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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  Not a huge fan of the hybrid - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By abestie - October 5 - 6:07 pm

  We purchased the hybrid an we are overall pleased with the ride styling and build quality.That being said we have never come close to the mpg stated on the windshield sticker. Our average mpg remains at 32. We have nearly 10,000 miles an this car and recently took it in to the dealer for its first oil change and also told them of our concerns with the fuel economy.I had hoped after the break in things would improve ,but so far they havent . I was told by the service manager that the systems all checked fine and there was nothing they could do. I called Fords consumer affairs department and was told not to run the heat if I wanted to get better fuel efficiency,the outside temp is 25 degrees

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  Good Car Badly Fitted Leather Front Seat - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By RJB - May 27 - 11:43 am

  We ordered the car 1/28/09 and took delivery 3/31/09. We have the 502a package and really like the many options. The leather front seats had many wrinkles and only got worse over a 2 week period. The dealer took pictures and sent to Ford who approved the replacment of the covers. BIG MISTAKE. The new covers that were fitted by a professional look even worse then the original. Now we have been promised 2 new complete seats from the factory but will have to wait until available. Has anyone else had problem with the front seats in leather? The rear seat fits perfectly

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  2014 Fusion Hybrid at 22K Miles - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By 7383 - May 19 - 12:06 pm

  This is an update from my initial review, which I placed at about 12K miles. My usage has been consistent, with a mix of congested city, rural two-lane, and high speed interstate driving, in temperature ranging from 20 F to 118 F. Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with the car. I have had the oil changed twice, and the tires rotated once via Ford dealer. No squeaks, rattles or other maladies have appeared. No fluid additions required. My other observations at 12K still apply, so this update may be helpful to potential purchasers because my experience is now based on 22K of driving in all conditions.

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  Simply Amazing - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Dave - April 12 - 9:53 am

  Im very fussy and hard to please technically (and not often given to spending the time to write these things). But after 800 miles I am very impressed with this vehicle. The technology in the 2010 Fusion Hybrid is simply amazing and Im happy with my decision. (Did I mention I was impressed?) Ford build quality has significantly improved since my last Ford. I heartily recommend this vehicle. (If youre near Columbus OH, go see Mathews Ford in Newark - they were very accommodating.)

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  Nice looking, but dont expect great mileage. - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By dougbratman - March 27 - 11:25 pm

  My 2013 Fusion Hybrid gets about 37 or 38 mpg on average; about 9 mpg less than the stated 47. Its not a lot different than my wifes non-hybrid 2013 Accord. And the price for this mileage is not much power. I brought it in for the "software update" but it did nothing to help. This is a $33,000 car! The car is attractive and comfortable, to be sure. The Sync system is not optimal. When I turn on the car the phone syncs, but I cannot use it for a full 5 minutes or it makes the call and the other person cant hear me. The Accord works right away. There are also times when, in order to disconnect from the call, I literally had to pull over and shut the car off. Talk about a hard reboot!

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  Absolutely better than Prius - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Xueshu Song - March 25 - 2:50 am

  I have own two Toyota Prius cars since 2001 and 2005. Ford Fusion Hybrid is a much better value as it is larger, more conformable, and with more efficient hybrid system. It always starts its engine only after pulling out of the garage and you would never have to keep the garage door or window open to keep the air fresh inside.

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  Not living up to the hype. - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By kzooguy1981 - January 29 - 9:16 am

  I had this vehicle on order since early August and finally picked it up on November 30. Next time, I would rather buy from the lot than go through the hassle of waiting for delivery. The main reason for purchasing the vehicle was the EPA estimated MPG. After nearly 11,000 miles on the vehicle I am struggling to get above 37MPG for a lifetime average. Most of my driving is on the freeway and 95% of that time I have the cruise set at 62MPH so that the battery will engage. I have heard that the temperature and the fuel blend can make a difference but my experience so far has been frustrating. Driving in town at speeds under 45 MPH can certainly attain 47MPG.