more about this model If you're interested in an electric car but are not convinced that a limited driving range will fit your lifestyle, a plug-in hybrid might be your best bet. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles — known as PHEVs to their friends — provide less electric-only range, but when the juice runs out they operate like any other gasoline-electric hybrid. The Ford Fusion Energi is just such a PHEV, and it is based on the Ford Fusion, one of our highest-rated midsize four-doors.
Why are we so fond of the Fusion? We like this sedan's attractive exterior and its roomy, technology-packed interior. The Energi's bulky battery pack does intrude on trunk space, which limits the practicality of this particular version of the Fusion. But that battery is what gives the Fusion Energi the ability to travel up to 20 miles on electricity alone. That range is shorter than some of the Fusion's plug-in hybrid rivals, but it may well be enough for the average suburban runaround.
When it isn't running on pure battery power, the Fusion Energi is motivated by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a pair of electric motors to deliver a total system output of 188 hp to the front wheels. The EPA rates the Fusion Energi at 42 mpg combined when it's running on gasoline in this hybrid mode. In Edmunds testing, 0-60 mph acceleration in took 7.8 seconds, a reasonably quick showing considering its size and fuel economy potential.
Thing is, the same acceleration test run in battery-only EV Now mode persisted for an agonizing 15 seconds and took a big bite out of the 20-mile electric range. Obviously, we'd recommend saving the electricity for leisurely urban or suburban driving, which is easy to do by engaging the Energi's EV Later mode. For the most part, we like driving the Fusion Energi, though the brakes can be grabby and difficult to modulate until you get used to them.
Like other Fusion models — Ford also makes a regular hybrid that lacks the plug-in battery as well as straight gasoline-powered examples — the Energi has a nicely finished and well-equipped interior with technology features that rival those found luxury cars. We like the Sync 3 touchscreen infotainment system, and the active noise canceling feature was a pleasant surprise; the ride in the Fusion Energi is commendably quiet, particularly in EV mode. We like the Fusion's cabin, which has plenty of stretch-out space for five, but the small trunk is a major drawback — the Fusion Energi has just 8.2 cubic feet of trunk space, 4 cubes less than the Fusion Hybrid and about half of what non-hybrid Fusions offer.
Ford sells the Fusion Energi in SE Luxury, Titanium, and Platinum trims. The SE Luxury is well equipped, and while the Titanium adds some nice-to-have equipment, opting for the Platinum trim turns the Fusion Energy into a wannabe luxury car. Edmunds can help find the best 2017 Ford Fusion Energi for you.
2017 Ford Fusion Energi Overview
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Ford Fusion Energi and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Fusion Energi featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Ford Fusion Energi and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Fusion Energi 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Fusion Energi.
Vehicle
Platinum 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Review
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.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Ford Fusion Energi
Edmunds Value
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
The 2017 Ford Fusion-energi earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: Side Impact Test, Roof Strength Test, Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraint, Moderate Overlap Front Test Results, and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 3.0 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
Available Ford Fusion Energi 2017 Submodel Types: Sedan
Available Trims: SE Luxury, Titanium
Exterior Colors: White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat, Magnetic Metallic, Ingot Silver Metallic, Shadow Black, Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Burgundy Velvet Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Tuxedo Black Metallic, White Gold, Oxford White Clearcoat, Lightning Blue, Sterling Gray Metallic, Dark Side, Blue Metallic, Tectonic Metallic, Bronze Fire Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Deep Impact Blue, Deep Impact Blue Metallic, Ice Storm, Oxford White, Sunset, White Gold Metallic
Interior Colors: Ebony leather, Charcoal Black leather, Medium Soft Ceramic leather, Medium Light Stone leather, Dune leather
Popular Features: Alarm, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Auto Climate Control, Aux Audio Inputs, Bluetooth, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Heated seats, Leather Seats, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Power Driver Seat, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, USB Inputs, Back-up camera, Parking sensors, Mobile Internet, Remote Start, Keyless Entry/Start, Upgraded Headlights, Sunroof/Moonroof, Navigation, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Cooled Seats, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Pre-collision safety system
Engine/Mechanics: 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC
Fuel Types: electric
Drivetrains: front wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
