The Fusion Energi is the plug-in hybrid version of Ford’s midsize sedan. It comes with lots of bells and whistles, a comfy cabin and an all-electric range of 25 miles. But other plug-in hybrids can deliver more miles of EV range and offer better handling.
The five-passenger Fusion Energi debuted for the 2013 model year. For 2019, Ford combined its previous three trims into just one fully-loaded trim, Titanium, and increased the all-electric range from 21 to 25 miles.
Starting price is $36,595. The only real additions are a power moonroof for $1,095 and some optional paint colors. This is quite a bit more than the gas-powered Fusion which starts at $22,840, and the Fusion Hybrid which starts at $27,555. Front-wheel-drive is standard; all-wheel-drive is not available.
The Fusion Energi is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor and lithium-ion batterypack. Total output is 188 horsepower and 129 pound-feet of torque. A continuously variable automatic transmission is standard. The Fusion Energi can go up to 25 miles on all-electric power at speeds up to 85 mph. Other plug-in hybrids have greater EV ranges.
The Fusion Energi is quick off the line and the CVT shifts smoothly so this is a car that feels right at home in busy city traffic. However, it’s sluggish when merging and passing on the freeway speeds so you’ll want to plan ahead for when you need more speed. There’s also some body lean when cornering. Let’s be real: this is not a performance-oriented vehicle and it’s not meant to be. It does deliver a smooth and comfortable ride, even over rough pavement, and it’s a comfortable cruiser once you’re up to speed. And you won’t be using much or any gasoline if your drive is less than 25 miles.
It takes about 2-and-a-half hours to charge the Fusion Energi using a Level 2 charger, and about seven hours using a regular 110-volt household outlet.
The Fusion Energi has excellent fuel economy. EPA ratings are 103 MPGe in electric and gas mode, and 42 mpg in gas-only mode. I got 91 MPGe during my week with a mix of city and highway driving.
The interior is attractive and well laid out. Most materials are soft-touch. The leather seats are comfortable and supportive. Even taller passengers in both rows enjoy good leg- and headroom.
There are lots of standard features including remote start, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an eight-inch touch screen, navigation, 12-speaker Sony audio system, satellite radio, HD Radio, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
Standard driver assistance technologies include adaptive cruise control, and MyKey which lets you set speed and volume limits for your teen drivers. Ford’s new Co-Pilot360 package is also standard and includes blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, pedestrian detection, rear cross traffic alert, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams.
As mentioned above, a power moonroof is available.
I’m a fan of Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system. It’s intuitve and is quick to redpond to touch and voice commands. You can pinch and swipe the touchscreen, just like a tablet.
Trunk space is lacking because the battery pack is stored there. So the Fusion Energi has just 8.2 cubic feet of trunk space compared to 16 cubes in the regular Fusion. If you’re carrying a lot of cargo, you’ll have to put some of it in the backseat. There are several pockets and a larger center bin in the cabin.
The good:
Excellent fuel efficiency
25 miles of all-electric range
Good for city driving
Attractive, comfortable, roomy interior
Intuitive infotainment system
Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Lots of standard features and driver assistance tech
The not-so-good:
Some rivals offer greater EV range
Meh performance
Lackluster acceleration at freeway speeds
Little trunk space
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $36,595. Ruby Red tinted clearcoat paint is $395. Power moonroof is $1,095. Destination fee is $895. Fusion energy Discount is $2,000 bringing the grand total to $36,980.
Bottom line:
If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient midsize sedan with the ability to go up to 25 miles on all-electric power, a nice interior, lots of tech and a smooth ride, the 2019 Fusion Energi is worth a look.
