2017 Ford Fusion Energi Review
2017 Ford Fusion Energi Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byCameron Rogers
Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).
Pros
- Many advanced technology and safety features are available
- Interior is quiet on the highway
Cons
- EV range isn't as long as that of some other plug-in hybrids
- Battery takes up a lot of trunk space
- Takes some time to get used to the grabby brakes
What’s new
The 2017 Ford Fusion Energi is most easily distinguished from last year's model by its restyled front end and standard LED exterior lighting. Inside, Ford has replaced the previous MyFord Touch system with a new Sync 3 system infotainment interface, which is easier to use. A new rotary transmission selector and push-button engine start are standard on all Fusion Energi models, as is an 11-speaker audio system. On the upper end of the spectrum, a new Platinum trim level comes with almost all options available for the Fusion Energi as standard.
Vehicle overview
If you're interested in one of the many electric vehicles on the market but aren't sure that their limited ranges suit your needs, then a plug-in hybrid might be right up your alley. Unlike pure EVs, plug-in hybrids can tap into a gasoline-powered engine once the electricity runs out. The 2017 Ford Fusion Energi is just such a vehicle, and it is based on the excellent 2017 Ford Fusion, one of our highest-rated midsize sedans.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 Ford Fusion Energi SE Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Pennsylvania.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Pennsylvania
Not EPA tested for Fusion Energi SE Luxury
Fusion Energi SE Luxury
vs
$195/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
This means the Fusion Energi has a handsome exterior, high-quality interior appointments and room for five (although the batteries reduce the trunk space somewhat). Driven normally, it can travel up to 20 miles and at speeds up to 85 mph on electric power before the gasoline engine kicks on. After that, the hybrid power plant earns 38 mpg combined, a few less than the regular Fusion Hybrid.
There are a few other choices for a plug-in you might want to consider, though. The Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid midsize sedan offers a slightly longer range in EV mode (27 miles), and it's a tad more fuel-efficient when the gas engine comes into play. It's possible that Honda will reintroduce its Accord Plug-In Hybrid sedan for 2017, and Toyota will have its new plug-in Prius Prime. There's also the Chevrolet Volt, which tops them all with an estimated 53 miles of plug-in electric range before it switches to gas. Overall, though, we like the 2017 Ford Fusion Energi. While its hybrid and EV credentials don't really stand out in this class, the vehicle as a whole is pretty appealing.
The 2017 Ford Fusion Energi comes standard with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front seat side airbags, front knee airbags and side curtain airbags. The Ford Sync system includes an emergency crash notification feature that automatically dials 911 when paired with a compatible cell phone. Also standard are a rearview camera and Ford's MyKey, which can be used to set certain parameters for secondary drivers such as teens or valets.
Optional equipment includes inflatable rear seatbelts, blind spot monitoring paired with rear cross-traffic alert, driver drowsiness detection, lane departure warning, lane departure intervention (which automatically helps the driver keep the car in its lane) and frontal collision warning with brake priming. Rear parking sensors are standard, while front parking sensors are optional.
In Edmunds testing, the Fusion Energi came to a stop from 60 mph in 128 feet, which is an average stopping distance for a plug-in hybrid sedan.
While the 2017 Fusion Energi has not yet been tested, in government crash tests of last year's model, the Fusion Energi received a top five-star rating for overall crash protection, including five stars for total frontal-impact safety and four stars for total side-impact safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the regular Fusion the highest possible rating of "Good" in its moderate-overlap frontal-offset impact test and the second-best "Acceptable" rating in its small-overlap frontal-offset impact test. The Fusion received a "Good" rating in the remaining side-impact, roof-strength and seatbelt and head restraint (whiplash protection) tests.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
The 2017 Ford Fusion Energi has about 20 miles worth of all-electric driving range before it switches over to being a regular hybrid. Other plug-in hybrids can go farther, but we think you'll be happy with the Energi as a whole. Read more about what this plug-in Ford has to offer.
Driving
With its dual power sources, the Fusion Energi gives the driver plenty of control over the car's propulsion. The EV Mode button makes it possible to toggle among three distinct settings. Selecting EV Now engages all-electric operation (battery charge permitting), while the EV Auto setting lets the computer decide how best to divvy up the load. There's also a nifty EV Later mode that relies primarily on the gas engine, thereby saving the battery for use in optimal conditions like stop-and-go traffic.
Under combined gas-electric power, the Ford Fusion Energi produces acceptable acceleration in daily driving. Highway passing maneuvers will require a bit of forethought at first, as speed builds more gradually here than what you may be used to, but in general the Energi zips around as capably as a conventional midsize sedan. Performance is sluggish on battery power alone, though, serving well enough in low-speed driving but trailing most pure EVs by a wide margin.
Around town and on the highway, the Fusion Energi has a pleasingly quiet and smooth ride. It's also pretty responsive and precise around turns, which is something not many hybrid models can claim. The only negative here is that, as with many hybrids, the Energi's brakes can be tricky to smoothly modulate until you get used to the pedal's feel.
Interior
Like the standard gasoline-powered Fusion, the Energi has a stylish and well-equipped interior. It features clean lines and quality materials that give the space a pleasantly high-end feel. Front seats are comfortable and supportive, with a significant amount of adjustability that makes it easy for a wide range of drivers to get comfortable. The roof's rearward slope cuts into rear seat headroom, but only unusually tall rear passengers will have cause to complain.
The Fusion Energi's technology features rival those of many luxury models. Standard active noise-canceling helps create a hushed environment, especially when driving in all-electric mode. The center touchscreen, powered by the Sync 3 infotainment system, is a powerful tool for configuring and controlling the car and your smartphone. The attractive interface is easy to use, without a steep learning curve like last year's MyFord Touch system.
With the Energi, you get some additional remote features that are accessible via the MyFord Mobile smartphone app or your personal computer. The system makes it possible to view the battery's state of charge and remaining driving range, heat (or cool) the car's interior or locate charging stations near your destination or along the way.
Perhaps the Fusion Energi's biggest practical limitation is its relatively small trunk. With the oversize battery pack eating up a good chunk of cargo space, there are just 8.2 cubic feet available -- 4 cubic feet shy of the Fusion Hybrid and roughly half of what's available on standard models. The Energi does give you a 60/40-split folding rear seat, though, which somewhat alleviates compact trunk space.
2017 Ford Fusion Energi models
The 2017 Ford Fusion Energi is a five-passenger plug-in hybrid sedan that comes in three trim levels: SE Luxury, Titanium and Platinum.
The SE Luxury comes well-equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED foglights and taillights, heated mirrors with driver-side auto-dimming, keypad entry, rear parking sensors, keyless entry and ignition, remote ignition, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, leather upholstery, heated power front seats (eight-way driver and six-way passenger), driver memory settings, 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a 110-volt household-style power outlet.
Standard technology features include voice controls, the Sync 3 interface (with an 8-inch touchscreen and twin 4.2-inch configurable screens in the instrument cluster), a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity and an 11-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and two USB ports.
The Titanium trim adds a rear spoiler, ambient interior lighting, front sport seats, an eight-way power passenger seat and an upgraded Sony audio system with 12 speakers and HD radio.
The optional Driver Assist package bundles automatic high-beam control, automatic wipers, a blind spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and intervention, and a heated steering wheel. Stand-alone options include adaptive cruise control (includes frontal collision warning and mitigation), an automated parallel and perpendicular parking feature (includes front and side parking sensors), a sunroof and a navigation system. On the Titanium, you can also get ventilated front seats.
The Platinum includes all above features, in addition to upgraded leather upholstery, additional leather trim and a power-adjustable steering wheel.
Eighteen-inch wheels are optional on the Titanium and Platinum, while inflatable rear seatbelts are available on all trims.
The One To Buy
Fuel economy is the same no matter which Fusion Energi trim you pick, so it's more about getting the right mix of desired features. Our pick, though, is the base SE Luxury. It comes nicely equipped with standard features, including the new Sync 3 interface, and is available with plenty of options, so it's unlikely that you'll want a whole lot more.
The 2017 Ford Fusion Energi is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor that's fed by a lithium-ion battery pack. The combined output of 195 horsepower is sent to the front wheels. The battery pack, which is considerably larger than that of the standard Fusion Hybrid, allows the Energi to reach speeds of up to 85 mph or to be driven up to 20 miles on electric power alone. That said, aggressive driving will cause the gasoline engine to start up at much lower speeds when the car is in its default EV Auto mode.
While official fuel economy estimates have not yet been published, we don't expect them to change much from last year's model. The EPA gave the 2016 Fusion Energi an energy consumption estimate of 37 kilowatt-hours (kWh) used per 100 miles (the lower the number here, the better), which is essentially a measure of how efficient the Energi is during all-electric driving. For comparison, the Sonata Plug-In Hybrid uses 34 kWh per 100 miles.
Once that all-electric range is used up, the Energi's powertrain operates like that of the Fusion Hybrid and earns an EPA rating of 38 mpg combined (40 city/36 highway).
In Edmunds testing, a Ford Fusion Energi in Hybrid mode went from zero to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, a decently quick sprint for such an eco-focused model. In electric-only EV Now mode, however, the Fusion Energi needed a painfully slow 15 seconds to accomplish the same task. Obviously, EV Now mode is intended for maximum efficiency and is best used in leisurely driving conditions.
Ford says the battery can be fully charged in seven hours with a 120-volt power source or in 2.5 hours using a 240-volt source. We validated these claims in our testing.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2017 Ford Fusion Energi.
5 star(61%)
4 star(17%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(12%)
1 star(6%)
51 reviews
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Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Amazing! Significantly exceeds expectations!
Kristen E., 07/28/2015
2016 Ford Fusion Energi SE Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I absolutely love my 2016 Fusion Energi SE. As this purchase replaced a 2005 Hyundai Tucson V6, I opted for the base model with no extra features because the standard technology package was so robust compared to my Hyundai -which had a tape cassette player (yikes!). I was disappointed to see the window sticker gas mileage change on the 2016 model year at my time of purchase (108 mpge - … 88 mpge) but decided the 88 mpge was still a large enough improvement over my 21 mpg Hyundai. Additionally, the electric only range decreased from 21 to 19 for the 2016 model. I am so pleased I didn't let this sway me from purchasing, as I consistently get a 30-35 mile pure electric range on this vehicle from a single full charge, plus I can still drive in electric only mode an additional few miles, if needed, on the hybrid battery when my electric battery is fully depleted. My electric charge gauge displayed 19 when I took delivery of the car, but has adjusted to my driving over the last few months and now displays 30+ miles each time I fully charge the vehicle. I cannot stress enough how much this car's range has exceeded my expectations. I am consistently getting 100% more electric only range than advertised. The car drives like a dream. It is sooo amazingly smooth, even when the gasoline engine kicks on. The seats are comfortable, there is plenty of room for drivers with long legs and passengers to sit behind them. The quality of materials in the vehicle are top notch. The user controls and touch screen work well and are responsive. The voice controlled features are wonderful! I am able to switch the radio/satellite stations verbally, adjust the temperature verbally, make phone calls, etc. without ever touching a button on the touch screen or control panel. I live in Arizona near Phoenix, and after a quick look up of my utility rates I have determined it costs me, on average across the year, 42 cents a day to charge the car from empty to full at my home using my utility's electric car rate plan. The car charges on the standard supplied charger in less than 6 hours - usually around 5 1/2 hours for a complete charge. Partial charges take less time, obviously. Initially I had planned to purchase the rapid charger, but have found I have absolutely no need for it as the supplied charger is sufficient. The My Ford Mobile app for phones, and the web based version for PCs, came activated upon purchase. I believe new owners receive 5 years of free access. The app provides updated trip data and charge data that is remarkably accurate. You can see the existing range on the batteries, if the car is charging, where mobile charge stations are located nearby, your driver stats/rankings, etc. You can also lock/unlock your vehicle from the app, turn it on/off, and get an exact GPS location on your vehicle at any moment in time. I have not had any equipment malfunctions with the vehicle or the app/web service. The trunk space is adequate for grocery shopping. You can fit a couple rows of bags across the width of the trunk with no problem. I have also managed to stuff two mid size suitcases in there. Overall, this is the best car I have ever owned. Frankly, it rides nicer than any BMW, Lexus, Lincoln, Prius that I have ever ridden in or driven. I still can't believe the value for the money. Additionally, with the $4000 federal tax credit for the electric capability of the vehicle, it is priced almost the same as the hybrid only version. If you are on the fence about this car, or uncertain if you should purchase the electric version or the hybrid only version, take a chance on the electric Energi. It may exceed your expectations; it certainly exceeded mine.
Update: I've owned this car for 3 years now and still love it. I did have extensive issues, which are finally resolved, with charging the vehicle after the modem replacement. The original modem in the vehicle was no longer being serviced, so Ford asked owners to bring their cars in for installation of a new supported modem. After I received the new modem there were extensive issues with programming the cars charging intervals using both the app, the website, and the vehicle dash controls. It took Ford just about a full year to solve the problem. While it was extremely frustrating to iterate through all the repairs, Ford was very respectful and professional. My local dealer was not as professional and accommodating, but Ford corporate took over and made sure things were handled and my vehicle was repaired. Shortly thereafter, about 2.5 years into owning the vehicle, my electric charging cord malfunctioned and my vehicle consistently failed to charge overnight. A simple warranty swap out of that part solved the issue immediately. I still continue to get electric range capability far in excess of what Ford advertises. It's summer in Arizona so I'm running my AC at all times and I continue to get 28-31 miles of electric range. I love and recommend this car.
5 out of 5 stars
Slow but Spectacular
George Donovan, 11/18/2016
2017 Ford Fusion Energi Platinum 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Sure, it lacks quickness and the trunk fits a few groceries as the known downsides but, everything else about this car is just fantastic and I am very satisfied with this car. I really enjoy the electric capability of this car. About 2/3 of my 1600 miles so far are electric. Sure, I wish it had more electric range but for the price of the vehicle it is fine....and I never have to worry … about finding a charging station.
5 out of 5 stars
Amazed this is a Ford!
Sean Dryden, 07/22/2015
2016 Ford Fusion Energi Titanium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I never thought I would buy a Ford, having always driven Toyotas and Hondas. Consumer Reports has been increasingly giving Ford praise though, this car included.
I purchased all the options... Primarily because my OCD hates plate covers where buttons should be, taunting with features that might have been.
First, the fuel economy is incredible. I live exactly 20 miles away from work … and able to charge at both work and home. The Fusion makes it round trip on electric alone. Sometimes it gets up to 24 mile range, if in traffic. Sometimes it's closer to 17, like when the a/c is on.
I last filled up about 4 weeks ago, driven about 400 miles since, and still have a full tank. On hybrid mode, without plugging in, the mpg is around 40-50. Still not to bad for a large sedan.
The battery takes up a lot of room though. I can fit one suitcase in the trunk, one on the back seat and still have room for Captain Henry Gingersnaps Pomeranian carrier in the other half of the back seat.
I went with the Fusion because it was by far more comfortable than the Camry or Prius hybrids. It's very sophisticated inside, with nice materials that fit together very well. They got a serious design master who thoughtfully crafted every part of this car inside and out. It just looks absolutely incredible, and before purchasing I often mistook the Fusion for Astin Martin.
Every thing is where you would expect it, so operating all the functions is immediately familiar. I even found the computer system easy to use, and love there are still real buttons for most used features of the air and radio. This was a huge deal for me; coming from a 2012 Honda with the worst, most antiquated system ever.
A few of the Fusions more advanced features take a bit more practice, if like me, you'd never used them before.
The lane keep system basically does not work at all. It's good at yelling at you to get your hands back on the wheel, which is nice, but let go and the car will quickly steer you into the vehicle next lane over. Almost like a threat... Fine don't put your hands on the wheel, time to die. However, it does help for those who may have a light grip.
It's also very vocal about taking breaks, and it's usually right. It starts flashing driver alert, take a break, and I usually agree it's probably a good time for one. But I generally like breaks anyway.
The radar cruise control is really nice to use... But can also be finicky. For instance, if a your on the freeway and a car pulls into your lane in front of you, the Fusion will continue to accelerate until the other vehicle is directly in front of you. Sometimes to the point where it starts flashing the emergency break redlights at you while it's still speeding up!
Most of the time it works decently well enough and is very convenient.
Overall, I am incredibly happy with my new Ford Fusion.
5 out of 5 stars
MIleage chaser
Dennis Migliazzo, 11/20/2015
2016 Ford Fusion Energi Titanium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
We bought the Energi because almost ALL of our driving in within 10 miles one way. We live in a hilly (pretty steep) area. As such I'm NOT getting 20 miles on a full charge......BUT I try and coast alot.....true story. Bottom line: we've had the vehicle just over a month. I've put just under 850 miles on it and BELIEVE it or not am getting 107 mpg!!!! I'm going for 200 or more.....I'm a … bit obsessed on this and it is bugging my wife some, but I REALLY want to see what it can do. My engineer neighbor says I should be able to get unlimited mileage if I keep it in the electric mode. CA gives 1500 and the Feds 4007 so it is a great option here. BUT, if you DO NOT typically drive in the low distance as I do, I'm not convinced that I would go with the Energi....but definitely hybrid....I like the style too.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2017 Ford Fusion Energi, so we've included reviews for other years of the Fusion Energi since its last redesign.
2017 Fusion Energi Highlights
SE Luxury
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $33,120 |
---|---|
EV Tax Credits & Rebates | $5,500 |
Engine Type | Plug-in hybrid |
Combined MPGe (Electric + Gas) | 97 MPGeMPGe is the official metric that the EPA uses to measure the efficiency of alternative-fuel (including electric) vehicles. Just like regular MPG shows how far a car will travel on one gallon of gas, MPGe shows how far a vehicle will drive on 33.7kWh of electricity - the energy equivalent of one gallon of gasoline. Combined MPGe is the combined total of 45% city MPGe + 55% highway MPGe. |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 8.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Fusion Energi include:
- Back-up camera
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Lane Departure Warning
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Pre-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover10.9%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestAcceptable
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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