Ford's Fusion Energi has always had trouble finding its place in the market. A nearly useless trunk, grabby brakes, and inelegant suspension settings meant many of the Fusion and Fusion Hybrid’s strong suits were eliminated with the Energi. For 2020, the argument for the Energi gets even weaker, as it loses more than it gains. A color shakeup means Blue, Ingot Silver, Rich Copper Metallic, Ruby Red Metallic, and White Gold have all been deleted, replaced by Alto Blue Metallic, Iconic Silver, and Rapid Red Metallic. But what’s worse, the passenger seat goes from 10-way to 6-way power, losing its lumbar adjustment and memory settings in the process, though it does gain a seatback map pocket. In the backseat, the inflatable safety belts have been replaced with pre-tensioners.

The one addition Ford can boast this year is standard FordPass Connect, previously referred to as Sync Connect. With an app downloaded to your smartphone, FordPass Connect will allow you to start your engine and climate control systems, lock and unlock doors, and check your fuel levels, tire pressure, and oil life, as well as locate your vehicle, all from your phone.

The good news is that it’s very easy to get into a Ford Fusion Energi, as there’s a single trim to choose—Titanium—and a single option: a moonroof. That means the Fusion Energi is packed with features to make your electric life more enjoyable. With a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor fed by a 9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Fusion Energi delivers 188 equivalent horsepower (hp) and up to 26 miles of all-electric range, though that feat has proven difficult to reproduce in real-world situations. The car's 42-mpg combined rating is impressive, but its 26 miles of all electric range is on the low end among the competition. Still, with a Level 2 charger, an empty battery should read full in just over two and a half hours. That’s not bad for an all-electric range that should get most Americans to work in the morning.

And that trip will happen with some impressive luxury, thanks to standard features like remote engine start, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone auto climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. Passenger power was indeed reduced, but you’ll still get leather upholstery and 8-way power for the driver with 2-way lumbar support as well as a memory system for the driver. LEDs light the way for head-, tail-, and fog lights, and you’ll be riding on 17-inch alloy wheels. There’s heat for the leather-wrapped steering wheel as well as the exterior mirrors, and adaptive cruise will make the commute a breeze.

The 8-inch touchscreen is starting to look a little small in a world where 10- and 12-inch screens are becoming more common, but with standard navigation and a 12-speaker Sony stereo that features both HD and satellite radio, two USB ports, plus Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, you won’t be left wanting. Similarly, safety tech is represented by an impressive suite that includes Ford’s Co-Pilot360 package, delivering blind-spot monitoring, a pre-collision warning system with pedestrian detection and automatic braking, lane-departure warning and intervention, and automatic high beams, as well as rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

Other versions of the Fusion still represent a better overall value and package for the consumer, but the Fusion Energi offers an attractive option with heaps of value when it comes to luxury trimmings.