2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid

2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid

After Toyota’s Prius, one of the most popular hybrid vehicles offered is the Ford Fusion Hybrid. The 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid ranks 3 out of 19 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 36 published reviews and test drives of the Ford Fusion Hybrid, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid

The 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid, meanwhile, comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an electric motor that, combined, generates 191 hp. The EPA estimates you’ll get 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, excellent numbers for midsize hybrid sedan segment. The Fusion Hybrid is also notable in that its driving dyanmics are pretty much vice-free; it drives pretty much just like a regular Fusion.

2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid

It all starts with a vehicle architecture that gives the Fusion a great balance between a comfortable ride and agile handling. You feel connected to the road, but this doesn’t come at the expense of ride comfort the way it can in so many other cars. The Fusion’s interior isn’t especially flashy, and its climate controls are mounted too low, but quality is strong both in terms of materials and construction. The spacious cabin is also filled with all the expected bells and whistles in this class, plus a few high-tech extras. The 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid’s impressive performance, high-tech interior and good fuel economy make it a reviewer favorite.

2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Exterior & Interior Design

The entire line of Ford Fusions – including the base S, mid-level SE, well equipped SEL, and the Fusion Hybrid – were spruced up for the 2010 model year. Car and Driver said, “The refresh makes the Fusion sharper looking, particularly since the weird headlamps of the original have been replaced.” Reviewers said the Fusion Hybrid looks like an uplevel Fusion SE or SEL. But not everybody likes the design. Bloomberg wrote, “From the lackluster rims, which look like they’re made of plastic, to the generic sedan shape, the Fusion has no flash whatsoever.”

The interior, especially the high-tech features, gets mixed reviews, but mostly positive. Detroit News said, “The new instrument cluster looks much more sophisticated, and the dash has an easy flow. The touch points are soft, and every inch of the cabin uses high-quality materials. Car and Driver added, “Inside, the Fusion also receives a new instrument panel, redesigned seats, and more stylish trim, although the quality of some of the materials isn’t yet on par with those of the class leaders.”

2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Powertrains and Performance

The Fusion Hybrid uses a powertrain system that combines the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors to deliver an optimal experience for the customer in terms of driving performance and fuel economy.

The Fusion Hybrid is its strong fuel economy ratings of 41 city, and 36 highway. Helping on the efficiency front is a 2.5-liter inline-four with 155 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque bolted up to a CVT transmission. Like other hybrids, the gas-electric Fusion utilizes regenerative braking, an upgraded nickel-metal hydride battery (said to be 20 percent more powerful than previous batteries), and a ” smart” climate control system.

Standard on the Fusion Sport is a 3.5-liter V6 good for 263 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is an option. With front-wheel drive, a Fusion Sport hit 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, which is quick for the class. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 18/27/21 with front drive and 17/24/19 with all-wheel drive.

2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Safety

In terms of safety, the new Fusion was designed with customer safety in mind and engineers increased its body strength by 10 percent, using more high-strength steels such as boron, and added dual first-row knee airbags and adaptive front airbags that vent and tether to conform to a specific occupant’s size, position and seatbelt usage. “This really is a driver’s car,” said John Jraiche, program manager. “Fusion is even more fun to drive with specially tuned electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), a MacPherson strut front suspension and an all-new premium-level multilink rear suspension – comparable to Audi and BMW configurations.”

Key Competitors

Those looking for a fuel-sipping midsize sedan like the Fusion Hybrid can also consider the 43 mpg Toyota Camry Hybrid, the 40 mpg Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the Chevrolet Malibu Eco, which offers a slightly lower purchase price along with a commensurate drop in fuel economy.

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