Now in its second year of production, the 2014 Ford Fusion Energi returns with all the features that made its debut a success: extreme fuel efficiency, attractive styling, high-end technology, reassuring safety equipment and quality handling.
The Energi uses the same 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle inline 4-cylinder (I4) gasoline engine (188 hp, 129 lb-ft of torque) and permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor as the Fusion Hybrid, but the plug-in Energi comes with a larger lithium-ion battery pack (7kW) that can be recharged from either a 120-volt outlet (7 hours for a full charge) or a 240-volt charging station (3 hours for a full charge). That battery can power the Energi for up to 21 miles on electricity alone and gets an mpg equivalent of 108 city/92 highway while doing so. Once the battery's charge is depleted, the Energi switches back to hybrid mode and gets 44/41 mpg, which is less than the Fusion Hybrid's 47/47 mpg. There is also an EV button that allows the driver to move whether or not the car is running on full, partial or no electric power.
The Energi looks like all the other Fusion models, hybrid and non-hybrid, and that's a good thing. Starting with its Aston Martin–like hexagonal grille, the Energi cuts a dashing figure that seems more like that of a European luxury sedan than a wildly efficient American car. The interior is equally attractive with an elegant and ergonomic design built with quality materials. The front seats, especially the 10-way power driver's seat, offer room for any body type, and the rear seats are comfortable for 3 normal-size adults.
Standard safety and security features for both the Energi trims, SE and Titanium, include dual front airbags, front-seat side and knee airbags, first- and second-row curtain airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, torque and stability control, emergency brake assist, SecuriCode keyless entry keypad, SecuriLock antitheft system and SOS post-crash alerts. Optional safety features for both trims include a blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist and driver monitoring, adaptive cruise control with collision warning and automatic brake support, automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers and inflatable rear safety restraints, which are new for 2014.
Other standard features for the Energi SE include SmartGauge with the EcoGuide efficiency information system, Sync with MyFord Touch (voice-activated entertainment and communications system), a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with audio input jack, SiriusXM satellite radio, MyKey (allows for pre-set limits on speed and entertainment and communication systems), cruise control, leather-trimmed and heated front sport seats, automatic dual-zone climate control, rear air-conditioning vents, exterior temperature indicator, leather shift knob, power locks and windows, leather-wrapped tilt and telescoping steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, 60/40 split rear seats, three 12-volt powerpoints, a 110-volt powerpoint, capless fuel filler, heated and integrated blind-spot power mirrors, fog lamps, solar tinted glass and 17-inch aluminum wheels.
Upgrading to the Energi Titanium adds a premium 12-speaker Sony sound system with HD Radio, an upgraded version of Sync, a reverse sensing system with rear-view camera, ambient lighting, aluminum pedals and front scuff plate, remote start, Intelligent Access with push-button start, remote start, rear spoiler, chrome accented door handles and optional ventilated front seats (new this year). Options for both trims include a voice-activated navigation system, active park assist, power moonroof, Universal garage door opener and a heated steering wheel, which was also added for 2014.
On top of all that efficiency, safety and technology, the Energi also performs nicely on the road. It offers a smooth and quiet ride, plenty of acceleration during city driving and enough on the highway, and a responsive and confident feel in corners. The one drawback comes when braking. There is some lag due to the regenerative braking system, but drivers can adapt to that after a short time behind the Energi's wheel.
