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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  2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid after 1 Year - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By mgmd11 - August 5 - 4:21 am

  I have been driving my Ford Fusion Hydrid for 1 year now with 16K miles on it. I routinely get 41-44 mpg with an 80 mile roundtrip commute to work. Living in the Seattle area has advantages for better gas mileage beciase of milder summers and winters which do not result in poorer mileage due to using AC and heater as much. Freeway speed limit is also 60 mph around here. The estimated MPG generated on the Fuel Economy page matched my actual value quite well until July when I had a software ungrade. Now I routinely see 48-51 estimate MPG after burning a full tank of gas but my actual is still 41-44 MPG. Hmmm. Is Ford fudging the data?

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  Great American car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Garry H - July 18 - 10:00 am

  For the longest time i waited for an American manufacturer to develop a sedan that is good looking, economical, well designed. Finally ford has done it. I am very pleased with the car. Love to drive it, love the sync, interior, blind side alert.

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  Good car, disappointing mileage - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By tlh4 - July 18 - 6:56 am

  I have had this car about a month. I have driven on the highway and city. I simply dont believe the two previous posts about mileage. Complete B.S. I am getting in the low 30s in the city, and this is while paying attention to the readout that tells you when you are in EV mode. I have taken a couple short trips at low highway speed, about 60 MPH. I kept the speed down to allow it to run in EV mode. On these trips I got about 38 MPG.

  Bottom line: I really like the car. It is quiet, with great interior and exterior styling, and more features than I have been able to master. However, dont expect to get anywhere near 47 MPG. The EPA needs to their house in order.

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  The Closest "No Compromise" Vehicle - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By John - June 20 - 4:00 pm

  After owning our FFH for about 4 months now, we cant say enough good things about the vehicle. We traded our SUV for it and still have our Prius which spends a lot more time sitting in the garage than ever before. I have never been a Ford guy in the past, but this vehicle has completely changed my perception of the quality and design of Ford products for the better. I think this vehicle is the closest you can come today to having a vehicle that gets great gas mileage without having to compromise in any way. The car is beautiful inside and out, is put together flawlessly, and has been averaging between 36-40mpg in mixed driving. Nice job FORD!

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  I love my hybrid - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By charlie - June 19 - 6:00 pm

  I love my hybrid. Its fun to drive and sporty. I have the black/w black leather seats and tinted windows. Its very sharp! The sync is great especially since I own a zune and most cars are geared to Ipods. This car is very awesome I just wish there was an update for the navigation maps.

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  Very Happy With My Choice! - 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By wrightkl - June 6 - 12:29 am

  First - fuel economy - I have carefully tracked every fill-up and after 3 mo./3400 miles cumulative economy is 35.8 mpg (the display is 3% optimistic and shows 36.9). Outside temperature makes a big difference. At 70 deg. I get 40 mpg and at 25 deg. I get 33. The ride is enjoyable and very quiet, even in the gasoline mode. The transmission was a happy surprise - the CVT eliminates that shifting feeling and acceleration (of which there is plenty) just feels better. Interior is classy - I have the Smokestone leather seats (along with the Steel Blue Metallic exterior, which is a nice combination). Only reason I have a 4 for build quality was two small items which the dealer handled - no biggie.

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  Great Looks, Fun, 44+ MPG - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Craig from CT - May 20 - 1:43 am

  This is an excellent car. In mostly highway driving I get over 44 mpg. Around town I get closer to 50 mpg. If you drive smartly you can do much better than the 41/36 mpg advertised. The interior is modern in appearance, layed out very well, and is very comfortable. Exterior styling is sharp, many people think this is a luxury badged vehicle. The fit up and assembly are top notch. Its been over 10 years since Ive purchased a Ford and so far this car has far exceeded my expectations.

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  So far, its AMAZING!!! - 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By laecodriver - May 18 - 4:04 am

  I rarely get excited about cars, and after many years this is my 1st American car, but I have to say, after only 65 miles, the 15 Fusion Hybrid SE is just phenomenal! Slick-looking on the outside, comfortable & well-designed on the inside--and a pleasure to drive. If you are a careful driver (easyon the gas & brake) this car has AMAZING performance! On a few city drives, the readout is telling me Im getting from 44mph--up to 55.6 mph, which seems almost impossible. We opted for the full MYTOUCH sync package, well worth the extra $$s--so far its been flawless, integrating phone, bluetooth, music, etc. Will update, but so far Im lovin this car!!

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  Worth the Wait - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Chadlad - May 5 - 10:36 am

  We ordered our Fusion Hybrid on March 2, to take advantage of the maximum tax credit given on the car. We were trading in a Towncar, so wanted a version that had the creature comforts we were used to with heated leather and sunroof,etc. The car arrived on in late April and has so far been trouble free except for the fact that one of our cellphones wont link up with the Sync System.

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  almost 200,000 miles - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By rushdm - April 22 - 11:29 am

  I had this car (2010 FFH) for almost 2 years now. The odometer now is at 199,842 Miles. Yes, I know.. Ive driven this car a lot! and I just love it.. never had any "serious" problem with it, just the basics (oil, tires, filters, brakes). The only comment I can make, is about the mpg, now its an average of 31-32 MPG, which is much lower than what was claimed (36-41). Ive tried changing the spark plugs, tires, gasoline. still average of 31-32. However, I am a bit of aggressive driver, so I can understand why it wont go any close to 35. Other than that, the car has been an absolute delight, filled with options and features (I have the fully loaded one)