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:

• 

  Love my FFH! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By JB - February 3 - 11:00 pm

  Ive only had my FFH for a few days but its easily the best car Ive ever driven. So far Im averaging about 40 mpg but Im improving that figure nearly everytime I drive. The SmartGauge display is very informative! I find myself striving to beat my MPG average using the leaves and MPG graph as a guide. This is a fun car to drive and SYNC is awesome! Its definitely a high tech car and Ford put a lot of thought into designing the features. I love BLIS and the back up camera as well. Great job!

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  my 1st ford in 35 yrs - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By vegas75040 - January 28 - 6:06 pm

  this car is better than what we expected from all we read about it. cant see buying foreign cars after driving this one. The price is fair and the ride is second to none and handles well with plenty of power for a hybrid. The vision is great. The mileage is better than advertised. It came standard with so many extras. Unlike the prius this car is good looking inside and out which sold my wife. This car will put ford back on the map as a real serious contender.

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  Absolutely the best car Ive ever owned - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Jake - January 28 - 4:24 pm

  Im currently sitting at 110,527 miles on my 2010 Fusion Hybrid, all black and fully loaded. I couldnt be happier with a car, compared to my previous jalopy. I average 42 - 48mpg in Spring, Summer(depending on AC use) and Fall. In Winter, its closer to 33 - 35mpg, depending on how cold it is. Ive had zero trips to the dealer for repairs as nothing has failed in this vehicle. Its been scheduled maintenance all the way, combined with stellar MPG = very low cost. I bought this car one year used. Technology wise, its held up very well to what new models have. I have the blind spot sensors, backup camera(using a large 8" screen), parking aid, cross traffic sensing, USB/Bluetooth/Aux/ect. I really cant complain about this car one bit. I believe I lucked out to be at this mileage with no issues. I write this review as I finally have performed all of my 100k maintenance a little late(things just dont wear out in this ride). My brake pads werent even wore out at 100k miles. The high voltage battery appears to be very healthy as I havent experienced any deterioration yet in MPG. Acceleration and driving a hybrid in general takes some training to maximize efficiency. Its sort of weird to not feel gear shifting, but you quickly adjust to it. Its rather zippy too for a hybrid. Id love to trade up in 2017 for the next redesign, but I have a very difficult time of letting go of a good thing. Needless to say, I highly recommend this car. No, it doesnt get Prius MPG, but I prefer its styling, tech and driving over the Prius any day. If you just want a dependable car, this is it.

• 

  Just wait until you warranty is over - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Natalie - January 10 - 8:01 pm

  Car was great until 36000 miles! Since then its been a huge money pit- battery and electronics randomly stop working which caused it to be undrivable and dangerous (250), airbag sensor goes off which cost 600 to fix and now the abs is out so that will be another 1400- all in the last 2 months! I will never buy another ford.

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  Fusion - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By ibteeman - December 24 - 9:31 am

  I bought this car 6 weeks ago for an around the country trip. So far Ive put 9000 miles on the car and traveled from Atlanta through the north to Oregon, to South California, and back through the south. 2 weeks after I bought the car, Ford came out with their announcement....sorry...we meant 40 MPG on the road, not 47. That was one of the reasons I had purchased this car. But hey, going to get some money back in September, right? Fuel milage has only once came near the 40 (new number) for the highway. So far, Im averaging around 36 mpg. That has been disappointing. But the other reasons I bought the car was for the comfort and quiet on on that it delivers!

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  Better than the new Prius - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Brad - November 28 - 7:40 am

  Unless max MPG and cargo space are of paramount concern, the Fusion Hybrid is a better choice than a comparably- priced Prius V. The Fusion has a roomier interior, better exterior styling, drives better, and has better features overall. The car is a tech-lovers dream. Microsoft SYNC is amazing, and the SmartGauge instrument panel is state of the art. Blind spot warnings is a plus. I highly advise splurging on the fully-loaded package, because the nav screen is great. The ride is smooth and surprisingly quiet. Hybrid integration is seamless, and the 2.5L engine provides ample acceleration. Leg & head room are good, front & back, for my 6 frame. I love this car. Way to go Ford!!

• 

  Great car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Jim - November 22 - 6:00 am

  I have driven about 1,800 miles so far. Love the car. Getting 38.4 mpg combo surburban and highway driving. Friends are in awe- no sense when you drive its a hybrid. Love the leaves to give you guidance how to improve milage. Simply great handling. First Ford I have owned and I am very impressed. Liked it a lot better for comfort than Prius I tried.

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  And so it begins - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Richard A - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Im coming up on my year anniversary with my Fusion Hybrid. I like the car, but am beginning to have some problems. I have my display set on providing the most information possible. It has begun resetting itself to another setting. And, I got in the car the other day and an alarm went off saying to start the car to disable the alarm. Hmm. I got out of the car, hit the lock button, and opened the door. I took it to the dealer and the door handle on the inside HAS BROKEN! Shouldnt the way you get out of the car be one of the most dependable parts? I would have expected it to be a hard metal, not plastic. I was afraid of buying domestic, I hope it wasnt a mistake.

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  Were Impressed - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Rickmktg - October 24 - 7:26 am

  Purchased our Hybrid 1 week ago with Cash for Clunkers. After 360 miles were at 38.2 MPG on a 50/50 hwy/city combination. Impressed with the dashboard information, have it set to the 60 minute bar graphs so you can see how well you did on mileage in ten 6 minute intervals. Learned quickly that stepping on the gas, then coming off it slightly yields better mileage than applying steady pressure. Was very surprised to have Sync Traffic and Directions in the vehicle, basically we have navigation for free. However, since Verizon Wireless wont allow Bluetooth text messages, the traffic portion appears to be useless, but directions feature is nice. Quiet coming up driveway is very nice.

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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