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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Dependable but no MPG champ - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
By ekamperman - March 19 - 9:46 pmI bought the 2010 FFH new and weve had it for 3.5 yrs. and 40,000 miles. We only average 34 mpg, not the 40 mpg we expected. Oh well, at least nothing has failed on it. I should count my blessings, right?
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Fun to Drive - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
By Russ - September 17 - 2:56 pmIve had my 2010 Ford Fusion for about a month and it has been fun to drive. Well have to see how it perfoms over time. A few things Ive noticed so far is the large front grille is plastc chrome and easily prone to scratching. Also the package I have includes rear park assist and it has gone emitted a continous beep on several occasions when absolutely nothing was to the rear of the vehicle. Other than that the fuel economy is great and the vehicle will stay in EV mode even with the A/C on.
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Poor Gas Mileage - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
By enternewid - July 8 - 12:32 pmWe were getting over 40 mpg the first 4 months we owned the car, then mileage dropped to 28 mpg with no change in driving habits. Took it into Ford and they gave the song and dance that there are no error codes so they cant do any thing! So much for auto mechanics being able to figure out a problem. My guess would be a bad fuel injector or oxygen sensor being bad, but not enough to show a code. I did put in some injector cleaner even though the owner manual says not to. This actually helped and increased the mileage to about 32 mpg average. BFD I can be driving on the straight and level and the MPG gauge bounces up and down for no reason. After buying a new Mustang in 1988 and having injector problems that Ford refused to fix, I told myself I would never buy another Ford. Well I was stupid and bought one anyway.
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2014 Fusion Hybrid at 36K - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
By 7383 - March 10 - 10:30 pmBecause I reviewed this car at 12K and 22K, I will not be comprehensive in this (final) update. I hope my comments are helpful for anyone seriously considering a Fusion Hybrid. No unscheduled service or repair to date. The only break/malfunction in 36K driving has been the RF passenger grab handle, which suffered a broken retention spring. So, thus far, reliability has been absolute. The positives and negatives I mention in my two prior reviews remain valid at this point, from my perspective.
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Poor Gas mileage - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
By Jack - February 28 - 3:20 amIve had my 2010 Fusion Hybrid for 6 months and only get 31 mpg city/hwy. From everything I read Im one of the very people owners that is getting this low of mileage! Dealer said that because I drive a short distance around town, that is what I will expect. I have driven 60 mi. plus and still cant get over 31 mpg. Ford advertised with city driving, you would expect the best gas mileage, not mine! I have talked to Ford Corp. and depending who you talk to Ive gotten contradicting explanations. This is my only complaint with the car, but I bought it thinking I would get much better gas mileage, like reported. I cant imagine if I drove in cold weather what I would get.
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Fusion - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
By Bill - October 25 - 8:43 pm -
2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid after 1 Year - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
By mgmd11 - August 5 - 4:21 amI have been driving my Ford Fusion Hydrid for 1 year now with 16K miles on it. I routinely get 41-44 mpg with an 80 mile roundtrip commute to work. Living in the Seattle area has advantages for better gas mileage beciase of milder summers and winters which do not result in poorer mileage due to using AC and heater as much. Freeway speed limit is also 60 mph around here. The estimated MPG generated on the Fuel Economy page matched my actual value quite well until July when I had a software ungrade. Now I routinely see 48-51 estimate MPG after burning a full tank of gas but my actual is still 41-44 MPG. Hmmm. Is Ford fudging the data?
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Good car, disappointing mileage - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
By tlh4 - July 18 - 6:56 amI have had this car about a month. I have driven on the highway and city. I simply dont believe the two previous posts about mileage. Complete B.S. I am getting in the low 30s in the city, and this is while paying attention to the readout that tells you when you are in EV mode. I have taken a couple short trips at low highway speed, about 60 MPH. I kept the speed down to allow it to run in EV mode. On these trips I got about 38 MPG.
Bottom line: I really like the car. It is quiet, with great interior and exterior styling, and more features than I have been able to master. However, dont expect to get anywhere near 47 MPG. The EPA needs to their house in order.
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Mileage fix a lie - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
By dnoel71 - November 18 - 12:05 amLast weekend I went and got the "update" regarding my Fusion Hybrid SE that was supposedly to help get better gas mileage as I drive almost 80 miles a day for work. Unfortunately it appears that instead of my mileage going up it is now going down!! I used to get anywhere from 37-41 now for the past 4 days of driving to work I have yet to even reach 37?? If someone else has gotten the update could you please let me know if the same thing is happening to you before I call and complain to Ford over this. I purchased this car specifically for the mileage promise that is a solid 10+ miles less mpg than promised.
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Great Car But... - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
By taxdoc - September 21 - 9:06 amLove the car. Sync has a lot of issues with smartphones. Doesnt do all that it is suppose to. The seats have very little support and I am seriously considering replacing them with Recaro seats.
