will not increase your mpg. up to 35.8 mpg avg. highest to date was 36.0 mpg. letting the car idle to warm up in the winter will cut your mpg. so no warm ups in the cold days and your mpg will not go down. We are very happy with this car and very glad we got it.

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  FORD FUSION - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By 2010 fusion GREAT - January 12 - 8:10 pm

  the new fusion is a mixture of sportiness of comfort! and has enough room and comfort to haul the hole family around in comfort and style while getting over 48 mgp!!! wow that kind of MPG is something new for me coming from a toyota camery hybrid that could not touch the fusion on style performance handling and the overall build quailty!!! FORD HAS TURNED AROUND AND IS PRODUCING QUAILITY PRODUCTS!!!!! GO AMERICAN

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  So Far So Good - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Kirk S. - December 31 - 11:30 pm

  I have had my Fusion Hybrid almost a week. So far I really love the car. I loved it the first time I drove it That is a big deal for me. The car is equipped the way I like it, with all the factory options. I only wish the car had HID headlights & keyless start. I question the need for the keypad on the door when you have to use a key to start the car anyway. The car goes pretty good for being a hybrid. The transition for gas to electric is seamless. The CVT trayy works very wekk too. This car just works and I am averaging 43 MPG so far. I lve the inof the car give you at the end of your trip about how much gas you used. Very thoughful. Ala in all I am very happy so far.

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  Best hybrid yet - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By frankieboy - December 26 - 2:26 pm

  The Fusion Hybrid combines the newest technology and a simple yet elegant design into what is clearly the benchmark for a midsize hybrid car. From the "smart gauge" instrument cluster, to the amazing navigation and sync system, the driver is given all his information in a pleasing and coherent manner. Acceleration from a stop is spirited and much better than the Camry Hybrid and about the same as the Altima Hybrid. The ride is comfortable yet responsive. Front and rear comfort are on par with Lexus. The rear trunk is roomy. There is really nothing to dislike about this new car -- except all the stares! There is simply no hybrid available now to compare with this car.

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  Love My Fusion Hybrid - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By CDS in LA - December 23 - 3:43 pm

  In two weeks of ownership have driven my Fusion about a thousand miles so far. Still have more than half of the second tank of gas left. The styling, comfort, performance and handling are enough reason to want the car, but it comes with amazing efficiency too. Its fully loaded and the huge number features are simple to use and more useful than I expected. Well placed controls, comfortable Town Car quality interior, great room, ride and handling in a car that looks beautiful. Buy Ford stock now!

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  Most Unreliable Car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By UnhappyCustomer - December 12 - 8:23 am

  I have only had the car for 4 months and I have already had 3 trips to the shop. Trip 1) Check engine light came on. Faulty part needed to be replaced. Trip 2) Check Engine light came on. Computer needed to be recalibrated. Trip 3) The car SHUT DOWN on the middle of the highway. I had to pull over immediately as I had no power to the car. At least the car warned me to pull over safely s soon as possible. The best part is I was able to reboot it like my computer and it worked. Another part replaced. The last ford I owned needed a new transmission practically out of the gate. Just dont buy a FORD. Especially not a Fusion Hybrid. It just isnt safe in my opinion

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  Judged a winner - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Judged a winner - November 22 - 11:30 pm

  After 3000 miles I have only been impressed by by the Fusion Hybrid. I dont have a single complaint about how it performs. Its ride, handling, comfort, features and fuel economy are all top notch and they all contribute to make the car fun to drive. The Fusion does what I havent seen in cars today, it meets and exceeds EPA rated fuel economy ratings. I have averaged 40 mpg in mixed city/highway driving so far, I expected 32-35 at best. One of the best aspects is you drive the car just like a normal car, you dont have to baby the gas pedal and you dont notice the transition between the gas and electric engine.

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  46.6 MPG and climbing! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By EnergyMoron - November 7 - 4:53 pm

  This car is amazing With 2500 miles on the car I am getting 46.6 MPG since we bought the car (the long term mileage meter is 45.9 since there was some mileage already @13 MPG). My goal is 50 MPG going on I-10 and I-610 to work 20 miles each way each day and I make the goal most days. I have learned to drive the car now so that 55 MPG runs are not uncommon and best is 58.5 MPG. Performance of course depends upon driving style and there are tricks one learns. Learned a lot by talking at the mileage teams at the Shell eco- marathon (where 1000 MPG is sort of the norm). Unbelievable that a car that big (we have 3 kids) can do this

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  45mpg average - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By tony - October 29 - 6:50 am

  excellent fuel economy, impressive interior and features, solid feel, seating is a little uncomfortable and interior feels a little on the tight side.