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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  Really Enjoy This Car, Especially The Mileage - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Mark Holdgrafer - August 22 - 7:00 pm

  Really wanted the Mustang, but with a teenage son in the family there was no way to fit him in the back seat, so a family sedan was needed. Never thought I would buy a hybrid, but am very glad that I did. Almost didnt even test drive it though. I test drove a standard Fusion because I liked the styling, but it was so dreadfully underpowered that I just wrote it off. At another dealership I decided to give the hybrid a try and Im glad I did. The electrics give it a nice punch with some added torque that makes up for the missing horsepower even with the combined engine/electric rating of only 188hp. That is one of the advantages of electric motors, the full torque of the motor is available almost instantly across the full range of RPM. What I really enjoy about her though is that she gives me on average about 40mpg. Once you get used to driving a hybrid its pretty easy to keep your mileage close to or even above the rated values. I often get around 50mpg on my commute (as reported by the on-board computer at the end of each trip). The one thing that I dont like about her is the MyFord Sync entertainment system. Its been widely reported that it is simply not a user friendly interface and they are correct. Its got some maddening deficiencies. For instance, pressing the media button repeatedly should cycle through the available media inputs on the stereo but you have to use either the voice interface to tell it to switch from line input to USB input, or go several layers deep into the media menu to do so. There are other user interface mistakes like this as well.

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  Couldnt Be More Pleased - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By David - August 8 - 6:10 am

  My first American car since 1981, and by far the most comfortable, enjoyable car I have ever owned. I have the 502 package (all the options). The gauges for the hybrid feature provide a feedback system to maximize gas mileage that is an OCDs dream come true. The Synch system, including voice-activation, jukebox, navigation screen features and sound quality, is simply awesome, and the transition between EV mode and gas engine imperceptably smooth. My only complaint is that the car is somewhat noisy at speeds exceeding 70 mph. New England winter gas mileage is only about 32 mpg, though in Spring I am now getting the full 38-40 mpg mix city and highway driving.

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  Great car - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By marklally - June 8 - 3:42 pm

  This is one of if not the best car I have ever owned. I and everyone I know think the cars looks are outstanding. My car has the appearance package with the five spoke wheels and the non low- rolling resistance tires, I expected to take a noticeable hit on the gas mileage because of this, but it just hasnt seemed to be the case. This cars handling and driving dynamics are just top notch, its unusually quite, the seats are very comfortable and the gas mileage in fantastic. Now for the bad part; My Ford Touch is horrible, its every bit as bad as the reviews say it is. its a huge black eye on a otherwise great car experience. I hope Ford cures this problem in haste.

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  Unhappy customer - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Unhappy customer - June 8 - 9:43 am

  Certain parts of this vehicle I love but at 2300 miles I already have my second service engine light on so back to the shop I go. I also dont like the complete and outright lie on the 41mpg. Fill the tank up and the estimated miles to empty is 535 miles. It is a 17 gallon tank. Do the math, that is only 31.5 miles per gallon. I do however get more than 31.5 mpg but seems dumb to say you get 41 mpg and then show you will only get 31.5 mpg after filling the tank. Maybe I just got a lemon but not happy that I am going back to service AGAIN! EV mode can work up to 47mph but only at coasting speeds. Put one small hill in the way and it is gone.

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  MPG Learning curve - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By khamiam - May 26 - 2:31 pm

  I have had my fusion hybrid for about a month --and MPG is a learned behavior. First about my driving --right now I am commuting out of state 250 miles from home and then 40 miles round trip from the hotel to work. I drive with the traffic in 55&65 zone. The first week I got 39-41 MPG --which is what I expected and was totally ok with. The second week, I got 43.5 and the third week 45.3 and the 4th 47.1 -- You have to change the way you drive. Easy on the accelerator, to keep it in EV mode.I wait to speed up when the gas engine kicks in. Yes, 47 MPG (for 500+ miles) is possible -- and if you are getting mid-thirties, your driving style doesnt fit ANY hybrid. Use eco-cruise for better mpg.

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  2014 Ford Fusion Hybred - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By xboeing1 - May 17 - 1:34 am

  I love this car. I have to admit something though. The styling is directly out of a James Bond movie. The front design, which looked exactly like the Astin - Martin sports car. How is this possible for Ford to do this? Easy one, they own part of the company so no lawsuits. As a 70 year old man who still has a serious love affair with the James Bond myth what could I do but buy one. Now I have to say its doubtful that ever Bond were real he probably wouldnt have been driving a 4 door sedan but I can deal with that:o). As every adult knows when you fall in love with something you lose all negotiating ability. I dont think I got a great deal but I love the car.

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  Ford Quality still BAD - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Jane Roe - May 13 - 6:20 am

  This car has been a nightmare, its been in the shop more than Ive driven it. Traded my 2001 Honda Civic for this troublesome crap. Going to try to get it classified as a lemon and buying a Honda when I get my money back.

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  9 Month and very satisfied. - 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By wilcox - May 6 - 2:36 am

  QUIET. Currently avg. 41.0 mpg. Lower numbers in winter, higher in spring. Drives fine - will scoot if asked to. Comfortable and good climate controls. Good stereo. Love blind spot system and dash displays. I drive rather non-aggressively. It has everything on it and it all works great. The triple tri-coat white makes the vehicle look outstanding. Classy looking even if it is a plentiful Ford...

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  Love the Ford Fusion!! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Gingout - March 25 - 7:20 pm

  I have owned the car for 2 months (3000 miles) and love it. The car is quiet, tight, comfortable and easy to drive which makes my morning commute in the Washington DC area decent. I am averaging 41.5 mpg with 60% highway and 40% city which is better than the combined 38 that is advertised. I have actually obtained as high as 58.9 mpg on some drives. Great car and highly recommended.

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  A car of class - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By shane wheeler - February 24 - 4:16 pm

  Know it is a car you can trust, depend on and ride not just in comfort but class, I will take this car over any high end luxury car any day. Exceptional design, Ford put a great deal of research and design into this car and gave it to the public at a hell of a great cost.