NOTE: Pricing based on data collected June 2009. Costs of hybridization and forced features are UCS estimates based on information available on manufacturer websites.
See full Hybrid Scorecard methodology
Vehicle Summary
Ford introduced the Fusion Hybrid in model year 2010, and it hit the showroom floor in March 2009. Ford’s second hybrid vehicle (the Escape Hybrid was the first) is a five-seat midsize sedan and gets a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of a class-leading 39 mpg. It features a full hybrid drivetrain, offering electric-only operation under certain conditions, idle stop/start, power assist, and regenerative braking.
Environmental Score
With a 31 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with its conventional counterpart, the Fusion Hybrid (and its high-end sister, the Mercury Milan Hybrid) is second only to the Prius—albeit by a fairly wide margin—in this category. Ford credits these impressive gains on improvements to its hybrid drivetrain, noting that the Fusion Hybrid can go up to 47 miles per hour using its electric motor alone. In contrast, its closest counterpart, the 34 mpg (combined) 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid nets only a 27 percent reduction over the conventional Camry. The Fusion Hybrid also scores 9.5 out of 10 on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Pollution Score. In all, the Fusion Hybrid merits the Environmental Score of 7.8, tying the Honda Civic Hybrid for second place in this category.
Scorecard Environmental Score methodology
Hybrid Value
The $4,190 price premium for the Fusion’s hybrid system is a real value given the 31 percent reduction in global warming emissions. This is just a few hundred dollars more than the $3,799 premium for the Toyota Camry Hybrid, and far less than the $5,245 for the Nissan Altima Hybrid, both of which offer a smaller percent reduction in emissions. It therefore merits a Hybrid Value rating of “High.”
Scorecard Hybrid Value methodology
Forced Features
While Ford can be commended for offering high-performing hybrids, it continues to force consumers to buy hybrids with a lot of extra features. Ford piles $3,810 worth of features onto the Fusion Hybrid that do not come standard on the conventional Fusion, earning it a Forced Features rating of “$$$.” Sample forced features include: Reverse sensing system; SYNC™ voice activated communications and entertainment system; SIRIUS satellite radio; eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support; SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad. Click to see the full list of forced features.
Scorecard Forced Features methodology
Hybrid Scorecard Home
Additional Info
Visit the Who’s Got Hybrids section to read comments and stories from actual hybrid owners.
Visit the Reviews page to see what popular automotive websites think of this hybrid.
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