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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  Best car ever! - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Ann Alpeter - May 11 - 3:20 pm

  I bought this car for the looks (tectonic silver), and gas mileage (2015 fusion energi titanium) which stated 38 mpg gasoline only, combined city/highway and 88 mpg electricity + gasoline, combined city/highway. It has not disappointed. I drive aprox. 30-35 miles per day so I am using mostly electric. My average for 21 months is about 70 mpg. It would be higher but where I lose out is taking long distance trips. Then I average 35-40 mpg. Some weeks I get 99.9 mpg because it does not register any higher. I wish it had more trunk space. I wish Suri would hear me (is it my voice?) better. It has a very low pan under the front of the car which I have knocked off. When I took it in they said it had not been properly attached. It is lower than any other car I have owned and hits speed bumps if I am not careful. Navigation is good......once I got on to it. I ignore all the "techie" stuff but appreciate the safety features. I said I bought it for the looks......to me it is beautiful in its design and the color is still my favorite.

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  Delivers - A Ford this good? - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By premier1guy - May 8 - 8:53 pm

  Well, this IS a sweet car. I rides incredibly ... much like my past two Honda Accords. The GPS display is large, and the number of computerized features on this vehicles is staggering. It is HIGH TECH, really top end. I can voice control everything except the steering. My wife was predisposed against the FORD until she rode in/drove it. Im getting 39-50 mpg with a little hypermiling effort. Its a total winner ... IF ... it hold up and is reliable over time. Bottom line ... this is a GREAT car!

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  2013 Fusion Hybrid - 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By otego25 - May 4 - 9:11 am

  Ok. I have had this car for 120,000+ miles and overall the mileage 48.9 for the entire time I have owned the car has been exceptional. I do a lot of highway driving but also my share of up and down steep hills. The seats are fantastic and the driver assist package I would recommend to anyone especially the side sensors. I know that the press felt it was a distracted drive but it is the opposite once you are used to things. I am about to change to a newer model and have looked around but I will be hard pressed to find anything that compares. I have test driven both the Honda and Toyota but the seats are far from as comfortable as the Fusion.

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  Fantastic! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Magnus - April 15 - 6:30 am

  Unbelivable the car is just amazing! 502A package is worth the money. This is the car you just cant wait to drive again and again,it huggs the road like the best sports sedans in the world! Ford finally got rid of the green dash lights - this is new and fresh. I have bought Fords for the last 17 years because they where so reliable But now they changed the game , - This is pure excitement!You can have the chocolate without the calories! Thanks FORD. Great job.

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  Better than advertised/expected! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Fred Austin - April 12 - 2:26 am

  Vehicle is entertaining and exciting to drive. Looks like a real car, not a Jetsons car (Prius)! Absolutely high tech with all the gizmos anyone would want. Performance on the road is remarkable for a 4-cylinder engine. Fuel mileage is terrific even when driven as a non-hybrid car. Gets lots of attention. Vehicle will run 70++++++ MPH all day long delivering gas mileage in the high 30s. Very comfortable seats. Just a terrific car. When America builds a car like this, why would anyone buy an import? Great job Ford.

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  Nice car which doesnt come close to mpg which makes it horrible to drive - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By fynack - March 27 - 3:35 am

  Ive had this car for a month now and am averaging in the range of 32-35mpg. Some people say they werent expecting 47 but...i am , ive been driving like a grandma and watching everyone pass me by so i can stay in EV mode and cruise. I accelerate lightly to the "speed limit" then set it in cruise and i still cant for the life of me see even the high 30s in mpg. Driving like this IS NOT and i was willing to do it for the 47mpg. Either something is wrong with this vehicle or Ford just flat out lied. My car does have the 18" wheels with the Goodyear Lr2s which are not LRR tires. Eitherway I like the car and will keep it. But will be badgering Ford and joining the class action lawsuit.

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  Thinking green - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Chris - March 26 - 10:33 pm

  Everything I hoped it would be. First 1500 miles. Great gas mileage 39.1 mixed hwy and city but 42 hwy. Great electronic pkg. Have 501A pkg. Decided against leather based on reviews very happy with cloth. Very roomy. Trunk space fine for my use. Ford has done a great job getting back in the game. Will see how it performs and maint. over time. Plenty of power when needed. Rides very nice. Would recommend.

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  I like it - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By rob - March 15 - 10:43 pm

  Ive had the car about 3 weeks and Ive driven about 400 miles mostly highway and Im averaging around 35 mpg. Despite what Ford says I seem to get better gas mileage on the hwy vs the city. The problem with the city driving is that unless you crawl out of each stop the car switches to the gas engine and it brings the gas mileage way down. The problem is if you drive the car like the smart gauges suggest (at least in CA) youd be driven off the road by someone with road rage. Its just impracticle to take 30-60 seconds just to get up to 10-15 miles per hour. A little dissapointed on this front but all in all a great fun car to drive.

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  Best hybrid availible today - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By thrilled owner - March 3 - 7:40 am

  outstanding in every regard. i went from a twin turbo BMW to a hybrid because I wanted to try something different. very nice ride and handles and performs well. The gas milege is amazing. after getting the car broke in ( after 6000 miles) I am getting 41 MPG in all around driving if i dont use the AC and am careful with trying to " hypermile" . I go almost 650 miles between fillups. If you drive it normal with the AC you get about 38 MPG. This car is really a "home run" I cant wait to the plug in version. The NAV and voice SYNCis very intuitive and easy to use.

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  Most satisfying car Ive owned - 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By rahenige - February 10 - 11:35 pm

  14-months after initial purchase, I have had no problems with the car. I have kept track of all fuel purchases and long-term fuel mileage is 37 mpg, mostly commuting (app. 17 miles in Boston area). Fuel economy is better in warmer weather: over 43 mpg for one tank in July. Cold weather, snow and rain decrease fuel economy (28 mpg for one tank in January) since the engine is on longer to maintain operating temperature (and heat the car). Options include moonroof, leather seats, navigation system, Sirius radio, Sony sound system, 10GB jukebox, BLInd Spot Sensor, backup camera