2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid

Continuous improvement puts Fusion with segment leaders

Since its introduction in 2006, the Ford Fusion's combination of interior space, responsive handling, and compliant ride have impressed us. We were equally impressed with its very good showing in our reliability surveys, starting with that first-year model. With the Fusion's 2010 freshening, Ford has added standard electronic stability control, addressing our major reservation. Other improvements include dampening the old car's pronounced road noise and a reduced turning circle. The updated Fusion is now fully competitive with the best family sedans.

The front-wheel-drive Fusion comes with a choice of four powertrains—four-cylinder, V6, and four-cylinder Hybrid—and also offers all-wheel drive for the V6 version. A larger V6 is only offered with the Sport version. We bought three front-wheel-drive models, starting with a base SE. It has a 175-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission and its sticker price was $22,145. Next up in price was the well-equipped SEL, also with a six-speed transmission but a 240-hp, 3.0-liter V6 engine. Its $28,400 sticker price bought leather, a moon roof, and rearview camera, among other amenities. Rounding out the group was a loaded Fusion Hybrid with options such as a navigation system. The hybrid powertrain, rated at 191 hp combined, uses the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric drive motor powered by a nickel-metal-hydride battery, teamed with a CVT transmission. The total price came to $32,360.

Initial impressions

The ride/handling balance remains a Fusion strong point, with responsive steering and taut body control that makes for an enjoyable drive. The ride is firm yet compliant, much like that of an upscale sports sedan. This extends to the Fusion Hybrid, making it the only hybrid family car available that can claim to be somewhat fun to drive. Another plus is the standard electronic stability control. Crash-test results are also impressive.

The new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is more responsive and refined than the 2.3-liter it replaced. The move to a six-speed auto further sharpens its responses. The 3.0-liter V6, carried over from previous models, remains a strong performer. Better noise isolation reduces road and engine noise on all powertrains. We measured 24 mpg overall in our SE four-cylinder and 22 mpg for the V6, both on regular fuel.

Unsurprisingly, the Fusion Hybrid attained the best fuel economy in the trio, racking up an excellent average of 34 mpg and matching that of the Toyota Camry hybrid. The Fusion Hybrid uses a full-hybrid design similar to Toyota's, meaning that the car can move on electric power alone, at low speeds, without help from the gasoline engine. On a flat road and with a light touch on the throttle, we found it possible to tease the car up to 45 mph without the engine starting up, as advertised. The other major fuel-saving strategies, regenerative braking and engine stop/start capabilities, also work well and unobtrusively.

The all-new interior has improved fit and finish that's quite good overall, but not quite world class. Some wide panel gaps remain and the plastics could be better. The front seats provide good support and the driving position allows plenty of room. The rear provides good space but it's not as roomy as, say, a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. While the Hybrid retains most of the nonhybrid's spacious trunk, you do lose the useful fold-down rear seatbacks.

The long list of available electronics is unusual for the class. The Sync system, which adds voice control to portable electronic devices, works well. Our SEL included blind-spot monitoring, a back-up camera, and a sensor system that warns of vehicles crossing behind the car as you reverse out of a parking spot. That might not save your life but it's pretty handy as an extra pair of eyes.

CR's take

Ford has done the most it could to recast the Fusion as a competitive family sedan by rectifying its few flaws. The Fusion is well rounded and has an air of sophistication to its ride and handling. The hybrid version is the crown jewel of the family.

Research the Ford Fusion and other sedans. Discuss Ford and sedans in the forums.