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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  40k Mile Update - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By kd7oqc - November 5 - 4:27 am

  Our lifetime MPG is 38.9 actual (40.4 on the trip computer.) Like my conventional vehicle the mileage swings by several miles per gallon based on driving conditions and weather. Yesterday I got 53.9 MPG on the way to work and 45.4 on the way home. Having owned mostly Japanese vehicles, it will take me awhile to trust the reliability. So far we have had to replace the right front wheel bearing (under warranty). The factory tires (Michelin) need replacing already, which is disappointing. The "0" key on the drivers keypad no longer illuminates. $200 fix. The electric drivers seat is binds when you adjust it to the rear. Im not sure hybrid tech is cost effective.

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  Great looking car, terrible reliability on Ford Sync, Poor mileage - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By r_r - October 28 - 10:47 pm

  Car looks great, drives well for a hybrid, solidly built with a nice interior. However the Ford Sync system along with voice-activated navigation totally sucks. Navigation doesnt compute route 1/2 the time, screen keeps freezing over, reboots by itself. To add insult to injury, Ive had the car 2 months and taken it twice already to the dealer--they simply reset the system and say nothing is wrong and nothing more they can do. Completely unacceptable. If you buy this car, avoid getting the sync and navigation system. You will be burning a few thousand $ for nothing.

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  Many bad experiences - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By tpacarman - October 24 - 12:23 pm

  Bought the Fusion hybrid new in 2010. In four years have had two major issues, causing the car to render itself dead. The first time was in the middle of a multi-lane bridge with fast moving traffic, with a stop-immediately warning, leading to seconds of active time before car had to be pulled into shoulder. Towed, charged $500 or so. Two years later get another message "service power steering now" and the car again is unstartable. This time Ford service is quoting $1800 plus a diagnosis fee.

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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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  A Big Disappointment - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By jay26tm - June 27 - 9:48 pm

  Special-ordered this car to get all the tech available in a fuel-efficient mid-size sedan. Unfortunately, the car only delivers 37.6 mpg - not the claimed 47 (and I was able to get 52 mpg in a rented Hyundai, so my driving style is NOT the problem). Most disappointing is poor reliability - back in the shop for the 3rd time in 10 months for mysterious electrical issues. Poor workmanship from the factory allowed water to saturate electronic components, causing all sorts of electrical problems. With only 9k miles on it, car has now spent 11 days in the shop over the past 10 months: my 2010 Chrysler has only spent 2 days in the shop & my 2003 import only 5. I just want to drive it off a cliff!!

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  Most Unreliable Car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By UnhappyCustomer - December 12 - 8:23 am

  I have only had the car for 4 months and I have already had 3 trips to the shop. Trip 1) Check engine light came on. Faulty part needed to be replaced. Trip 2) Check Engine light came on. Computer needed to be recalibrated. Trip 3) The car SHUT DOWN on the middle of the highway. I had to pull over immediately as I had no power to the car. At least the car warned me to pull over safely s soon as possible. The best part is I was able to reboot it like my computer and it worked. Another part replaced. The last ford I owned needed a new transmission practically out of the gate. Just dont buy a FORD. Especially not a Fusion Hybrid. It just isnt safe in my opinion

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  Ok Car - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Tuko - April 14 - 6:05 pm

  Just turned in 2013 Fusion Hybrid at end of 3 year lease. Nice looking car. Pretty good mileage averaged around 41 mpg over the lease term which isnt bad but not up to advertising. MySync was a pain in the butt to get working properly. Trunk space severely limited by battery pack. Main complaint was the 13 gallon gas tank. Prior Fusions/MKZs hybrids had the standard 17.5 gallon tank. So, even with the great mileage, I was still having to fill up more often. After lease was up, went out and purchased a used 2012 Lincoln MKZ hybrid with the larger tank. Same great gas mileage. Good looking car. More pep than the Fusion for whatever reason. Maybe fill it up once per month. With most hybrids, mileage is better in the city than on the highway. Winter weather also takes a toll but heck, any car getting in the high 30s to high 40s in gas mileage is pretty good and for my two cents, the MKZ/Fusions look a heck of a lot better than a Prius. One more issue... passenger seat was not adjustable. Passenger feels like he/she is sitting in a bathtub. If buying used, make sure car has power passenger and driver seats.

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  Crappy MPG - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By fugitive54 - January 10 - 6:27 am

  Averaged 33 MPG through first 5K miles. I have driven as efficiently as possible, achieving perfect acceleration, braking and cruising scores. There have also been several recalls and the car has only been out for 8 months. Loved the car overall, but felt duped by Ford. I just WON a Lemon Law case on this car and am turning in the car for a full refund. There is also a Class Action lawsuit out there for MPG fraud for those who continue to act like this is not a real problem.

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  Fraud on gas mileage - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By cindyropp - November 9 - 12:43 am

  I returned my car after driving for a week it got 39 at best, went around and around with ford and after finding out that consumer reports and studies were coming out saying the gas mileage was grossly over exaggerated, they finally agreed to unwind the deal it was getting 29 highway and 38 to 39 city. if you drove like an old person and never quickly accelerated, put the air on, or went up a hill it might get a little better

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  3,500 miles - ENGINE WONT START - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Fusion_Disappoints - May 8 - 10:46 pm

  Loved this car for exactly 2 months. First new car in 10 years and loved all the upgraded accessories - navigation, SYNC, smart gages. Was averaging >40 mpg combined. One day, it just would not start (the green light wouldnt come on). All other lights were on but the engine would not start. As of today, its been in the Ford service shop for 30 days! They cannot figure out what is wrong. Its incredible that Ford would put this car on the market with this type of hidden defect and without having service mechanics (including corporate mechanical and hybrid experts) able to diagnose the problem. Ford customer service has been unresponsive. Buyers beware of the Ford Fusion Hybrid.