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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  So Far, So Good...and Fun to Drive! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By tr33climber - May 14 - 9:50 am

  We ordered the 2010 Fusion based on a test drive in an 09 model. The seats in the Hybrid seem a little firmer than the 09--nearly too firm for my body. We got the 502A package with all the trinkets and leather seats and now have about 1500 miles on it after a 900 mile trip to a relatives house. Average mileage is about 38 mpg although I managed over 50 mpg at 60 mph in a 50 mile jaunt last night. I suspect 38 will be the normal mileage with our type of driving. My overall impression is that it is a very competent well engineered and quality built vehicle. We traded in a newer Towncar, and didnt lose much except the posh ride and gained quite a lot of new engineering progress.

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  Ford has returned to the Market - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By jsiudock - May 2 - 12:06 pm

  Ive been a Nissan and Honda lover for many years. Ford has finally done it right. Hopefully the dealerships wont overcharge the customers in going to Honda or Toyota. Bought the car for my daughter going to school. Her first car Nissan Versa was so cheap and rattled you to death. Our Pathfinder is wonderful but 12-14 miles per gallon is so costly. Here came Ford with a true mid size car for safety and super milage. And our 20 year old daughter loves it. She loves the stereo, bluetooth and all the modern 21st century stuff. She says it almost like our Maxima SE, except the leather. Except for our loaded Ford F-150 FX 4X4 she said she will never buy Ford. Guess what the Fusion is super.

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  Extreme lack in lasting quality - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By tylerfawkes - May 1 - 6:26 am

  My 2010 Fusion Hybrid is less than two years old and almost right from the start it has had bolts on the rear door latches corroded to the point it is a safety issue, an AC that doesnt blow air out of the vents(or makes a clicking sound), squeaky leather seats and most recently; a bad sensor and dead battery have cost me $800 in parts, labor, rentals and lost wages due to having to take it to the shop. I even have the premium ESP and this is what i have paid out of pocket. I drive conservatively, take my car to the dealership for all work and still, i have had all of these issues. Once again, this car is less than TWO years old. Ford isnt ready for the Hybrid market.

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  MPG is for real. You just have to know how to drive it - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By eddiebones - April 26 - 1:35 am

  Just got my new Hybrid Titanium yesterday, and on my commute to work (45 miles one way) I averaged 46.4 MPG. With more practice, Im shooting to top 50. Ive read all the complaints about how this car doesnt get the advertised 47 MPG, and what it comes down to is this: The folks who arent getting the proper MPG are just not driving it correctly. They are heavy footed on the gas and brake - GUARANTEED. you have to ease on/off brake and gas with this thing, use cruise as much as possible, and work to maximize that EV mode. Other than the stellar mileage right off the bat, the car is quiet, smooth and incredibly comfortable.

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  One of the best midsize family sedans - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By ace8726872 - April 20 - 4:38 pm

  2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid is one of the best cars in the midsize family sedan segment in the $35,000 price range. With its head turning gorgeous design, Fusion Hybrid delivers exceptional fuel efficiency, often beating EPA estimates of 47/47/47. Cabin is filled with all the hgh-tech gadgets that are usually reserved for cars that cost much more. There are other hybrids that deliver better MPG numbers but no other car can deliver such roomy, whisper-quiet and exceptionally comfortable cabin and composed driving dynamics while delivering class-leading fuel economy. I would highly recommend 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Just go in foR a test drive. You will be surprised how good the car is!

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  Best sedan on the market, perfect for almost everyone - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By hybridbear - April 14 - 8:23 am

  We ordered our Fusion Hybrid back in October and took delivery in December. This is the most comfortable car Ive ever sat in. Long road trips are no issue as the seats are comfortable even after 14-15 hours in the car per day, we felt refreshed each night after driving the car all day. Our fuel economy was around 40 MPG in the cold MN winter with some tanks dipping into the 30s when the temperatures were consistently below zero. Now that spring is here our last few tanks have been above 50 MPG and the current tank is at 56 MPG about 3/4 used up. The city fuel economy is amazing and highway fuel economy is better than any non-hybrid sedan available

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  Absolutely fantastic car. - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Norman R. - March 18 - 5:46 pm

  This car is one of the best Ive had. I absolutely love SYNC! Ive gotten up to 50 mpg in city driving! Great job Ford - an almost flawless car.

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  I might just have a lemon - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Oldschool1962 - February 28 - 4:13 pm

  Started out very positive about the purchase. Have had Instrument cluster glitches, Sound system issues and several regenerative and hydraulic braking issues. Even after the "customer service enhancement" system reprogram last week. When the car is functiong properly (what I was sold) its great but when the computers have issues everything suffers. Big worry is the current braking issue. They have a mind of their own when it comes to pedal pressure and actual braking of the vehicle. Brakes actually garb without warning. Tech line has shrugged off things as normal adn dealership is doing what they can but their hands are tied at the moment. Service manager is trying to do what he can.

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  Ford Fusion Hybrid 2013 - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By ksaclo - January 16 - 6:00 pm

  Owned for 7 months and reading reviews to see if there were serious issues I may run into. The majority of the reviews are right on target with my findings and the only bad reviews are from people who do not drive the car properly or are having a specific one off issue, then blowing it out of proportion (e.g. tires rupture easily. Huh?). Currently getting 44.4 MPG once I learned not to punch the gas pedal and keep the gas lightly applied esp. on the HWY (60-70). Teenage daughter driving goes down about 10 MPG (2+2=?). Love this car and is the best commuter car ever purchased. That coming from a very experienced southern California driver and a friend who owns the Titanium agrees 100%.

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  A hybrid that actually drives like a car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Oman - January 3 - 12:00 pm

  I replaced a large SUV (Expedition EL loaded) with this car since I was mostly using it for commuting to work (about 65 miles per day). I had been considering a replacement but until the Fusion came out there was nothing that made sense for me. I wanted creature comforts, a great ride, great mileage, and something that could handle merging onto a 70MPH HWY with short rising ramps. I test drove a number of cars and a few smaller SUVs and nothing came close to meeting my requirements. The build and materials quality is top-notch. The car is comfortable and quiet. Im getting just over 37 real MPG driving normally. It has plenty of room. I could not be happier with it.