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| A Ford Fusion Energi Plug-In on Atlanta's new electric trolley car track. |
Highlight: In the competitive
midsize segment, this is the only vehicle available with an automatic parallel
parking system.
Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $41,340 (Base Model starts
at $35,525)
Seating Capacity: 5
Standard Safety Features: air bags (front, side mounted and side curtain); a
tire pressure monitoring system; ABS; an electronic parking brake; hill start
assist system; and a perimeter alarm
Standard Equipment: 17-inch wheels; a plug-in hybrid; a memory setting
for the power driver’s seat; power passenger front seat; leather seats; a
tilt-and-telescopic manual steering wheel; an automatic temperature ventilation
system; a keyless entry pad; Ford’s MyTouch System; a spare tire mobility kit; and
a capless fuel door opener.
Standard Audio: a 6-speaker AM/FM audio
system with a 6-month prepaid subscription to satellite radio
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3
years or 36,000 miles
Hybrid Warranty: 8 years
or 100,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty:
5 years or 60,000 miles
Bluetooth Compatibility: Yes
USB and
iPod Compatibility: Yes
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter,
4-cylinder hybrid-electrical system/141-horsepower
Recommended Fuel: Regular
Electric Range: 18 to 19 miles for a full
charge
Total Driving Range: 550
Standard Fuel Mileage:
Gas and Electric: 88 combined MPGe (Miles Per Gallon Equivalent)
Gas Only:38 combined MPG
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| This screen shows the charging time for a commercial 240 volt charger. |
Other
Trim Levels:
Ford Fusion
Ford Fusion
Hybrid
What’s New: With the exception of
adding a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats and inflatable rear seat
air bags, the Ford Fusion Energi Plug-In hybrid is basically a carryover for
the model year.
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| The charger door visually shows the range of electricity remaining. |
Pros: There is so much to like about the Fusion. This is
the most advanced, high-tech vehicle we’ve have driven to date. Not only was
our vehicle capable of running off electricity for a short driving range, our
high end Titanium model was outfitted with such advanced techical features as a radar activated
cruise control system, a lane changing alert system, a blind spot lane changing
system, reverse audible parking sensors, a rear back-up camera with a crosswind
traffic alert system and the must-have hands free automatic parallel parking
system.
Moreover,
our high end Titanium model added a 12-speaker Sony audio system with HD radio,
a keyless push-button starter, a navigation system, heated front seats and
inflatable rear seat airbags.
Furthermore,
the Ford Fusion Energi Plug-In hybrid we spent time with was also outfitted with
form-fitting sport seats, which conformed to the front occupants back. Yes,
this has got to be the best seats we’ve experienced in this segment, as it relates to comfort and ergonomics.
Lastly,
the ride and handling capabilities, the horsepower and the torque was more than
adequate for this vehicle, especially being that its an electric-hybrid. Yes, we can see
how the current generation Fusion has become so popular, with its Aston Martin styling, since
undergoing a major redesign in 2013.
Cons: The price, the limited trunk space, the lack of a spare
(or compact tire) and the extremely limited 18 to 19-mile electric driving
range are just a few of the items that will rankle those who are considering purchasing this almost
autonomous self-driving vehicle. Yes, these are a few of the downsides of owning
one of the first hybrid plug-ins.
Moreover,
Ford’s smartphone-like infotainment system continues to take some time for many
to acclimate to, although Ford has added knobs to help counteract some of the
criticism they received from the previous hands free, smart-like phone system.
Furthermore, everything seems intertwined into the flimsy multi-function
instrument panel turning switches, which controls everything from the audio system to the optional blind-spot lane changing system. We must
say we prefer buttons (switches) to activate certain 'key' features, as
opposed to tabbing through a maze of programs.
Added
to that, Ford should consider adding a sliding front center armrest to
accommodate all occupants. The standard fixed center front armrest does not accommodate all occupants.
Lastly,
for buyers who are not normally traveling within a range of 18 to 19 miles to
travel to work and/or run their typical errands, they might find that it does not make
sense to invest in this electric vehicle. More importantly, its virtually impossible to
find a charging station, when you’re out away from home, especially if you reside in the suburbs. Unfortunately, the infrastructure is not available in most places to charge the
system.
And, just in case you managed to find a charging station, as was the case with us, it could take up to 2.5 hours to charge up the
vehicle, using a commercial outlet and about 7 hours are so, using the typical
home outlet. To counteract this, consumers can opt for the Fusion hybrid model, which lists for $37,440.
Buyers can also opt for a fuel-efficient 4-cylinder Fusion model. When comparably equipped to the Titanium Plug-In and hybrid models, it
lists for $35,500. From the pricing structure, both the hybrid and the four-cylinder
gas engine are thousands less than the plug-in
hybrid we reviewed.
The Verdict: To accommodate for the price premium, we recommend
consumers strictly consider leasing any electric vehicle. The technology is
changing so fast, as it relates to extending the driving range for the
electric-only component.
Currently,
Honda offers a more expensive Accord, making it the only vehicle available in
the exclusive midsize electric car segment. Even with the Ford loaded to the
hilt, with all of its high-tech advanced driving features, the Ford is a better
deal.
And, if the 18 to 19 mile electric driving range isn’t adequate for your
daily commutes and you don’t have access to a charging station, while you’re
out, we recommend the four-cylinder or the hybrid model, as the more practical economical alternative. Overall, we were extremely impressed with this high tech midsize Fusion, the most advanced vehicle in the midsize segment.
Competition: Honda Accord Plug-In
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