About the Ford Fusion Hybrid

The Ford Fusion Hybrid is a version of the once-popular sedan powered by a hybrid drivetrain. The Fusion Hybrid appeared about halfway through the Fusion’s first generation (2006 to 2012) and continued into the second generation, debuting in 2013 and continuing through the demise of the nameplate in the 2020 model year. The Fusion Hybrid utilized generations of the eCVT transaxle, which continues on in both the Ford Escape and the Ford Maverick. Note that in 2017, Ford also introduced the Ford Fusion Energi, a plug-in hybrid version of the Fusion that was marketed as a separate model.

What are the advantages of the Ford Fusion Hybrid?

• Excellent fuel mileage
• Affordable on the used market
• Fusion Energi is eligible for the maximum Clean Energy Tax Credit of $4,000 on the used market

What is the best Ford Fusion Hybrid model year?

The second generation Fusion was a great step forward in design and hybrid technology. First generation Fusion Hybrids were the subject of a class action lawsuit because the 2.5-liter Duratec engine was reported to provide 20 percent less actual fuel economy the EPA estimates suggested. The 2.0-liter Duratec hybrid drivetrain that arrived with the 2013 redesign was deemed much closer to EPA estimates. The conventional parallel hybrid provides the same overall fuel economy of 42 MPG combined as the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid. Also, the Fusion Hybrid from 2013 to 2018 misses Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 suite of safety equipment that became standard in the 2019 model year, so the smart money is on one of the last two years of production.

What are the disadvantages of the Ford Fusion Hybrid?

The main disadvantage of the Fusion Hybrid is that it’s a sedan and most Americans have chosen to buy crossover SUVs. That means that the resale value will generally be lower than something like a Ford Escape Hybrid, but the purchase price should be lower, too.

Comparison: Is the Ford Fusion Hybrid better than the Toyota Camry Hybrid?

It’s hard to beat the Toyota Camry Hybrid. In general, you’ll either pay a cost premium for the Toyota, or you’ll find one for the same money with significantly higher miles. Fuel economy is similar, though the Toyota does provide about 4 MPG better combined fuel economy than the EPA’s rating for the Ford Fusion Hybrid.

Is the Ford Fusion Hybrid a reliable car?

The Ford Fusion Hybrid features a drivetrain that’s still the basis for the one powering the Ford Escape and Ford Maverick. It’s about as solid as you can expect, with a hybrid transaxle that took its inspiration from the Toyota Prius.

Is the Ford Fusion Hybrid worth the cost?

About $20,000 will buy you a well-equipped Fusion Hybrid with relatively low mileage and the full complement of Ford’s advanced safety equipment including adaptive cruise control. With around 45,000 miles, you can find a Ford Fusion Energi for the same money and enjoy the full $4,000 tax credit that applies to these cars.