Plug-in hybrids are a good compromise for those who like the idea of an electric vehicle but worry about not having a large enough driving range for their needs. Additionally, most of these models sport unconventional designs in an effort to stand out—which for some is a huge turn-off. For those who like idea of a hybrid vehicle don’t want to flaunt it, the 2018 Ford Fusion Energi is a perfect option.
The plug-in hybrid variant of the Fusion doesn’t look much different from the regular model, with its sloping roofline and a front end that’s been compared to the likes of an Aston Martin. Along with the rest of the Fusion lineup, the Energi underwent a refresh last year that included a revised front end with a new grille and headlights and a new rear end treatment. The only clues that the Energi isn’t your average Fusion are “Energi” badges on the front doors and a charging port on the driver’s side front fender.
Inside, the Fusion Energi looks and feels like a standard Fusion. It features a stylish design and high-quality materials that make it seem like a much more expensive vehicle. Those sitting up front will find that the seats offer the perfect amount of comfort and support for long trips, and the power-adjustable driver’s seat comes with additional lumbar support. The back seat is less comfortable for tall passengers, as the sloping roofline does eat into the available headspace. The biggest space limitation, however, is the trunk—with a large battery taking up a fair amount of room, cargo space drops from 16 to 8.2 cubic feet.
All Fusion Energi trims come with the latest version of the Sync 3 infotainment system, which includes an 8-inch touchscreen and compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Compared to the previous MyFordTouch system, Sync 3 is a breeze to use. The revised interface features large touch buttons and will respond to smartphone gestures like pinch-to-zoom or swipe. Energi-specific infotainment features include charging-station location services and information on power usage.
Power for the Fusion Energi comes from a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack. Total output stands at either 188 or 195 hp, depending on whether the charge-depletion mode is activated, and power goes to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Around town, the Energi accelerates at a decent rate. It’s a different story on the highway, however, as the powertrain struggles to get up to speed. EPA fuel-economy figures stand at 104 MPGe city, 91 highway, and 97 combined in electric-only mode and 43 mpg, 41, and 42 when the gas engine is running. The Energi has an all-electric range of 21 miles, which is lower than 27-mile range of the Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid.
In terms of safety, the Fusion Energi comes equipped with a full set of airbags, traction and stability control, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, automatic emergency notifications when the vehicle is paired with a compatible phone, and Ford’s MyKey, which allows the driver to set specific parameters such as maximum speed or volume for secondary drivers. Optional equipment includes blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert, inflatable rear seat belts, lane-keep assist, frontal-collision warning with automatic braking, front parking sensors, and parking assist. While the updated Energi has not yet been crash tested, the regular 2017 Fusion received Top Safety Pick status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA).
When I bought my Fusion Energi Platinum (2018, used) there was a place under the trunk mat, just to the right of the place for the charger. What belongs in this space? See photo. And is there a jack for this car or is tire trouble all in the air pump/flat tire fix?
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 11
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brake width: 0.98 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brake width: .43 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Front power outlet: 115V · Keyless entry: keypad · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.91
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free · EV battery capacity: 7.6 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 118 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 88 · Electric Motor Torque: 177 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 2.5 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 22 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 141 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 129 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4000
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Hybrid
Starter Type: motor/generator
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. (dual) · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Programmable safety key: MyKey · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.8 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.4
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app function: maintenance status
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Solar-tinted glass: front
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Sony · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 12
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brake width: 0.98 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brake width: .43 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door sill trim: chrome · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ambient lighting: color · Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Front power outlet: 115V · Keyless entry: keypad · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.91
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free · EV battery capacity: 7.6 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 118 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 88 · Electric Motor Torque: 177 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 2.5 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 22 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 141 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 129 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4000
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: wing · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Hybrid
Starter Type: motor/generator
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. (dual) · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: driver side auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Programmable safety key: MyKey · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.8 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.4
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app function: maintenance status
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Solar-tinted glass: front
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Sony · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 12
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brake width: 0.98 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brake width: .43 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: leather · Door sill trim: chrome · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Active parking system: driver controlled brake, gas and gear selection · Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Ambient lighting: color · Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Front power outlet: 115V · Keyless entry: keypad · Memorized settings: steering wheel · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.91
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free · EV battery capacity: 7.6 kWh · Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 118 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 88 · Electric Motor Torque: 177 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 2.5 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 22 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 141 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 129 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4000
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: wing · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Hybrid
Starter Type: motor/generator
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: SYNC · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. (dual) · Warnings and reminders: low oil level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Programmable safety key: MyKey · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.8 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.4
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app function: vehicle location
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: painted aluminum
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Solar-tinted glass: front