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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  Melbourne Florida - 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By aebner1 - August 25 - 12:17 am

  Owned a 2006 Ford Fusion SEL and loved it. After 93000 miles I decided to trade it on a 2012 Fusion Hybrid. Wife and I looked at Prius Hybrid but thought the interior looked cheap and my wife and I decided we like the comfort the Fusion offered, plus 0-60 in 8.6 second instead of 12 seconds for the Prius. Fusion is very fast off the line. Good for passing. We bought the car the 4th of July and are learning how to maximize gas milege. We average 39 mpg over all. Today I got 45.9 mpg on 45 to 55 miles an hour driving. Some people said they get 36 average. My wife was hesitant about buying a hybrid at first but now is a believer in hybrid. We both like all the bells and whistles.

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  Fun to Drive - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Jeff Freadich - August 8 - 7:56 pm

  Nice driving car with many options if that is the way you go. Handles great at any speed, will get off the line quickly, then let off and you will be electric if youre under 47 MPH. If you drive in City traffic or drive to work under 50 MPH this is the car. Went on a 3300 mile vacation average 37.5 mostly interstate speed 80+ with some site seeing driving.

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  Finally had to do a review - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By bruceski2 - August 1 - 2:04 am

  I have had my 2013 fusion hybrid SE for 8 months and just passed 40,000 miles without a single problem. I have never gotten below 40 mpg and routinely get 44-46 in the summer and 41-44 in the winter. It really doesnt matter how I drive the car, the mileage rarely strays. Everywhere I go people ask me about the car and I cant say anything negative. It is the one car I have owned that I truly enjoy. I had the software upgrade and it did not increase or decrease my mileage. I have a ton of bells and whistles that I only got because the car already had them on it. This is by far the best car I have owned.

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  Miami Heat - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Mike Smith - July 28 - 10:50 pm

  Mileage numbers not valid here. Does do 3x better than 8 Cyl Jag S in city traffic using reg gas rather than Hi- test. Will probably never make up price differential in my lifetime even if I keep the car for 10 years, but feel Im making a small contribution by using less carbon fuel

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  WOW, what a great car. - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By code_warrior - June 16 - 11:37 pm

  I had no intention of buying a car but took a test drive anyway to kill time while waiting on service. This car is incredible for the price. I love to drive it and without making extreme driving changes am getting 49 MPG. Almost all my driving is considered City. The only optional features on the car are the Ruby paint and floor mats. Everyone who rides in it comments on how quiet it is. If the radio is on, you cannot tell when the gas engine starts and stops unless you look at the gauges. Love this car.

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  Wow! Whadda great car!!!!!!!!!!! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Larry Rymal - June 14 - 2:33 pm

  I purchased the first Ford Fusion Hybrid in my county and I was like a little boy in a bicycle shop during the old days! The driving experience was amazing, as soon as I left the dealership. First off-SILENCE-as soon as I left the lot. The battery charge propelled the car and I heard noting. The gasoline motor seamlessly kicked in as I increased speed. Performance on the highway is quite good, I think. However, going up hills at 70mph will offer a bit of gasoline motor noise. It is almost unnerving because generally, the car is very quiet. Airconditioning is amazing. While I was "idling" in a parking lot, it used the battery most of the time, gas motor part time. 502A package is mine.

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  2010 Fusion Hybrid - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By JGW - June 10 - 3:46 am

  Love this car. Put 115,000 on it so far with no major repairs, only regular maintenance. When first purchased new, was getting about 42 mpg, now getting around 38mpg. Im not sure if its because the car is older now or that I am not trying as hard to keep mpg low. Purchased new loaded with all accessories. Really a great car.

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  Superbly engineered hybrid - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By TXhybrid - June 7 - 4:10 am

  Have owned the car 3 weeks and love driving it. Previously a lifelong Honda owner, the Ford Fusion Hybrid is the best car Ive ever driven. Hybrid engine is superbly engineered, slipping seamlessly between electric and gas mode. Very luxurious feel inside with great features that come standard on the hybrid. Great size for fitting 2 car seats in back, plus an adult when needed. Am averaging 34-35 mpg so far, which is great with all the AC use in 100 degree weather.

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  Smooth Ride Just Drive 44.5MPG Cant Complain - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By love4cars2014 - June 2 - 9:24 am

  We got this car for my wife. Coming from rattling Toyota Sienna this was a heaven. We tried Camry but quality was not there. Great car, fun to drive, great mileage - not 47 but 44.5 will do. Have drive 5500 and no problems so far. For all those people who hate MFT>> Please explain what is wrong? The design is great with 4 quadrants. Everything is easily available. I find it way more intutive than my Lexus ES. I love the shockabsorbers and the ride. Just Drive.

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  just change the rear-view mirror - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By brucebrecher - March 29 - 6:23 am

  great car; I am averaging about 39.5 mpg for the first 540 miles. I love the blis lights on the side view mirrors that tells the me that someone is in my blind spot. Only 2 minor complaints;first the rear view mirror is too low on the windshield-taking away from my front vision and there are too many buttons on the dash-should have used dials. Overall a great car, but a bit on the expensive side and could use a drop more power.