July 2009

By John Davis

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is the first full-hybrid car from an American automaker. A full-hybrid means it can run on either electric or gasoline power, or any combination of both. While Ford and GM both make full-hybrid sport utility vehicles, full-hybrid cars are most closely associated with the Toyota and Lexus import brands. In fact, the Ford Fusion Hybrid is a direct competitor to the proven Toyota Camry Hybrid.

The Fusion's drivetrain is an updated version of the one that has powered the Ford Escape Hybrid crossover for two years. At its core is a 2.5-liter Atkinson four-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque, tied to a CVT transmission.

The other half of the hybrid equation is a more powerful, 106-horsepower permanent magnet electric motor which draws its energy from a newly optimized, lighter, more compact nickel-metal hydride battery back, stored in the trunk. Total hybrid output is 191 horsepower. That's four more than the Camry Hybrid.

But efficiency is the real point here, and Fusion Hybrid shines with Government Fuel Economy ratings of 41 MPG City/36 MPG Highway on regular gas. That handily beats the Camry Hybrid's 33 MPG City/34 MPG Highway ratings. In real-world driving, our test Fusion Hybrid returned a great 39.1 MPG. That's equates to a 700 mile range on a single tank of gas.

Plus, while most hybrids can run on electric-only power to about 25 MPH, the Fusion Hybrid can reach 47 MPH before the gas engines kicks in.

The Fusion Hybrid also includes technology to teach drivers more efficient motoring. The highly visual SmartGuage interface, with an Eco-Guide LCD display, even rewards thrifty driving with little green digital leaves. And though is is a bit busy, the SmartGuage proves to be an effective measure in boosting fuel economy.

But we had a hunch this hybrid delivered on performance, too. On the track, our Fusion Hybrid sprinted from 0 to 60 MPH in less than eight seconds. That's an excellent result for any green machine, let along a mainstream family sedan.

Brakes, also performed better then most family sedan rivals. Stops were stable with little to no ABS pulsing. The four-wheel discs include Integrated Regenerative Braking that recovers nearly 94 percent of spent energy.

On the outside, the Fusion Hybrid takes on all the same sporty and handsome style of the newly redesigned 2010 Ford Fusion. Ford did add some hybrid badging to cue its eco-friendliness.

The Fusion Hybrid also has the same revamped cabin found in all Fusions. The instrument panel is clean, modern, with a techno-edge. There is also true 5-adult-sized family sedan, again comparable to the Camry Hybrid. Seats are comfortable and come upholstered in a special eco-friendly cloth.

There's also a smart dual-climate system that monitors cabin temperature, and only prompts the engine to start when heat is needed. Aside from its greener characteristics, the Fusion Hybrid can be fitted most of the same with uplevel features as the standard Fusion.

Standard equipment includes Ford's voice activated Sync System, a leather wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, and an 8-way power driver's seat with lumbar.

MotorWeek will present a complete video roadtest of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid on episode #2844. Please check listings for time and station. If you miss the broadcast, you can still see our video roadtest of the Ford Fusion Hybrid. Just go to our partner, Cars.com, and click on "Video Reviews".

With all the recent negative news out of Detroit, the 2010 Fusion Hybrid is indeed a breath of fresh air.

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