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:

• 

  Best Car Yet - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By richaardg - September 24 - 5:52 pm

  After a thousand miles I am well satisfied with my Fusion. MPG for me is 44 to 51 by driving as taught in Drivers Ed and liberal use of Cruse. I bought all the safety features except park assist and love how they work. Lane Keeping is great. The backup camera is the best I have seen in any car and I have looked at a lot of them before buying my Fusion. Active Cruse Control really works well too, especially on interstates. The SE model is well equipped and My Ford Touch is no problem contrary to what Consumer Reports says. I also am glad the Moon Roof was optional. I did not have to buy it.

• 

  First Time Buyer - 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Mark - September 19 - 2:00 am

  My first opportunity to by a HY car and my first ever Ford. So far after 3 months both have been great. The buying experience was painless and the car is wonderful to drive. My kids even think itÂ’s cool to see the trees grow! Smart buy for the cost and the cost savings on gas.

• 

  Excellent as expected - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By DANO - September 10 - 8:33 pm

  Ive been waiting for a true hybrid built by Ford or GM. When I first heard the initial ads I scoured the internet looking for real people reviews. I never found a bad one, every review was a rave. So I bought it. After a month and one long trip, so far, its exactly as advertised. Ive been getting 39-42 around town and on my first trip got 37.5 cruising at 65-75. The empower dash is simply amazing. Shifting from EV to gas is almost unperceivable. Most of todays econoboxes are ugly (think Prius), cramped, and unsafe. But the FFH looks like a car, drives like a car, handles like a car. In fact if you chose the basic dash youd never know youre in a hybrid except when you go to get gas.

• 

  what a car - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Rick - July 19 - 5:46 am

  I had a 07 Milan and thought that was a great car... until I got my Fusion Hybrid... WOW.Ford really did a fantastic job on this car.. the hybrid mileage is better than advertised, the sync is so cool and the build quality is another gem. Ford has a winner.

• 

  WOW! I LOVE this car! - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By green4me - July 18 - 1:03 pm

  I have only owned this car for a little over a week so far and I cant get over how awesome it is. It is truly a joy to drive, and the gauges keep reminding me to drive more efficiently. I consistently average over 40 MPG per trip with a mix of city and highway.

• 

  Worth Every Penny - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Stephenk - June 30 - 5:50 am

  Just picked it up last week. Purchased the fully loaded vehicle, except no GPS system (I usually know where Im going). The car switches seamlessly from gas to electric, even at speeds over 55 and with AC blowing. Averaged 36 mpg in mostly city and heavy traffic freeway driving in Los Angeles. SYNC system works very well. Only hitch was having to change the names in my phonebook to single words, ie. Fred as opposed to Fred Cell. It is fun to have it read text messages. It even verbalizes LOL as laugh out loud. Got a great deal by turning in a "clunker" and employer "no-haggle" deal with the dealership. Under $30k pre-tax. Ford hybrids still qualify for $1700 tax credit.

• 

  Road Warriors Friend, Indeed - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By BB - May 28 - 10:50 pm

  Comfortable (I am 63" 220). Adults fit in back seat. As for mileage, I did get 700 miles on one tank around town, plotting routes like Patton and driving like a snail. Generally, Driving not so slow as to be a speed bump but not like speed racer, I get 42 around town. As for Highway, it gets considerably better mileage at 65 than at 75 (yes, legal in some states). 65mph avg highway is around 37 mpg. 75 mph avg highway is around 33 mpg. 55 mph avg highway is around 39 mpg. Got the $3400 tax credit so initial additional cost of Hybrid model was a wash. In 40,000 miles, I have saved more than 500 gallons of gas ($1300) over a car which gets 25mpg. Service at 10,000 mile intervals is nice.

• 

  Great car and fuel economy above EPA - 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By greycrx87 - May 28 - 11:05 am

  Just recently purchased my 2013 FFH, and absolutely fell in love with it. My previous car was only getting around 18MGP avg, while this car already is sitting at 43 avg. I have trips where I can easily go above 50 MGP, even as close to 60 MGP and the engine is not even broken in. I have the SE version that comes with Nav and leather seats, the car is very comfortable and I really like the way it handles. Regular driving to work I achive mid 40s MGP with AC on, and high 40s MGP without AC. Great car.

• 

  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

• 

  Amazing MPG! - 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By bacartr1 - May 23 - 4:00 pm

  I have read other reviews on the 2013 and 2014 Ford Fusion Hybrid and saw the many complaints about the gas mileage. However, I am happy to report that with my 2014 I am currently averaging 47 mpg. There are 2 things to keep in mind: 1. If you are looking at purchasing this car it is because you want to save money on gas and increase your mpg. To do that, you must learn how to drive the car in all conditions and learn how the hybrid motor works to maximize your mpg. 2. It is not meant to be driven like a regular gas motor car. If you can adapt to this and want to maximize your fuel economy, this is the perfect car for it. The interior is absolutely amazing and comfortable too! Go look and se