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:
Showing 121 through 130 of 266.00-
Poor Gas mileage - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
By Jack - February 28 - 3:20 amIve had my 2010 Fusion Hybrid for 6 months and only get 31 mpg city/hwy. From everything I read Im one of the very people owners that is getting this low of mileage! Dealer said that because I drive a short distance around town, that is what I will expect. I have driven 60 mi. plus and still cant get over 31 mpg. Ford advertised with city driving, you would expect the best gas mileage, not mine! I have talked to Ford Corp. and depending who you talk to Ive gotten contradicting explanations. This is my only complaint with the car, but I bought it thinking I would get much better gas mileage, like reported. I cant imagine if I drove in cold weather what I would get.
-
Excellent American car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
By Russ - January 28 - 8:06 pmI have never owned an American car before but always hoped I would find one worth buying. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is that car! Exterior styling draws attention and lots of positive comments. The interior is roomy enough for my wife and I as well as for our 2 teenage sons. The interior materials and well fit and finish are excellent. The Fusion Hybrid draws you into the fuel economy game with great information delivered via a great looking instrument panel. The technology offered with the Nav system / Sony sound package is top notch. Love the Sync system. FF Hybrid is fun to drive, comfortable and looks great - by the way it is easy to beat the EPA estimates!!
-
Comfy & Quiet - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
By L. Farmer - December 14 - 7:17 amLove the car, best decision ever. The Titanium is the best car Ive owned. 10 positions for the drivers seat, it even raises up. So quiet my husband and I kept forgetting to turn it off. You wont they the purchase. This car was three years old with only 5,600 miles on it. Great buy!
-
Love this car! - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
By hankfink - November 3 - 7:36 pmI love it! Beautiful inside and out, very comfortable and I get 43MPG average. I drive pretty fast and on a regular bases exceed the MPGs. Its rated at 43 MPG now, so Im happy thats exactly what I get. The stereo is great, and the navigation more accurate than a smart phone. On a trip from SF to LA I have a 1/4 tank left over. Surprises everyone how nice the interior (luxury package w navigation) is. Oh the brakes are great!
-
Fusion - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
By Bill - October 25 - 8:43 pm -
Best of all - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
By ChewToy - October 22 - 12:26 pmI traded my Prius for this car because the Fusion is so superior. Its more comfortable, quieter, better looking, the radio is better, it gets better mileage and is just plain more fun. Bottom line, you cant go wrong here. Dump your existing hybrid and get the fusion. For sure.
-
shockingly satisfied - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
By atrain - October 11 - 6:57 amIve put 20,000+ miles on the car and it has been flawless. Ive never owned a car with a CVT transmission before so i was concerned but not anymore. The transmission is amazingly smooth. I routinely get 500+ miles on a ~11 gallon tank in the summer months. The mpgs drop some in the winter because the defrost/heat causes the gas engine to run more often but its still in the low 40s. If it wasnt for all of the hills in the Portland area I would exceeding the 50mpg mark no problem. I have the base S model and its really all you need.
-
Awesome car - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
By qzlkjh - October 8 - 3:57 pmPicked up my car about five days back. I researched and was skeptical of gas consumption claims. Some consumers had rated it rather bad. However, I wanted and needed a low gas consumption vehicle. I looked at and test drove many hybrids including Lexus, VW, Lincoln, Toyota. This appealed to me after several test drives. I have not regretted a moment since buying it. It is very comfortable. Quality of build is excellent and consumption is more than what Ford promised. I am averaging around 45mpg on a very long daily commute of 110 miles round trip on a rather flat highway. In city and shorter trips, I have achieved over 55mpg.
-
3 years-20000miles - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
By tony5020 - October 5 - 5:22 pmNo major problems. Avg. 38 mpg. 52 in town, 43mpg to airport, 33 in winter(gas engine must run to heat coolant for heater). Good looking vehicle. Comfortable seating and ride. Fun to drive. Doesn`t save you any money. $8000 premium(only $500 Federal rebate) for hybrid, means at $4/gal you must drive this car 80,000 miles to start to break even(2000 gal times 40 mpg.)Cons-The brakes squeak horribly. The dealer saids to live with it. Claims the brake pad material is at fault. The A/C is dodgy. Somedays the car doesnt cool sufficiently. There is no cargo net or gas cap. The front end is all plastic. Rolled into a protruding trailer hitch at 3 mph and did $1400 damage.
-
THIS IS AN AMERICAN CAR? - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
By Todster - September 10 - 7:36 pmI have owned this vehicle for a little over a week. I cant believe this is an American car! The craftsmanship, build quality and ride quality rival European sedans costing much, much more. The fuel economy for this class vehicle has no match. So far my Fusion is averaging 42.5 MPG based on mostly city stop-n-go driving. Much more car for the money than Toyota, Nissan or Honda. It is very exciting to see a product like this come from a US automaker. Ford has a winner in my opinion!
