Test Drives, Trends & Events

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
NADAguides.com
June Car of the Month


For the past five years, one brand and one specific model line vehicle has been identified as the foundation of the hybrid movement.  Whether cruising in the carpool lane in California (single driver) or riding in a taxi in New York, the Prius has cornered just about every part of the U.S. market.


Prius owners enjoy free access to the carpool lane.

With gas prices beginning to rise again ($2.83 national average) and Washington continuing to press automakers to build cleaner and more efficient vehicles, hybrids are becoming commonplace. However, the truth is, just about every automaker has some form of hybrid vehicle within their model line-up. General Motors has 9 different hybrid vehicles currently for sale today. We now see full sized hybrid trucks, SUV’s, sedans, luxury and sports cars all showcasing a hybrid logo.



So, it only makes sense that our NADAguides.com Car of the Month for June is a hybrid and in our opinion this hybrid really stands out. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid gets 41 MPG and up to 700 miles on one tank of fuel. Don’t believe me? The EPA has given Ford an official mpg of 41 (Ford Motor Company). This makes the Ford Fusion Best in Class for MPG beating out both Honda and Toyota.

But, to be perfectly honest, it’s not the hybrid technology that makes this Fusion such a standout, it’s the sleek exterior looks and luxurious interior creature comforts, combined with state-of-the-art technology that makes this Ford a star.   



First Drive
We always try to be honest with our reviews and with this Fusion it’s no different. I was really expecting to get into the Fusion and not be wowed. Let me be the first to tell you, I was absolutely wowed! The Ford Fusion Hybrid has set a new benchmark for automakers by providing its buyers with a spacious and comfortable cabin, plenty of technology, hybrid efficiency under the hood, and mated with a 2.5 liter, 4-cycliner power plant. The illuminated instrument panel was easy on the eyes and very clear and readable. The center console with navigation was also crystal clear and clutter free. Before I even stepped on the pedal, I navigated my way to the user-interface screen that highlighted when the driver was using the gas engine or battery-powered electric motor.


Center console displays the three modes.

Once we set off on the road for our initial test drive review, we couldn’t help but feather the gas pedal in an effort to maximize our fuel economy. It’s almost as if a spell was cast upon us. You absolutely couldn’t help but drive slower. As my auto review counterpart Jeff Glucker says, “It’s hip to be slow.” Well, he sort of said that, but we both agree that when driving a hybrid it almost becomes a game to see who can drive the slowest so as to maximize your fuel economy.

The 2.5 liter 4-cyclinder engine has enough pure power to fly onto the freeway without the gut-wrenching sigh of horsepower disappointment. The suspension paired with 17-inch wheels and tires hug the road and makes for a comfortable ride. We did manage to test the cornering out on some local mountain roads and the suspension is taught and you don’t feel much vehicle roll. I was also pleasantly surprised to find the interior cabin noise remained quiet during higher speeds.

Under the Hood
I am not even sure where we should begin. There is so much technology and moving parts under the hood; perhaps, Ford’s engineers can better describe the science. As Ford has stated:

“The 2.5 litre 16 valve DOHC Atkinson cycle Duratec engine with 156hp (114kw) and 135 ft-lb (182nm) is mated to a flywheel mounted 106hp (78kw) Permanent Magnet AC synchronous (BLDC) 275 Volt electric motor (no torque figure was released) with an electronically controlled CVT, all fairly conventional for a parallel hybrid and similar to the Prius and Camry hybrids. The difference is in the throttle-by-wire aggressive deceleration fuel shut-off and the integration of brake by wire regeneration.”

So, if you are like me and the explanation above doesn’t really make much sense, let’s keep this one simple. Ford did a great job in the development process by pairing a strong 2.5-liter engine to a parallel hybrid motor. In essence, the battery will power the wheels when starting from a standstill. When enough speed is built up, the gas motor will take over. However, if you really work to conserve and not press too hard on the accelerator pedal it’s possible to keep the Fusion Hybrid in battery-powered mode. Whenever braking occurs, the battery is then re-powered by regeneration, meaning the energy created by braking is harnessed and used in keeping the battery full.

The Interior and Exterior
As noted earlier, the interior is beautifully laid out. Supple leather seats, smooth aluminum accents, Ford’s Sync system, Navigation, steering wheel-mounted controls, USB slot for importing music, touch screen display, econo-sensor for monitoring efficiency and more. I couldn’t ask for more in a car, hybrid or not!



Although we have touched on the exterior styling and sexiness of this Ford Fusion Hybrid, I wanted to hammer it home one more time that the styling is what makes the Fusion so special. The above picture shows the attention to detail and creative engineering that took place in Ford’s design center. The three chrome-looking bars that span the front grille of the Fusion, along with the sleek headlights, provide for an aggressive appearance. The fog lights under the bumper also show a strong stance.  

The Bottom Line
The Ford Fusion Hybrid is a clear example that automakers are listening to what consumers have to say about styling and technology. The Fusion is the first production hybrid that really combines great hybrid technology with a stylish and sporty body. So many of today’s hybrids lack pizzazz or excitable features. The Ford Fusion Hybrid proves that you can have both.
Pricing is actually also a bonus with the Ford Fusion Hybrid. Starting at $27,270, the Fusion is just a $1,000 more than the Prius. It comes jam packed with options that make for a great driving experience. The vehicle we tested was just under $35,000.

The Ford Fusion Hybrid is definitely worth being called an all-star and it’s our NADAguides.com Car of the Month for June.