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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  Good Effort Ford - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Bob - September 27 - 10:40 pm

  Orderd Jan 24th 2009. Took delivery Mar 31st 2009. Had ordered without leather and dealer was going to install but they first promised 1 day then said 3 weeks so took another car they had with leather. BIG MISTAKE see Suggested Improvements. The dealer has promised to replace the both seats and not just the covers so I hope they will be of a better fit and quality. Overall the car drives GREAT, the gas milage is as advertised and the 502A package has all the toys. I love the Sync and the voice recogination along with the back up system and the blind spot indicators on the side view mirrors. Ford did their homework onthis car. I usully lease but this one I bought and hope to have it 8 years.

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  What 47 mpg ? - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By mikeeewags - September 15 - 11:01 am

  I have now put 5500 miles on my 2013 fusion se. I have yet to even get close to 40 mpg, much less 47 mpg. I drove from Florida to Ohio and back last week and the best mileage I got was 35 in the mountains, but only 33 in the flat areas of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. I had the computer upgrade done before I left and that was no help either. Will be contacting the Ford Tech people tomorrow and see what the issue is with the mileage. Other than the mileage it is a most wonderful car, and adding a lot of chrome makes it a real head turner.

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  Stalling Issue - Another Example - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By bert - September 8 - 10:23 am

  Its back in the dealership which seems unable to fix the problem of unexpected stalls whether traveling on the interstate or in the mall parking lot. I wonder how many others are experiencing this safety issue? Ford Motor seems unaware of the issue.

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  What a surprise, this Ford Car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Raghu Chary - July 31 - 6:13 am

  Bought this car a couple of days ago. Was looking for a mid-sized Hybrid and there were really only 2 options, Camry and Fusion. Altimas is not available in VA. Tested Camry (fully loaded - nav/leather) first, was extremely disappointed. Bad drive (shudders),cheap interior,lousy console and would connect iphone (for music) in only Aeroplane mode! Seating felt very odd, felt driver seat was high, like driving a SUV. Still decided to buy (must buy a Hybrid), but also decided to check out Fusion. Went to the dealer and in 2 minutes I knew I wanted to buy this car. Much better drive, great interior, great nav and audio, a lot of small extras (check out the bliss). Congrats Ford. You did it!

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  Excellence in measured in a variety of ways... - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By sthkone - June 27 - 2:06 am

  Purchased my 10 FFH as its second owner in July of 2012. The previous owner from elsewhere in Wisconsin had put 68,000 miles + on the vehicle before trading it. My previous car, a 1995 Chrysler Concorde, performed admirably in the 14 years I had it, but I needed something more efficient for the 60 miles a day I commute to work round trip. The Fusion is now up to 90,000 + miles and has not needed more than Oil Changes and had its 90k service performed at the Ford Dealer I purchased it from in Southern WI. The balance on this car, especially in the winter, is the best Ive ever driven. It also handles very well in the dry, very unlike the appliance-like Prius.

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  If oil goes up this is the car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By chines7 - June 21 - 6:16 am

  I just purchased the Ford Fusion Hybrid and everything I read at edmunds.com was correct. The fact that the air conditioner runs in EV mode, the display panel is informative and it drives like a luxury car and is very quite. I feel like Im, among other owners,ahead of the curve with this car.

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  Pleasureable Driving Experience? - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By wnyvet - June 15 - 7:13 pm

  Absolutely! In todays hustle-n- bustle world, never thought it possible, to actually look forward to getting behind the wheel! 97 Accord served me well for 13 years, but I was ready to give Ford a go. Thus far, am extremely happy. The rides head-n-shoulders more comfortable/enjoyable than the Accord. Awesome economy; improving daily w/experience. Exceeding 40 MPG combined, and rising, doubling the Accord. Technologys there to achieve awesome results, yet with slightly practiced driving discipline, happiness prevails. Fun to drive: can improve, when not pushed by over-aggressive motorists. Build quality/reliability: too early for an accurate assessment, happy so far.

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  Waste of Money - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By kingbb71 - June 11 - 4:00 am

  Do not waste your money on this car. Fords claim of 47 mpg highway is just simply not true. I had this car for 6 months and drove 6,500 miles, mostly highway, and averaged about 35-37 mpg. I even tried to drive slow and not accelerate, but could still only average at best 37 mpg. Also, after about a month, the ABS light came on multiple times and the dealer could not figure out why. The Ford MyTouch also does not work as advertised. The navigation system regularly froze and was pretty much useless. I hated this car so much that I took a loss of about $4k to get out of it when I traded it in after six months. Dont make the same mistake I did.

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  Great car! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Yevgeniy - June 4 - 4:00 am

  I spent about 1 month trying to figure out what is the best car for me. After selling my 2005 VW Touareg I was looking at similar cars. But then I saw Ford Fusion and decided take a test drive. What a fun ride it was! Ford engineers put a lot of thoughts into this car and it is designed similar or even better then some European models. So finally I went to a SF dealer and made a deal for a Ford Fusion Hybrid black/black with package 502A. Its full of fun features and fun to ride. Black leather with white stitching looks awesome. Navigation and SYNC are amazing. I can even watch DVD movie using navigation screen (only when parked). So when I herd that Ford beats Camry Hybrid - now I see why

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  35K mileage update - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By 7383 - June 1 - 9:03 am

  This is my final update concerning the Fusion Hybrid. All my earlier comments (made at approximately 12k and 22K) remain valid. Nothing has gone wrong with the car, other than a malfunction in the retention spring in the front passenger grab bar. So, at approximately 35K, I remain exceptionally pleased overall. No squeaks, rattles, leaks, malfunctions.