Ford Fusion Hybrid
Ford Fusion Hybrid
MSRP: $28,240
Estimated MPG: 41 city / 36 highway
Class: Mid-size sedan
The Ford Fusion Hybrid is one of the smoothest-driving, most comfortable gasoline / electric vehicles on the road. Even when driven in real-world situations, this sedan turns in phenomenal fuel mileage. Benefiting from the complete redesign of the standard Fusion platform, the Hybrid model ranks as one of the most popular and efficient sedans in its class.
The Fusion Hybrid is a startling achievement from Michigan-based automaker Ford, managing to top all other electric-powered sedans currently on the market in terms of overall fuel economy. Rated at 41 miles per gallon in city driving and 36 miles per gallon on the highway, it consumes significantly less gasoline than comparable-sized competitors like the Toyota Camry Hybrid. The secret to the Fusion’s success is a 2.5 liter Atkinson Cycle 4-cylinder engine that uses advanced engine and valve management technologies that merge perfectly with an electric motor. Combined, the two output 191 horsepower, but perhaps even more impressive is the fact that the electric power plant can serve as the sole motivating force behind the Fusion at speeds of up to 47 miles per hour. An electronically-controlled, continuously-variable automatic transmission is standard equipment on the Fusion Hybrid, as it is for most hybrid vehicles.
Like the Insight – although not quite as involved – the Fusion Hybrid provides a special gauge cluster incorporating something Ford calls EcoGuide, which is a unique data display that can provide many different levels of information about both the hybrid’s systems, as well as driver habits and the effect they have on efficiency. In fact, the “greener” a driver performs, the more leaves grow to the far right of the display – a form of instantaneous feedback that will also cause them to fade should more fuel be used than necessary. The Fusion Hybrid is loaded up with features compared to other editions of the sedan, with dual automatic climate controls, leather trim, backup sensors and the Microsoft SYNC entertainment system all provided free of charge. A la carte options include a moonroof and a navigation system, adding an extra layer of luxury to the already plush Fusion Hybrid.