2018 Ford Fusion Energi Review

Considering the Fusion Energi's high price tag compared to a Fusion Hybrid, we recommend sticking with the base SE Luxury. It comes loaded with features such as a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, power front seats, leather upholstery, the Sync 3 infotainment system and more. You might als...

The Fusion Energi pulls away smoothly from a stop, with zero shift sensation whether in EV-only or hybrid mode. But if the gas engine is being used, the Energi lurches forward when the gas engine kicks on.

The Energi is decently quick in Auto Hybrid/EV mode, but it is much slower in the forced pure-electric mode. We're talking zero to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds versus 15 seconds. That's not a typo.

The brakes don't have much initial bite, which makes it hard to consistently apply the correct amount of pedal pressure needed to stop smoothly. But the switchover between regenerative braking and mechanical braking is smooth.

The steering is pleasant. Steering effort is quite light, whether you're circulating through a parking lot or cruising at highway speeds. But there isn't much feel or feedback, so it's never clear how hard the tires are working.

Ultimate cornering grip is sufficient for a family sedan such as this, especially considering the fuel efficiency-minded tires. The Fusion Energi exhibits balance and composure when corners come back to back. No quirks or surprises here.

The Fusion Energi pulls away smoothly from a stop, with zero shift sensation whether in EV-only or hybrid mode. But if the gas engine is being used, the Energi lurches forward when the gas engine kicks on.

The Ford Fusion Energi has a sophisticated ride that absorbs and damps out rough road impacts without making you feel as if you're floating down the road. Comfortable seats and good noise isolation are icing on the cake. It's a good environment for long road trips.

The well-shaped front seats provide good support and comfort over the long haul. Even these non-sport seats offer a generous range of adjustment. The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel allows you to set the seat where your legs want it.

Impact damping is admirably good on rough, broken asphalt. The car feels smooth, though some drivers might find the ride quality to be overly buoyant and floaty.

The Energi is surprisingly good at suppressing outside noises, even in the silent EV mode. The on-again, off-again engine is quiet but does rev at odd times, which is typical of hybrids.

Standard dual-zone climate control works well and keeps the cabin cool despite hot summer temps outside. Backseat passengers have air vents of their own. The Platinum comes with a heated steering wheel and front seat ventilation, though the latter doesn't feel particularly effective.

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.

The rotary transmission shifter that takes getting used to. But most other cabin controls are nicely grouped and easy to operate at a glance. Steering wheel buttons make it easy to sort through the comprehensive dashboard data screen.

Doors are generously sized. Entry and exit are easy, but the sloping rear roofline makes it difficult for taller folks to get into the backseat.

There's plenty of legroom 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.

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.

Build quality stands pat at the basic Fusion level. It's nice, though 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.

The Energi's large battery pack takes a toll on trunk space, reducing the cargo area from 16 cubic feet in the standard sedan (and 12 cubic feet in the Hybrid) to just 8.2 cubes. It doesn't help that the giant shelf it creates makes the cargo area oddly shaped. It proves too small for most shopping.

With the new Sync 3 infotainment system and the advent of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Ford Fusion is one of the more approachable, tech-friendly vehicles on the market. The Fusion offers many safety-related driver aids, and you don't have to buy the most expensive trim level to get them.

Sync 3 and its onboard navigation are much better than the old MyFord Touch system. Like a smartphone, Sync 3 has big virtual buttons and the ability to swipe through menus. The satellite radio signal often dropped, though, likely due to a weak antenna, and max-volume audio quality isn't great.

All Fusions with Sync 3 have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality and a second USB port. If you don't utilize these systems, you can still pair your phone the old-fashioned way via Bluetooth, which is a nice option to have.

The Fusion Energi can be equipped with the latest active safety systems, including adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, and front and rear parking sensors.

As always, Ford's voice controls, now via Sync 3, are excellent. Natural language and simple commands do wonders to play music, change radio stations, input navigation destinations or place calls. And you have the option to hold the voice button longer to access Siri on your paired smartphone.