Originally appeared on Automoblog.net
When you think of hybrid vehicles what is the first one that comes to mind? Yep, it’s the Toyota Prius, the top-selling hybrid in America. But the new Prius, which we just recently reviewed, isn’t for everyone. Enter the 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid. If you want a more conventional sedan with abundant cabin space, but still need the fuel-stingy hybrid, the new Fusion could be for you.
This week, we test drove the 5-passenger, 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid Titanium.
What’s New For 2016?
The 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid gets a number of updates, including a restyled front end and headlights. The previous MyFord Touch system is replaced with the Sync 3 infotainment interface, which is easier to use. A new rotary transmission selector and push-button engine start are now standard on all Fusion Hybrids.
Features & Options
Our 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid Titanium tester was a pre-sale model and did not include pricing. It featured LED accent lights, exterior keypad entry, rear air vents, an eight-way power driver’s seat (with power lumbar), a six-way power passenger seat, a rear seat center armrest, and satellite radio. The Titanium also has sport front seats, eight-way power adjustment for the passenger side, and an upgraded Sony 12-speaker audio system with HD radio.
This tester came with the optional Driver Assist package, which includes automatic wipers, automatic high-beam headlight control, a heated steering wheel, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning and intervention.
Interior Highlights
The cabin of the new Ford Fusion Hybrid Titanium shouts sporty and modern. It features a back interior with contrasting stitching on the seats and dash. The sport seats are extra comfortable and there’s lots of soft-touch materials throughout. The new dial transmission sector fits nicely on the center console and keeps things uncluttered and clean looking.
The driver has good visibility out the front and sides, but rear visibility is impeded with the raked roofline and sloping rear window. It’s the price we pay for stylish exterior lines, although the standard rearview camera was helpful this week.
The backseat passengers will be as comfortable as in the front. The seats are supportive and mirror the same sporty contours as the front seats. There’s lots of leg, head, shoulder, and hip room in the back too. We took some taller passenger to lunch and the comments were all favorable.
The Fusion Hybrid’s trunk gets shortchanged because of the battery pack underneath. Still, the rear seats fold 60/40 and lay flat if you need the cargo space. Overall, the interior features high-quality materials and is a place you won’t mind spending time.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, mated to an electric motor that’s powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. They generate 188 horsepower combined and send power to the front wheels.
It uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
EPA figures were not available at the time of this writing. The 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid gets 44/41 city/highway and 42 combined mpg.
Driving Dynamics
Like the cabin, the driving dynamics are much more sporty than the competition. If you prefer a sportier feel, the Fusion Hybrid will make you smile. On a scale of 1-10, this sedan rates a 6.5 on the fun-to-drive meter – not many hybrids can even come close to that.
We chucked the Ford sedan around some tight mountain curves, and the hybrid responded with sharp steering and very little body lean. Acceleration is brisk because of the electric motor’s extra torque, and we didn’t have a problem gaining speed going up the mountain roads outside of Denver. The CVT automatic is better than some and it kept the car moving smoothly as we pushed it hard.
On the highway, the Hybrid is quiet and we only heard the engine when we pushed it hard in the mountains. The ride isn’t as smooth as the Sonata Hybrid or Camry Hybrid models, but it’s certainly sportier and a lot more fun to drive. If you are a driving enthusiast that loves good fuel economy, the Ford Fusion Hybrid is the car to have.
Conclusion
The 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid gets good marks for a roomy, comfortable interior, sporty driving dynamics, and of course, fuel mileage. It features new updated styling outside with a lot of new high-tech features inside. With its quiet ride, passengers will be comfortable on long trips be it for business or pleasure.
*Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
We trust TrueCar.com to give us the best, up to date, and TRUE pricing of what people are really paying for their cars. Check them out for more research on this car:
2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid Official Site
Photos: Ford Motor Company
*Fusion Sport shown, no Hybrid Titanium media photos available as of this writing.
Video (Fusion SE): Lasco Ford, 2525 Owen Rd, Fenton, MI 48430
from Automoblog.net http://www.automoblog.net/2016/08/13/2017-ford-fusion-hybrid-titanium-review/
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