Vehicle Tested
2013 Ford Fusion Energi SE Sedan (2.0L 4-cyl. Plug-In Hybrid CVT Automatic)
Driven On
6/11/2013
Ratings Summary
The Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid is every bit as good as any pure gasoline-powered Fusion. But this is a double-edged sword. It's a near $40,000 car that looks like $30,000; the extra cost is hard to see or recoup. That said, it may well work if you are a patient sort of driver with a short commute and ready plug-in access or simply want access to the carpool lane.
B
Performance
The Ford Fusion Energi steers, brakes and handles with the same poise and confidence of a regular Ford Fusion. Except, of course, for the utterly smooth 20-ish electric miles it offers. Forced EV-only mode is painfully slow; use the Auto Hybrid/EV mode instead.
| Acceleration |
B
|
Plenty of acceleration in Auto Hybrid/EV mode, but the Energi is much slower in the forced pure EV mode. Were talking 0-60 in 7.8 seconds versus 15 seconds. That's not a typo. |
| Braking |
B
|
Stops are straight and secure, and the pedal doesn't come across as detached as some other hybrids and EVs tend to; the brakes feel quite normal and reassuring, in fact. |
| Steering |
B
|
Pleasant and confidence-inspiring. It's not overly sensitive when going straight and it feels connected in corners. There's some feel and feedback here. |
| Handling |
B
|
Fair and balanced. Ultimate cornering grip is sufficient for a family sedan such as this and it has poise when corners come back to back. No quirks or surprises here. |
| Driveability |
A
|
Smooth take offs and zero shift sensation, whether in EV mode or hybrid mode. Engine note doesn't always match what's happening, but that's a hybrid for you. |
B
Comfort
The Ford Fusion Energi has a sophiscated ride that absorbs and damps out rough road impacts without floating down the road overmuch. It's got comfy seats and good noise isolation. It's a good environment for long road trips.
| Seating Comfort |
B
|
The well-shaped front seats provide good support and comfort over the long haul. Generous range of adjustment. Telescopic steering allows you to set the seat where your legs want it. |
| Ride Comfort |
A
|
Impact damping is admirably good on rough, broken asphalt. Smooth without being overly buoyant or floaty. |
| Quietness |
B
|
Surprisingly good at supressing outside noises, even in the silent EV mode. On-again, off-again engine is quiet, but does rev at odd times, which is typical of hybrids. |
B
Interior
Good interior space and visibility, but the touch-sensitive controls and touchscreen are an annoyance. The Fusion Energi's battery leaves behind a small, oddly-shaped trunk that's impractical for long trips, airport runs or shopping.
| Ergonomics |
C
|
Generally good in a macro sense, but the touchpad climate control buttons are more flash than function. Fuel door and auto-park buttons easy for passenger to accidentally deploy. |
| Ingress/Egress |
B
|
Doors are generously sized. Easy entry and exit, but sloping rear roofline does make it slightly interesting for taller folks getting into the back seat. |
| Space/Room |
B
|
Plenty of leg and shoulder room all around. There's lots of front headroom, but the sloping roof is somewhat low for tall folks and those with big hair. |
| Visibility |
B
|
The driver enjoys a good view all around. Small quarter windows behind the rear doors are in just the right place and the rear window offers a better view than the swoopy styling suggests. |
| Cargo/Storage |
D
|
Here is where the Plug-In hybrid's large battery takes its toll. The trunk is small (8.2 cubic feet) and oddly shaped. Too small for Big Shopping, the main weekly grocery run, or warehouse stores. |
B
Value
It's hard to do math that makes a plug-in hybrid pay for itself. But if you're determined to own a PHEV, the Ford Fusion Energi is a lot of PHEV for the money. And it?s a nice car.
| Build Quality (vs. $) |
C
|
Build quality stands pat at the basic Fusion level. The significant extra cost of the Energi is mostly in the plug-in hybrid system. You won't see extra worth in the materials or fit and finish. |
| Features(vs. $) |
B
|
The Fusion Energi SE comes standard with several items that are optional on the hybrid. But most of the money is in the hybrid and plug-in battery systems, the primary features you're paying for. |
| Cost |
C
|
This plug-in hybrid costs several thousand dollars more than a regular Fusion hybrid, an amount you won't recover in fuel savings. Reasonably priced compared to other plug-In hybrids, though. |
| MPG |
B
|
Careful driving allowed us to match (and exceed) the Energi's 21-mile EV range and 43-mpg gasoline ratings. But both fall off quickly if you drive in a hurry; a patient approach works best. |
| Warranty |
B
|
A 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty covers the engine and transmission, but the hybrid elements are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles. The rest is covered for 3 years/36,000 miles. |
| Ownership |
B
|
A special 240-volt charger is not strictly necessary as the battery charges in 5-6 hours through a standard 120V outlet. And it is eligible for HOV lane access in California and eleswhere. |
B
Fun To Drive
Fun? Not particulary; it's a family sedan. But the Fusion Energi's plug-in powertrain is interesting, and the built-in coaching system is engaging if you're inclined to play along. You probably ought to be, otherwise the Energi isn't for you.
| Driving Experience |
B
|
The Fusion Energi drives pretty much like a well-sorted family sedan. The plug-in EV mode is quiet and serene, though. And it's interesting to show off to curious friends. It's also satisfying to sail past others in the carpool lane. |
| Personality |
B
|
The new Fusion looks smooth and sleek, with a grille shape borrowed shamelessly from Aston Martin. But that's as far as it goes. |
