MPG-o-Matic Ford Fusion Hybrid Review Summary: The Ford Fusion Hybrid sets a high mark in the growing four-door sedan hybrid segment with its capability to cruise under electric power at speeds up to 47 miles per hour (MPH). When driven under the right conditions, the Fusion Hybrid achieves remarkable fuel economy. Just as importantly, this car makes no compromises, with plenty of technology, style, and comfort.
Think that the American auto industry isn’t capable of producing a world-class hybrid? Think again. The Ford Fusion Hybrid takes the crown among the current crop of stealthy hybrid sedans.
The Fusion Hybrid is fitted with a 2.5-liter Atkinson-Cycle Hybrid inline four that produces 191 horsepower (HP) and 136 foot pounds of torque, along with a permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor and 275-volt Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH) battery pack. An electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) transfers the power to the front wheels.
The EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid are 41 city / 36 highway miles per gallon (MPG).
We put roughly four hundred miles on the odometer of our Light Ice Blue Metallic review unit, easily rolling past the official mileage estimates with an average of 42.7 MPG on the Interstate highway and 44.5 MPG combined. There’s little doubt that we would have scored much higher in town and on the back roads, given the time to implement the right strategies.
Test period temperatures ranged through the seventies to eighty degrees. Due to time constraints, we did not highway test with the air conditioning running. However, the combined numbers do reflect use of A/C, overall.
- Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up, roof partially open : 41.8 MPG
- Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up, roof partially open: 43.5 MPG
The Fusion Hybrid’s generous 17.5 gallon gas tank allows a remarkable amount of range.
While there’s enough punch to deal with the day, it’s the way cool LCD dash display that allows the driver to actively tap into all the power and efficiency under the hood. (In the second part of the review, we’ll show you how to use the display to cruise effortlessly at speeds up to 47 MPH in electric mode.)
Out on the road, the Fusion Hybrid rides and drives like a perfectly normal sedan. It doesn’t stand out or wave flags about your EcoConsciousness. It just does what a competent modern car should do, only far more fuel-efficiently.
There’s a certain weight to the wheel, with a solid and reassuring ride. 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS) are standard.
The Fusion Hybrid’s cabin is both high-tech and familiar. You needn’t be NASA-certified to glide this bird.
Our test unit was equipped with optional leather-trimmed and heated front seats, along with dual-zone climate controls. An 8-way power driver’s seat is standard, as is lumbar support.
There’s a 12-volt outlet at the base of the dash, a 110-volt outlet at the back of the center console, and another 12-volt outlet inside the console. Auxiliary audio and USB iPod inputs are tucked away inside the center console, as well.
Although Microsoft’s Sync is standard, the 12-speaker Sony audio system is included with the Moon and Tune option package. The leather-wrapped steering wheel and voice controls ensure that your attention stays on the road, whether you’re placing a Bluetooth call or picking a playlist.
The Driver’s Vision Group option package includes blind-spot sensor side mirrors and a slick rearview mirror mounted camera display.
Ford’s signature color-adjustable LED lighting sets the mood with tasteful accents throughout the cabin.
Passengers will appreciate the Fusion Hybrid’s spacious and comfortable rear seat, with 37.8 inches of headroom, 56.5 inches of shoulder room, 53.3 inches of hip room, and 37.1 inches of leg room.
There are 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk. The backseat does not fold down (due to the placement of the battery pack). If there’s one downside to the Fusion Hybrid, it’s the limited cargo capacity.
All-in-all, the Ford Fusion Hybrid is a standout performer and a shining example of America’s competitiveness in these challenging times. This car should be standard issue for energy-conscious consumers, municipalities, and corporate fleets.
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Daniel Gray
2009-07-02
“The Ford Fusion Hybrid takes the hybrid sedan crown with its capability to cruise under electric power at speeds up to 47 MPH.”
– by Daniel Gray
Interesting review, however, of major importance is cold weather performance i.e. at less than freezing ambient temperature and hot weather performance at 80 deg F plus. Do you plan on testing under those conditions in the near future? And how does a/c and heater operate?
Thx
Ian
Sorry I like my Yaris better. Cost less. I stuck my after market navigation system right behind the steering wheel. Something you cannot do in any other vehicle. In fact I did not even see any thing about if the Ford Fusion had a navigation system as a option.
The Fusion has an optional 8″ touch-screen based navigation system. Or you can get turn-by-turn directions for free using the included Sync module (and your bluetooth phone).
@Ian – All of the hybrids need to warm up to operating temperature in cold weather to achieve the expected results. In hot weather, running the air conditioning will lower mileage, as always.
The SmartGauge’s Empower mode provides an ACC monitor that shows accessory draw on the system.
Due to scheduling, we are not planning to perform any additional hot weather testing on the Fusion Hybrid this summer.
The Fusion Hybrid runs the A/C from it’s electric motor, not the gas engine. Running the A/C will not affect MPG.
“The Fusion Hybrid runs the A/C from it’s electric motor, not the gas engine. Running the A/C will not affect MPG.”
AC sure will will effect MPG – that electric motor’s energy isn’t free and until Ford offers a plug-in modality every bit of energy comes from gasoline and contributes to a MPG tally.