2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid Review

The base S trim comes well-equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, full power accessories, a rearview camera, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, two configurable driver information displays, a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat, audio and phone voice commands (Sync), Bluetooth connectivity, a 4.2-inch central display screen, smartphone app integration and a nine-speaker sound system with a CD player, auxiliary audio jack and USB port.

The SE adds exterior LED accent lights, exterior keypad entry, rear air vents, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar), a six-way power passenger seat, a rear seat center armrest and satellite radio.

A few option packages are available for the SE. The Appearance package (Equipment Group 601A) adds 18-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, foglights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and contrasting interior stitching. The Luxury package (Equipment Group 602A) includes full LED exterior lighting (headlights, taillights and foglights), auto-dimming mirrors, heated mirrors, chrome exterior trim, keyless entry and ignition, remote engine start, leather upholstery, heated front seats and driver memory settings.

Opting for the SE Technology package equips the SE with rear parking sensors, the Sync 3 electronics interface, an 8-inch touchscreen, enhanced voice controls, an 11-speaker audio system, a 110-volt power outlet and a second USB port.

The Titanium gets you the SE's optional features listed above as standard, as well as sport front seats, eight-way power adjustment for the passenger seat and an upgraded Sony 12-speaker audio system with HD radio.

The SE (with the Technology package selected) and Titanium can also be equipped with a navigation system, adaptive cruise control with pedestrian detection, a collision mitigation system and an automated parallel- and perpendicular-parking system. The SE and Titanium also offer the available 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. A sunroof is optional for both the SE and Titanium, and the Titanium can be had with ventilated front seats.

Springing for the top-of-the-line Platinum gets you everything listed above as standard, along with a power-adjustable steering wheel, premium floor mats and upgraded leather upholstery.

All trim levels can be equipped with inflatable rear seatbelts.

The One To Buy

Fuel economy is the same no matter which Fusion Hybrid trim you pick, so it's more about getting the right mix of desired features. For value, go with a midgrade Fusion Hybrid SE. The SE will give you a solid set of standard features plus plenty of available option upgrades if you want them. The Technology package, in particular, is worth getting for its upgraded Sync 3 touchscreen interface.

The 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that works in concert with an electric motor that's powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. Combined, they can generate as much as 188 horsepower to drive the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Although official EPA figures were not available as of this writing, we expect the Fusion Hybrid to stick close to last year's fuel economy estimates, which stood at 42 mpg combined (44 city/41 highway).

In Edmunds track testing, the Fusion Hybrid posted an 8.5-second time from zero to 60 mph, which is average for the class. If speed is a factor, the Camry Hybrid will sprint to 60 mph about a second quicker than the Fusion.