NOTE: Pricing based on data collected March 2011. Costs of hybridization and forced features are UCS estimates based on information available on manufacturer websites.
See full Hybrid Scorecard methodology
Vehicle SummaryFord introduced the Fusion Hybrid in model year 2010. 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 39 miles -per -gallon (mpg)—still the leader in the midsize sedan class. 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 33 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with its conventional counterpart, the Fusion Hybrid is second only to the Prius—albeit by a fairly wide margin—among non-luxury hybrids. Both the Lexus CT 200h and the Fusion Hybrid’s luxury twin, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, fare better, but both do so because they downsize from a six-cylinder engine (in their conventional counterparts) to a four-cylinder engine, whereas the Fusion Hybrid (and Prius) gets its gains based on changes made to a conventional four-cylinder engine. 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. The Fusion Hybrid compares quite favorably with the Toyota Camry Hybrid’s 21 percent reduction in global warming emissions (it gets 33 mpg). The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is now presenting the Fusion Hybrid more competition in this category, with a 30 percent emissions reduction (and 37 mpg fuel economy). The Fusion Hybrid also scores 9 out of 10 on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Pollution Score. In all, the Fusion Hybrid merits the Environmental Improvement Score of 7.8.
Scorecard Environmental Score methodology
Hybrid Value
The $4,190 price premium for the Fusion’s hybrid system is a real value given the 33 percent reduction in global warming emissions. This is actually a few hundred dollars less than the premium for the Toyota Camry Hybrid ($4,350) and over $2,000 less than the premium for the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid ($5,400), both of which offer a smaller percent reduction in emissions. It therefore merits a Hybrid Value rating of “Very Good.”
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 $3,435 worth of features onto the Fusion Hybrid that do not come standard on the conventional Fusion. This premium is down a few hundred dollars from last year, but still earns it a Forced Features rating of “$$$.” Sample forced features include a six-disc CD changer, SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad, leather trim, and heated seats. The Fusion Hybrid might do well to take a page from its cousin, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, which offers no forced features at all. Or even that of its competitor, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, which has 2 mpg lower fuel economy but also offers no forced features and carries a base sticker price about $2,500 lower than the Ford Fusion Hybrid. Click to see the full list of forced features. Click to see the full list of forced features.
Scorecard Forced Features methodology
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Additional Info
Visit the Who’s Got Hybrids section to read comments and stories from actual hybrid owners.
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