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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  Great Car - 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By rahenige - September 6 - 3:11 am

  My first car from a US company (all previous cars have been German or Japanese, most recently a Honda Accord Hybrid). Ive had the car since Jan. 4, 2011. Fuel mileage started out at 28mpg due to cold weather and snow in the Boston area. Now that spring has arrived, the car averaged 39.0mpg for the last tankful (based on 513 trip miles divided by 13.2 gallons to refuel). Overall fuel economy is 34.1mpg (156 gallons for 5,330 miles). I expect this to continue to improve throughout spring, summer and into next fall. Power from 2.5L I4 is adequate, although not as good as the 3.0L V6 in my HAH. Handling is good, but again not as crisp as in the HAH. Fuel economy is about 50% better.

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  Wont Start - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Disappointed - July 23 - 5:10 pm

  I was super thrilled about the Ford Fusion Hybrid and fell in love with the car at the dealership...so many amenities for the price, and I wanted a green car. But, after just 5 month, one day my car would not start. Its been just shy of 2 months since, and the dealer is STILL trying to figure it out. Ford flew out an engineer this week to fix it. Beyond that, Ford has been completely unresponsive to my calls and letters. Ive driven Ford vehicles for years, so this is a major disappointment.

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  Hybrid Honey - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Mike Hammer - July 5 - 6:51 am

  A roomy and stylish car; comfortable to ride in and drive. Quiet, with great gas mileage. Not flashy, but a family car you can take to a ritzy restaurant or on a long road trip. A really sweet value for the money. Kudos to Ford Motor Co.

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  A very well built appliance, comfortable, solid, but not fun to drive - 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By barton - July 4 - 9:08 pm

  I have only 500 miles so far on the car, and I intend to update this over time. So far I am getting 42.5 MPG in mixed driving. I have rented 2014 Nissan Altimas, several Priuss, and lots of Camrys.The Fusion Hybrid (2015 model) is better built, quieter, more refined, far more comfortable, and more sure-handling on corners than any of those cars-and it is not even close. But where the Fusion falls down, and perhaps all hybrids do, is in driving fun. My comparison in test driving, and for making the Fusion decision, was the VW Passat TDI (Diesel). I have heard that car gets a legitimate 38-40 MPG. And the Passat is a lot more fun to drive. But I picked the Fusion for higher reliability.

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  An excellent value, superior build quality - 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By barton - June 2 - 8:42 pm

  Yup, I know its a cliche joke but my other car actually is a BMW 530i, which was once named by Consumer Reports as the best car they ever tested, period. So my standard for comparison is different. And I really do appreciate the excellent value that the 2015 Fusion Hybrid offers. This is only a 1600 mileage report, but so far the build quality seems superior, no rattles, and it takes some of my BMW-type throttling over bumps quite well. The seat comfort is excellent for the price range, much better expected. My combined gas mileage is 43.9 MPG overall so far, versus the rated 42 MPG . The touchscreen info system is okay, no issues. Not BMW handling, but it is predictable and seems safe.

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  Great But... - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By RoughRider - April 3 - 4:03 am

  We have had the car about a month and a half. For the size of vehicle it gets good mileage. Traded in a Highlander Hybrid. Seems to be a fairly well designed vehicle. The back up camera is far superior to the Toyota and the BLIS system is great. For all the wonderful features about this car, it rides like a tank. Took a trip from Portland to Seattle and back. By the time we got home, my wife and I felt beat to death. Have discussed ride issue with Dealer and FMCO, but apparently that is the way the car is designed. You can tell this is a 4 cyl. engine, but with the electric assist it still moves.

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  Love the look and feel, but not the MPG - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By pkhannon - March 15 - 11:59 am

  I purchased a Fusion Hybrid SE 4 weeks ago. The car drives great, handles turns with ease, and accelerates decently for a 2.0L. The seats too are very comfortable and the look of the car is fantastic. The MPG however isnt even close to the advertised 47/47. Ive put 1500+ miles on the car and my best MPG is 38. In order to try to get better MPG, Ive totally changed my driving habits, accelerating slowly, keeping the car at 60 on highways, breaking so that I get 100% power return, etc....I recently read an experts review and they noted better mileage in warmer temps. Maybe..but I also saw that Ford is being investigated by the EPA. I still love the car but the MPG is disappointing.

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  Great value with low ownership costs - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By swhitehorn - March 9 - 1:58 am

  I bought my Fusion SE Hybrid on 2-26-14 and am averaging 40.5 mpg so far. My trip odometer states that I traveled 415 miles on this tank and I still have more than 1/4 tank left or about 160 miles to empty. Keep in mind, this is only a 13.5 gallon tank, NOT a 17 or 18 gallon tank, like many of its non-hybrid competitors. Basically, the tank holds 40-50% less gas than, say a Nissan Altimas 18.5 gallon tank. The Fusion rides very smoothly and quietly, much more so than my 2008 Honda Accord EXL V6. I paid $24,178 (including the $150 document fee) plus taxes and title. This is $3,913 off the MSRP of $28,100. I financed the car at 1.65% thru RBFCU in San Antonio for 48 months.

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  Fusion hybrid support - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By kinetics - January 11 - 10:26 am

  On 4/5, after about 500 miles, vehicle just stopped in traffic with all error lights lit. Towed to dealer. on 4/6 dealer notifed me that it needed a new processor but Ford "could not find one". On 4/11 the dealer installed processor but all error lights remain lit. On 4/13 dealer was "in contact with Ford Enginneering and working on the problem". This is not the way to introduce a new vehicle. I wonder when I will get a Fusion that runs!

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  Ford employees told yo help out on mpg - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By truthnow11 - December 21 - 7:11 pm

  I know people who work at Ford, their sales department pushed the engineers to deliver dishonest numbers, that is why 47/47mpg is basically not attainable by anyone, even chief engineer John D. cant get it with John V. at his side. Soon the fueleconomy.gov site will be flooded with people who claim 45-49 mpg, these are employees of Ford Motor company. When I was driving, I try to keep the speed low to maximize electric range and I rarely drive on Interstate, and I was teased by other people for driving like an old lady! Overall mpg is 38.3 mpg, not bad, but I still feel defrauded because I expect 42-45 mpg. :-(