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:

• 

  Love My Fusion Hybrid - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Alan - June 15 - 2:56 pm

  I wanted to own a hybrid to be more green and ended up choosing the Fusion because you get so much more car and features for the money than the Prius, Insight or Lexus H250H. My previous car was a BMW 5 Series and I expected to have to give up a lot of features and comforts but the opposite turned out to be true! I love the elec. instrument cluster, BLUR, rear camera, great nav system with Sirius. But the coolest thing is cruising in all-electric mode when driving through the neighborhood and in parking lots. The 2.5L engine gives me enough power if I want it and the CVT gives you a really smooth driving experience. Fun to drive and low carbon emissions. Good job Ford!

• 

  AMAZING - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Heyday - May 24 - 7:33 am

  I have driven the car close to 1400 miles so far and i am completely happy. The driving experience is second to none, the level of luxury in this car is amazing. I feel would run out of space if i try to name every thing i am excited about, But I do have to say congratulations to Ford for an amazing car.

• 

  Goodbye Honda CRV-Hello Ford Fusion! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Plattsburgher - May 20 - 7:00 pm

  This car is the real deal. After 3,000 miles we have been averaging 39mpg, mostly highway driving. With very little effort, I have been able to achieve 45-47mpg on 40 mph roads. Quality, Economy, Technology, this is a car that FMC should be proud to build! I hope to see more hybrids offered from Ford in the near future. I havent missed my 2005 CRV for a minute!

• 

  HAPPY OWNER - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By HAPPY OWNER - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Weve owned our Ford Fusion Hybrid for about a week now. Its a great car; it drives well, looks great, and is so much better for the environment than regular cars. The tax break was nice too. We love it.

• 

  Just an Amazing Vehicle - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Mark - May 15 - 4:46 pm

  Like most here, we were looking for a Hybrid or other fuel efficient car, but it had to have all luxury appointments. Traded out a Mercedes for the Fusion. (THINK ABOUT THAT !) Because we drive under 10k miles/year, all highway, and we questioned whether we should just purchase a new luxo- cruiser or go Green. We chose to split the difference. After short-listing the expected cars, we drove this Fusion Hybrid in full-tilt trim. Almost on the spot, we were sold. Expected fears of buying American, build quality, reputation, status, etc weighed on us, but this car has the goods. Seriously. Drive one. This car is much better than the Mercedes it replaced.

• 

  Super Car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By David Mathis - May 3 - 10:13 pm

  Had this car 1 week. drives like a dream, elec to gas to elec motors are fantastically not detectable. Smooth seamless shifts with trany. I have city mpg of high 40s with careful acceleration. Combined city hwy gets 42+ mpg. Love the back up camera (502A pkg)in the Navigation screen! The side warning radar feature is accurate and reliable.

• 

  Pleased with performance so far... - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By deserthybrid - April 29 - 7:06 pm

  Being skeptical of Ford quality after a bad experience with a 2002 model, I have been plesantly surprised by the overall performance as well as the fit & finish on this vehicle. CVT is new for me, but the engine has the torque to accellerate fairly quickly. Love the SYNC system although it is not flawless. Sound system is solid and interior finishes, although not mind blowing, have a nice high quality feel to them. The Hybrid drive is smooth and switches from gas to electric mode seamlessly. Definitely very pleased both with the driving experience and at the pump after putting 5,000 miles on it. Highly recommend this vehicle to anyone considering a hybrid. BY the way, the Prius is UGLY

• 

  First timer for Ford - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Laura - April 10 - 9:03 pm

  I have previously owned Toyotas- Corolla, Camry, and 4 Runner. I thought I would remain a Toyota loyalist until I test drove the Ford Fusion Hybrid. I havent had it a full month yet, but I already average 38-40 MPG. I commute mostly highway and experience both great gas mileage and comfort. I never thought I would say I like an American car better than I liked my imports. You did it, Ford!!! Great job and continued success.

• 

  Great looking, mileage and price. - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By David ONeill - March 28 - 11:30 am

  Ordered from Ford with one option, the sports package. (Wheels and spoiler and sport interior) Very satisfied overall. Sticker said 47-47-47. Turns out it averages for me a solid 40.4 MPG. Ford eventually settled with owners and gave us a $750 rebate to cover the misquoted MPG. Out the door for around 29.5K. Over 35K on it and no complaints. A few minor recalls including reprogramming the computer so it can go up to 80 on the electric motor. (It was 62 when I bought it) All around I really like it.

• 

  2014 Fusion Hybrid at 36K - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By 7383 - March 10 - 10:30 pm

  Because I reviewed this car at 12K and 22K, I will not be comprehensive in this (final) update. I hope my comments are helpful for anyone seriously considering a Fusion Hybrid. No unscheduled service or repair to date. The only break/malfunction in 36K driving has been the RF passenger grab handle, which suffered a broken retention spring. So, thus far, reliability has been absolute. The positives and negatives I mention in my two prior reviews remain valid at this point, from my perspective.