2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid Performance

in Affordable Midsize Cars

Based on analysis of 47 reviews and test drives.

Avg. Paid:$26,841 - $31,519

MSRP: $27,200 - $32,100

Invoice: $25,092 - $29,612

MPG: 47 City / 47 Hwy

Ford Fusion Hybrid Performance

Scorecard

Overall:	2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid U.S. News Best Cars 8.9
Critics' Rating:	8.9
Performance:	8.4
Interior:	8.1
Safety:	9.6
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

The 2013 Fusion Hybrid’s fuel economy impresses reviewers, but they’re more impressed with how quiet the powertrain is. Whether the car is being powered by the gas engine or electric motor, test drivers say it’s nearly silent. They think power and torque are sufficient. One thing reviewers dislike is the Fusion Hybrid’s regenerative brakes, which they say are too sensitive. In terms of handling, some critics think the car is floaty and the steering is too light, while others think the car is poised in turns and has accurate steering.

"The Fusion also performs well. Its smooth ride and quiet-running drivetrain brought a sense of calm to a commute that often inspires frenetic hurling of epithets." -- The Wall Street Journal
"When I turned the key, I heard nothing, so assumed the car had not started. In fact, it had - so said the ‘Ready to Drive’ message on the central screen. Because the engine does not kick in until it is needed, there's no noise when the car is stopped or moderately accelerating, a pleasure in traffic." -- Business Insider
"While not exactly a sport sedan that begs to be driven hard, the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid we tested … impressed us with its composure on twisting roads." -- Inside Line
"The Fusion Hybrid has a very quiet ride about town. It is nearly silent at stops and when going slow under electric power only. Any motor noise remains low, and is generally kept, not surprisingly, in the low area of the rev range." -- Winding Road

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Acceleration and Power

The 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor that combine to make 188 horsepower, as well as a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The EPA says the Ford Fusion Hybrid should get 47/47 mpg city/highway, which is very good for the class.

Auto critics are impressed with the power and torque the Fusion Hybrid’s powertrain provides. They say the car is lively from a stop and that the transition between the gas engine and electric motor is imperceptible, which is high praise for a hybrid.

"Around town, however, the 2013 Fusion hybrid feels delightfully responsive, no doubt due to the fact that the hybrid's electric motor delivers its maximum-rated 117 lb-ft of torque (an increase of 11 lb-ft over last year's hybrid) instantaneously. Never does the new Fusion hybrid's powertrain feel anything but tractable." -- Car and Driver
"Acceleration from a stoplight is good, given the inherent torque of the electric motor." -- Inside Line
"It's tough to notice the Hybrid's transitions. They're tabletop smooth and the interior is almost bank-vault quiet." -- Motor Trend
"With 188 hp the Fusion Hybrid is peppy enough; though we did note the gasoline engine was eager to come on, even with light throttle application. The transition from electricity to gas is something Ford worked hard smooth out, even resorted to cheating. Here's how: naturally the switch-over delivers a mild thud through the drivetrain that you can feel and hear. Using a noise cancellation technology through the car's audio system, much of the sound associated with that mechanical operation is blocked from ever making it to your ears. As a result, it sounds even smoother than it is. Clever." -- AutoGuide.com

Handling and Braking

Comments on the Fusion Hybrid’s handling are split. Some are pleased with the car’s composed handling, while others think it is floaty. The power steering receives positive remarks for the amount of assist it gives and the way it firms up at speed, while others ding it for providing too much assist. The 2013 Fusion Hybrid’s regenerative brakes are disliked for being grabby and unrefined.

"The Hybrid rides as if it were a street-legal Lay-Z-Boy. Its steering has the most artificial assist of the lineup, and it gently rolls and bounds when pushed hard into corners." -- Motor Trend
"What's more, the electric-assist steering, although heavily boosted, retains enough feel to give our tester a welcome confidence in the fast transitions. The handling limits of the 2013 Fusion Hybrid are on the low side, for sure, but the predictable nature of the chassis makes this a rewarding hybrid to drive." -- Inside Line
"The finessing of the regenerative and friction braking is less successful. The regenerative brakes are grabby at all but the lightest touch, and the transition to friction braking is not seamless." -- Automobile Magazine
"We liked putting the Hybrid through corners. The steering weighted up nicely, and the wheel felt substantial in hand. There weren't a lot of body movements, and information about the road surface was telegraphed acceptably through steering wheel and seat." -- Winding Road

Review Last Updated: 4/5/13