Difficult to justify the price premium over the Fusion Hybrid
Battery pack takes up a significant amount of trunk space
What's new
Larger battery pack increases EV range to 26 miles
SE Luxury and Platinum trims dropped
Part of the third Fusion generation introduced for 2013
Part of the third Fusion generation introduced for 2013
In theory, the 2019 Ford Fusion Energi pairs the best features of a traditional midsize sedan — a roomy cabin and a plush ride — with the fuel efficiency that only a plug-in hybrid can provide. But hybrid cars have been improving a lot in recent years and the Energi isn't as appealing as it once was.
CarMax values transparency and wants you to love your next car, not settle on it. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Check nhtsa.gov...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
42 Combined MPG (43 City/40 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3FA6P0SUXKR174706 Stock: 26947004 Certified Pre-Owned: No
CarMax values transparency and wants you to love your next car, not settle on it. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Check nhtsa.gov...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
42 Combined MPG (43 City/40 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3FA6P0SUXKR112299 Stock: 27274332 Certified Pre-Owned: No
Its 26 miles of all-electric range isn't all that impressive, especially when you consider one of its chief rivals, the Chevrolet Volt, offers a whopping 53 miles of EV range. The Fusion Energi's cost savings are also debatable; the Fusion Hybrid achieves the same gasoline fuel economy and costs thousands less. Finally, the battery pack eats up a good chunk of the Fusion's trunk space, reducing it from the Hybrid's 12 cubic feet to 8.2 cubes.
Though we like driving the Fusion Energi, we think you'll also want to consider the Volt as well as the Honda Clarity Plug-In (48 miles of electric range) or regular hybrid versions of the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
6.9 / 10
The 2019 Ford Fusion Energi boasts a substantial standard features list, premium materials and a roomy cabin. But a high price and limited electric range ultimately limit its appeal as a plug-in hybrid.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Ford Fusion Energi SE Luxury (2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2017, the current Fusion Energi has received some revisions, including the deletion of the SE Luxury trim level for 2018. Our findings remain applicable to this year's Fusion Energi, however.
Scorecard
Overall
6.9 / 10
Driving
7.0
Comfort
7.0
Interior
7.5
Utility
6.0
Technology
7.5
Driving
7.0
The Fusion Energi is quick enough, and smooth, but any semblance of fun evaporates from there. The frustratingly clunky brake modulation and milquetoast grip will frustrate drivers. Its steering and handling have no bad manners per se, but nor do they stand out in the class.
Acceleration
7.5
It accelerates adequately, reaching 60 mph in 8.2 seconds in our testing, which is decent for this segment. If you're gentle on the accelerator, you can stay in EV mode at low speeds. When the engine wakes, it is a smooth transition.
Braking
5.0
A poor execution of hybrid brakes among contemporary hybrids. The modulation is subpar, making it difficult to be smooth. It feels synthetic, acting grabby (or not) depending on how much pressure you're applying and when. Stops from 60 mph in 129 feet, a mediocre result.
Steering
6.0
The Fusion's steering is weighted just slightly on the light side, and it offers minor indication of the grip available at the front tires. It has good precision for this type of car. Though the steering lacks feel, there's a reasonably good sense of the straight-ahead around center.
Handling
6.5
Respectable manners, though not the driver's hybrid. There's very little grip and lots of tire howl even in moderately quickish driving. One surprise, however, is that the body roll isn't as excessive as the ride suggests, so at least it's not sloppy.
Drivability
8.0
Like all CVT automatic-equipped cars, the Fusion Energi seamlessly adjusts gearing — there is zero shift shock. It feels pretty natural when pulling away from stops, with no pronounced rubber-band sensation. The engine ignites with a light grumble but no shove.
Comfort
7.0
The Fusion Energi's ride quality is compromised by lots of battery weight, but the seats are up to the task of long hauls and the cabin is notably free of noise. While we're not in love with the climate control layout, it is effective. Besides, the automatic mode is a fine work-around.
Seat comfort
8.0
The front seats are plush and wide, delivering good long-distance driving comfort. Its bolsters are modest, which is all the same considering its mild cornering limits. Finally, the leather is soft and the padding has the right amount of give.
Ride comfort
5.5
The body tends to move a lot when it rides over even moderate bumps, as if the car is struggling to cope with its own weight. It feels slightly underdamped, the body pogoing around in bumpy corners. This character is not unusual among hybridized versions of non-hybrid cars and especially so here.
Noise & vibration
8.0
This hybrid has fairly comprehensive suppression of road and wind noise. Its engine noise isn't especially loud, but its typical four-cylinder sound is underscored by the fixed-at-high-revs nature of its transmission when accelerating.
Climate control
6.5
Performs admirably with little noise and good coverage. Keeps the cabin cool in the summer. The interface is strange — no knobs, and controls are divided between hard keys and the touchscreen. A knob-based interface would be preferred. Heated seats are standard. Backseat vents are appreciated.
Interior
7.5
Most people will find the Fusion Energi's interior a perfectly fine place to deal with on a daily basis. Its sizable cabin is generally user-friendly aside from a few button-based quibbles and visibility that isn't better than what's offered by any other car in the segment.
Ease of use
7.5
Most of its controls are logical and clearly presented. Its instrument cluster display is particularly handy. The all-button climate controls and the sameness of the steering wheel buttons are areas that could be improved upon.
Getting in/getting out
7.5
The front doors open quite wide, but the aggressively raked windshield forces a head duck on the way in. It's normal otherwise, with a sill stepover height and width that's roughly average among midsize sedans. The long rear doors ease access to the back seat.
Driving position
8.0
The Fusion Energi accommodates drivers of all sizes well. Its steering wheel has average reach/rake range, but, man, the seat has miles of range. The tidy steering wheel is unusual among cars of this type and feels great.
Roominess
8.0
Heaps of front headroom thanks to the lack of a sunroof. The Fusion's wide cabin results in a lot of wiggle room, especially in the back seat. The back seat is higher than expected, though headroom remains adequate — 6-footers can sit upright and just clear the headliner.
Visibility
7.0
Not a standout here, but not awful either. The chunky windshield pillars are relieved by corner windows near the mirrors. Likewise, the tall rear deck and thick rearmost pillars are aided by a bonus corner window. The backup camera display is big and bright with handy guidelines.
Quality
7.5
The cabin materials are a mix of plastics that look good overall and are soft-touch in the right places. It won't wow you, but it is perfectly attractive and appears to be well-built. A squeaky door seal is the only flaw we observed.
Utility
6.0
Trunk space has taken a huge hit on account of the big hybrid battery. And while the spec sheet lists a 60/40-folding back seat, don't be fooled — the resulting pass-through size is like a mail slot. Its in-cabin storage is better, with an array of pockets and a deep console bin.
Small-item storage
7.0
The Fusion is pretty versatile when it comes to smaller items. The center console offers a variety of storage options — cupholders, two front wells and a deep bin with extra lid storage. Its door pockets and two-tiered glovebox are usefully sized. Backseat storage is typical.
Cargo space
4.0
The large battery eats up most of the trunk space, which measures a paltry 8.2 cubic feet. It also makes for a pathetically tiny, nearly useless window slot of a pass-through when the back seat is folded. But the trunk volume that exists is wide and tall, and the gooseneck hinges are protected.
Child safety seat accommodation
7.5
The lower LATCH anchors are buried between the cushions; the top anchor point is readily accessible under plastic lid atop deck panel. Wide door openings facilitate loading the seat.
Technology
7.5
Although there's no navigation on our base SE Luxury trim level, it has native CarPlay and Android Auto. The interface itself is pretty intuitive, though it's not the fastest one to snap into action upon startup. Overall, it has a solid array of technology features.
Audio & navigation
8.0
No navigation (except via your own paired phone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto). The screen takes a while to flick on at startup but offers quick, intuitive screen flow. The audio system has decent sound quality with bass that performs well.
Smartphone integration
8.0
Bluetooth pairing is fast and dead-simple. Siri integration is good. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included with the Sync 3 infotainment system, an interface standard on all Fusion Energis.
Driver aids
7.5
An option package nets adaptive cruise, rear cross-traffic alert and a lane-keeping system. Their settings are easily accessed and adjusted, but the lane departure system cannot be turned off.
Voice control
7.0
The voice controls are natural provided you follow the speech guidelines prompted on the screen. No nested commands needed. There was no navigation system in our car so we couldn't attempt voice navigation.
Which Fusion Energi does Edmunds recommend?
The 2019 Ford Fusion Energi is sold in a single trim level, and there aren't any feature packages or stand-alone options available aside from a sunroof. While the Energi doesn't offer much in the way of customization, it's positively loaded with all the features you could want from a car in this price range.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
2019 Ford Fusion Energi models
The 2019 Ford Fusion Energi is one of the only midsize plug-in hybrid sedans on the market. Ford offers just one trim: Titanium. Don't worry, though. The Energi Titanium is loaded with all of the latest technology, safety and luxury features.
It's powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor and a 9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Total system output is 188 horsepower. This front-wheel-drive sedan can travel up to 26 miles on electric power alone, at speeds up to 85 mph. Charging an empty battery using a Level 2 charger should take about 2.6 hours.
Standard features on the Fusion Energi Titaniuminclude 17-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting (headlights, taillights and foglights), heated mirrors with an auto-dimming driver mirror, automatic wipers, a rear spoiler, remote engine start, exterior keypad entry, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, twin 4.2-inch configurable screens in the instrument cluster, adaptive cruise control, ambient interior lighting, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with heating, heated and ventilated front seats with eight-way adjustment (including two-way power lumbar), a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat with inflatable seat belts, memory settings and leather upholstery.
For entertainment, there's an 8-inch touchscreen with the Sync 3 interface, a navigation system, and a 12-speaker Sony audio system with a CD player, HD and satellite radio, two USB ports, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Standard safety features include a rearview camera, rear parking sensors and Ford's Co-Pilot360 Protect package, which brings automatic high-beam control, lane departure warning and mitigation, a blind-spot monitor, and a pre-collision warning system with automatic braking and pedestrian detection.
2019 Ford Fusion Energi Titanium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
26 Mile of pure electric range (yes that is less than the Volt but in the same neighborhood of the Prius Prime). What you get is a comfortable good looking car loaded with safety and luxury features. The incentives make it less expensive then the pure Hybrid too. I've had the car since Dec 3rd and just filled up today. I'm averaging a full electric charge of actually 28 miles and … getting 51.3 MPG when the battery runs out. The heated seats and steering wheel are more than enough to keep me warm. I've turned the actually climate control on 3 times and that was because of the windscreen fogging up. It handles great in the snow too.
Great on fuel
5 out of 5 stars
DZNR, 10/06/2018
2018 Ford Fusion Energi SE Luxury 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT)
I purchased my 2018 Fusion Energi after having owned my previous Fusion for 12 yrs. I liked my previous one so much I didn't want to change brands or models BUT I did decide to go the electric route and it has proved to be a good decision. I have owned the car for just a short time but have yet to put fuel in it. I plug it in each night and unplug in the A.M. This power up is enough … to take me thru the next day. (I have a short commute to work and just run errands afterwards). It is my understanding that Ford has engineered the Energi to automatically kick in the fuel mode when it's necessary so the fuel doesn't go "stale". This car is luxurious in all it's appointments and I only got the SE package. Running in electric you hear nothing ... so be careful in shopping centers. The gas has only kicked on a few times so I think it's on the noisy side but that's only because I run it so often in electric that I forget what the sound of a internal combustion engine sounds like.
The only true negative I can say is the extremely small trunk space. (I almost didn't buy it because it's so small). I am still one with lots of CD's so I wish it had more than just a single CD player but I'm thankful it comes equipped with at least that. Most cars I looked at didn't even offer a CD option. I thought it would take a lot of adjustment to the "computer" aspects of the car but am finding it's really easy to learn. The basics of the car are easy - so there's no "getting use to" the lights, wipers etc. However, the brakes are extremely touchy but once you get use to them and find that you're re-energizing the battery when you brake you'll love them.
Many years later - still lovin it!
I Love My 2019 Energi
5 out of 5 stars
Daniel Friedman, 11/09/2019
2019 Ford Fusion Energi Titanium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I got an excellent deal on a lease for my 2019 Energi Titanium. With factory incentives, state and federal rebates, my lease payment is less than $400/month with $0 out of pocket. The car is handsome, luxurious and very comfortable. The best thing is the mileage. I drive 15.2 miles to work in stop-and-go traffic, and because of the frequent braking, I get about 3.2 regen miles each way, … which gets me to work and back on mostly EV only. I turn off the EV going uphill, so I don't drain the charge too quickly, so I use a tiny sip of gasoline on my commute. I went 2 full months and 1,600 miles on my first tank of gas, averaging 145 MPG. I couldn't be happier.
Great value
5 out of 5 stars
Tommy, 06/28/2019
2019 Ford Fusion Energi Titanium 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
As my Mercedes E Class lease was about to expire I looked at a 2019 Ford Fusion Titanium with a sticker price of just over $39k. It had all of the new tech safety and luxury items. Because of federal and state tax credits which on a lease go to Ford who turns them into additional rebates a two year 13,500 mile lease was $179 a month with a $500 trade vehicle. Car is fully equipped, rides … fine and is unbelievably cheap to operate. I live six miles from work and we have multiple 240 chargers so I seldom use gas. Only drawback is the short 26 mile range, which is closer to 18-20 with accessories on, for the electric motor. The exceptional value makes up for that shortcoming.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2019 Ford Fusion Energi, so we've included reviews for other years of the Fusion Energi since its last redesign.
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Scorecard
