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 - 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By rahenige - September 6 - 3:11 am

  My first car from a US company (all previous cars have been German or Japanese, most recently a Honda Accord Hybrid). Ive had the car since Jan. 4, 2011. Fuel mileage started out at 28mpg due to cold weather and snow in the Boston area. Now that spring has arrived, the car averaged 39.0mpg for the last tankful (based on 513 trip miles divided by 13.2 gallons to refuel). Overall fuel economy is 34.1mpg (156 gallons for 5,330 miles). I expect this to continue to improve throughout spring, summer and into next fall. Power from 2.5L I4 is adequate, although not as good as the 3.0L V6 in my HAH. Handling is good, but again not as crisp as in the HAH. Fuel economy is about 50% better.

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  Ford Fusion Hybrid - the future is here! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By S Elliott - September 3 - 11:16 pm

  I have not owned my Hybrid for very long (since its a 2010), but the car is fun to drive and worth the money. I drive an equal mix of highway, rural and city, I average 37.5 miles a gallon (WOW). The car is very streamlined inside and out. I have the 501A package and Im very happy. Dont think because its a hybrid it will be lacking on power. This can move and excellerate with its strong 2.5L engine, which has almost 200HP. It is a smooth ride, but with a different style of tires and rims it could be a little smoother. Drives like a sports car, room like a sedan and gas sipper like a sub-compact. The back seat will hold 3 people but as with any car its size it would be a tight fit.

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  Only one problem.... - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By yodibactum - August 29 - 4:59 am

  I purchased my 2014 model in March of 2014 and have now surpassed 20,000. I live in PA with many hills and valleys, hot, humid summers, and cold winters. Most of my mileage is local, although I do take many trips of 50 miles or more including a trip to Colorado, Georgia, and Canada. That said, the only times I got less then 50 mpg was the first two tanks of gas (47 and 49) and during the winter months because most of my driving was local and the car would take time to warm up. My overall mileage since owning the vehicle is better then 53 mpg and this last tank gave me 60 for the first time. The secret is in how you drive it. My car is no different then the ones claiming lower mileage Only ONE problem -- A driver cannot see the front of the vehicle -- this makes it very difficult to judge the distance of those pesky little parking stops in parking lots... I normally drive right up over them -- not to mention an awkward placed median strip on a side road in WV. I turned and never saw the median strip until I heard it going under my car -- needless to say, this removed the piece under the bumper... I realize the design of the car is to give it the best mileage but I also believe safety should be the first concern. This is dangerous... UPDATE! It is January 2018 and I have made the grave mistake of trading the Fusion for a Malibu Hybrid... I have only owned the Malibu for 8 months but it does not come close to the Fusion overall... With the exception of storage and maybe comfort the Malibu falls way short of the overall performance of the Fusion. Especially the mileage which averages about 14 mpg less...

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  Buy It As a Great Car Not Just a Hybrid - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Hero26 - August 12 - 8:30 pm

  Driven the car 10,000 miles in 7 months without a single hitch. Mileage averages almost exactly 40 MPG in largely city driving, but varies wildly from a low of 25 on cold, very hilly trips to a high of 70.0 on a flat to downhill trip on a warm day. The thing we did not expect about this car was the genius of its design and the fact that it just does everything very well to exceptionally well. Let people whine about having no gas cap. You really do have to search to find something not to like other than our rather lame dealer with his staff that "doesnt really believe in global warming." Just buy one already for the car itself even if you are a silly "non-believer" like the service guy.

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  Great Car, high tech fun all around - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Howie - August 3 - 3:23 am

  I recently traded in my G6 Hardtop Convertible for a 2010 FFH. My G6 while fun to drive when the top was down was getting an average of 15 mpg. This is the first Ford car Ive ever owned and Im really impressed. The car was a bit more expensive then I hoped, but all Hybrid seems to carry a hefty premium. And there is little to no incentives on them. I just made my first fill up and it was at 560 miles. Was averaging about 36-39 mpg. The fuel gauge is a little misleading. The tank holds 17.5 gallons, but the car list empty at 15 gallons. So you do have a nice reserve, though I wish it was a little more descriptive. Overall its a very fun and semi sporty sedan.

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  Wont Start - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Disappointed - July 23 - 5:10 pm

  I was super thrilled about the Ford Fusion Hybrid and fell in love with the car at the dealership...so many amenities for the price, and I wanted a green car. But, after just 5 month, one day my car would not start. Its been just shy of 2 months since, and the dealer is STILL trying to figure it out. Ford flew out an engineer this week to fix it. Beyond that, Ford has been completely unresponsive to my calls and letters. Ive driven Ford vehicles for years, so this is a major disappointment.

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  6000+ mile review update- - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Uncleserg - July 15 - 12:33 pm

  First off Ford has a winner here. The car is super solid, no interior rattles/noise and extremely comfortable ride. The interior is quiet and the car ride is smooth. Ford did not go cheap on the materials or the construction of the car. The leather sits are very soft/comfortable. So far very impressed w/this car. My strt mpg has avg high 41/43 and on hwy it’s been around 40/41 mpg. On short 3 mile drives I’ve gotten the occasional 55+ mpg ride. Those don’t happen often but when they do it’s an awesome feeling. One last note the mileage I’ve been getting on a tank fluctuates between 615 to 675 total miles and I still have less then 1/4 of a tank. Key to good mpg is having car battery charged.

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  Love It - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By JimS - July 12 - 9:10 pm

  Excellent quality. Smooth ride. Enjoy the Sync system. Great mileage. Still learning about all the neat features in the Sync system and the Sirius travel link system.

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  A Winner - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By HappyOwner - July 5 - 11:10 pm

  We have 09 Camry hybrid, FH trumps it in mileage, performance,and enterior. (SEL model), with everything except nav. Excellent buy with x plan and tax credit. One very small point, no garage door opener, just used to having it. 2300 miles, hope dependability will be as good as Camry.

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  Hybrid Honey - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Mike Hammer - July 5 - 6:51 am

  A roomy and stylish car; comfortable to ride in and drive. Quiet, with great gas mileage. Not flashy, but a family car you can take to a ritzy restaurant or on a long road trip. A really sweet value for the money. Kudos to Ford Motor Co.