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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  Uncomfortable on long drives - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By lektrik - October 21 - 8:13 am

  Overall the Fusion is a very good car with state of the art technology. Ive gotten 52 mpg around town and 41mpg on the highway wile driving within the speed limit. When I drive faster, as I normally do the average is 35mpg. I sold a 2003 Taurus to purchase the Fusion and that car was much more comfortable on the highway than the Fusion and got 27.5mpg. Overall I have mixed emotions about the Fusion. A highy touring car its not, A city or suburban fuel champ for its size it is!! Overall, if highway driving is your major miles I would opt for something like the new Taurus. If running errands aroud town and stop and go traffic is your day than the Fusion is an excellent choice!

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  Lame MPG - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By mxgolf - August 15 - 12:43 pm

  I actually love the car but the mileage is not even close to EPA numbers. 33 MPG is not 47 or even close. I drive like a grandma now and it still does not get near what its supposed to. I would gladly get rid of the car due to Ford lying about the mileage. I do live in Oregon which has 4 seasons but the weather should not have anything to do with fuel mileage. If there was a lemon law for fuel mileage I would gladly give this car back. Unfortunately I am stuck with it. I would not recommend buying the car if you are buying it for the hybrid mileage.

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  Great Car, MPG Overstated - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By pdt66 - July 11 - 7:25 pm

  I bought a 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE in Bordeaux Reserve to replace a 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid. While I loved my 2011 model, I decided to update to the 2013 based on the sleek new styling, the larger head, leg, and hip room, and to a small degree the increased fuel economy. I have no regrets, as the 2013 model is a wonderful car. The look and feel of the car is great, and it is much bigger than the 2011 model. It is quiet, smooth, comfortable, and well equipped. That said, you most likely will not be able to achieve 47 mpg as rated. Granted, I have been able to get about 40-41 mpg by carefully monitoring my driving habits to maximize economy. This is a slight improvement over the 2011

• 

  Great Car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Rob F - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Ford for one year now, driven it about 14,000 miles and love it. The fuel mileage is fun to watch (I live in NYC and commute to Northern NJ). When the temperature stays below about 40 Deg F I average about 35 MPG, between 40-75 Deg F about 40 MPG, and above 90 Deg F the mileage drops to about 36 MPG. I have the Sony sound system I dont know how I ever lived without the SYNC system. So far I have had no issues with the car.

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  Love It So Far -- Hopefully Will Hold Up - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Nelson - June 14 - 12:33 pm

  Ive had a little over than a month with this car so far, so it might very well be still the honeymoon period, but the comfort and the fuel economy are great. It has the power available when you need it, and is sensibly designed. No real weaknesses that I can see.

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  Still love it 2.5 years later - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By greghodg - June 3 - 6:23 pm

  Bought new in summer 2009. Its been fantastic. Since then, Ive been back to the dealer for two oil changes and one unplanned visit for a braking system issue. Gas mileage depends on conditions. In the summer in Phoenix, you have to run the A/C on full all the time, which can cause a big dip, and in the winter short trips will suffer since the gas engine doesnt shut down until it gets to normal temperature. Ive averaged 37.5 since new.

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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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  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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  Poor MPG and Getting Worse - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By larrysfl - August 18 - 11:49 am

  Ive had the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid since last November (nearly 10 months) and previously owned a 2010 Fusion Hybrid that I drove for over 3 years. I know how to drive this Hybrid to squeeze every ounce of fuel economy out of it. Driving this car for maximum efficiency, with 100% efficiency on Braking, Acceleration & Cruising resulting in an average 33 MPG. It was physically impossible to operate this vehicle under any conditions to get more than 35 MPG. The dealer told me it needed a 5k mile "break-in". So I waited and drove. After 5k - NO change whatsoever in MPG. Then they installed a new "Fix" for the MPG the Ford released and now my MPG is WORSE! Now I can barely get 30 MPG!

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  Ford is lying about the mileage - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By safedriver415 - April 14 - 10:38 pm

  The 2014 Fusion Hybrid does not live up to its mpg claims. AT ALL! Expect to see no higher than 34mpg from normal driving and 38mpg from "hybrid driving". Unlike the Prius which get its claimed mpg numbers when driven normally, the Fusion Hybrid will never get close to 47mpg unless all your drives are down hill, at 70F degrees, and no headwind. The MyTouch system is a dog. It cant do anything without numerous inputs, and forget about the navigation, it is a true pain to use, so we dont and use our phones instead.