2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Lately, there has been a lot of green talk coming out of Detroit, but very little to actually show for it.  That’s what makes the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid a benchmark car.  It’s the first full hybrid sedan from an American automaker - and that’s a big deal. So, let’s see if this home grown gasoline-electric can really compete against hybrid heavyweights from Japan.

As the hybrid version of the extensively redesigned 2010 Ford Fusion midsize family sedan, this gas-electric green machine is getting quite a bit of attention. And why shouldn’t it?  It’s Detroit’s first serious sedan entry into the global hybrid race, and a direct competitor to the proven Toyota Camry Hybrid.

The Fusion’s drivetrain is an updated version of the one that has powered the Ford Escape Hybrid crossover for two years. At its core is a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine, upsized from the Escape’s 2.3-liter, producing 155 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque, tied to a CVT transmission.

The other half of the hybrid equation is a more powerful, 106-horsepower permanent magnet electric motor which draws its energy from a newly optimized, lighter, and more compact nickel-metal hydride battery back, stored in the trunk.  Total hybrid output is 191 horsepower - or four more than the Camry Hybrid.

But efficiency is the real point here, and the Fusion Hybrid shines with Government Fuel Economy ratings of 41 city/36 highway on regular gas.  That handily beats the Camry Hybrid’s 33/34 rating. In real-world driving, our test Fusion hybrid returned a great 39.1 miles per gallon.  That’s about 700 miles on a single tank of gas.

Plus, while most hybrids can run on electric-only power to about 25 miles-per-hour, the Fusion Hybrid can reach 47 miles-per-hour before the gas engine kicks in. The Fusion Hybrid also includes technology to teach drivers more efficient motoring. Witness the highly visual SmartGuage interface with an Eco-Guide LCD display. It even rewards thrifty driving with little green digital leaves. 

But we had a hunch this hybrid delivered on performance, too.  At the track, our Fusion Hybrid sprinted from 0 to 60 in 7.9 seconds. Fusion’s quarter mile time was 16 seconds at 93 miles per hour.  There was a bit of a stumble off the line, but after that, this hybrid moves off nicely. With a well engineered all-independent suspension, the Fusion Hybrid feels solid, and well-planted. But, like most family cars, tuning is on the soft side with plenty of body roll. Brakes, however, performed better than most family sedan rivals. Stops were stable and averaged just 127 feet from 60 to 0, with little to no ABS pulsing. The four-wheel discs include Integrated Regenerative Braking which recovers nearly 94 percent of spent energy.

On the outside, the Fusion Hybrid takes on all the same sporty and handsome style of the newly redesigned 2010 Ford Fusion with the addition of some hybrid badging to cue its eco-friendliness. 17-inch alloys are standard.

The Fusion Hybrid also has the same revamped cabin found in all Fusions.  The instrument panel is clean, modern, with a techno-edge. But, even now, fit and finish are not quite up to Camry levels.

In terms of space, this is a true 5-adult-sized family sedan, comparable to the Camry Hybrid. Seats are comfortable and come upholstered in a special eco-friendly cloth.  Our tester was trimmed in available leather.

There’s also a smart dual-climate control system that monitors cabin temperature and only prompts the engine to start when heat is needed, and Ford’s capless fuel filler reduces evaporative emissions at the gas pump.

Standards include the Ford’s voice activated Sync System, a leather wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, and an 8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar. Popular options are navigation, a rear-view camera, a Sony 12-speaker sound system, and a moonroof. While the hybrid battery eliminates a folding rear seat, the trunk’s 11.8 cubic feet is still very reasonable, and slightly larger than Camry Hybrid.

Base pricing for the Ford Fusion Hybrid starts at $27,995, or about a $1,000 more than the Toyota Camry Hybrid.  But the Fusion Hybrid is still eligible for a federal tax credit, which the Camry Hybrid is not. A similar Mercury Milan Hybrid is also available. With all the recent negative news out of Detroit, the 2010 Fusion Hybrid is a breath of fresh air. It is not just another made to spec, commute driven hybrid sedan design. It is both a full hybrid and a full family car, one fit for short trips or cross country. And, it’s from Ford.