What To Know
- The Fusion Hybrid’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) ensures seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power, resulting in an impressive fuel economy of 43 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.
- The Ford Fusion Hybrid retains the same sleek exterior design as the gasoline-powered model, but it incorporates subtle cues to distinguish it as a hybrid.
- However, its superior fuel efficiency can result in significant savings on gas expenses in the long run, making it a more cost-effective choice in the long term.
The automotive industry has witnessed a surge in hybrid vehicles, offering a blend of fuel efficiency and performance. Among the notable contenders is the Ford Fusion, available in both gasoline-powered and hybrid variants. This blog post delves into the intriguing comparison of the Ford Fusion vs Ford Fusion Hybrid, highlighting their key distinctions and guiding you towards the most suitable choice for your needs.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency: A Balancing Act
Gasoline-Powered Ford Fusion
The gasoline-powered Ford Fusion offers a spirited performance with its 2.5-liter inline-four engine, delivering 175 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth gear changes and responsive acceleration. However, the fuel economy of the gasoline-powered Fusion is less impressive, averaging around 24 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
Ford Fusion Hybrid
The Ford Fusion Hybrid, on the other hand, excels in fuel efficiency without compromising performance. Its powertrain combines a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, generating a combined output of 188 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque. The Fusion Hybrid’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) ensures seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power, resulting in an impressive fuel economy of 43 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.
Interior and Features: A Clash of Comfort and Convenience
Gasoline-Powered Ford Fusion
The gasoline-powered Ford Fusion features a spacious and comfortable interior, offering ample legroom and headroom for all passengers. It comes standard with a user-friendly SYNC 3 infotainment system that includes an 8-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Other notable features include a rearview camera, automatic climate control, and power windows.
Ford Fusion Hybrid
The Ford Fusion Hybrid shares the same spacious interior as its gasoline-powered counterpart, but it offers a few unique features. The hybrid model comes standard with a 10-speaker Sony audio system, providing a premium sound experience. It also includes a hybrid-specific instrument cluster that displays real-time fuel economy and battery status.
Exterior Design: A Matter of Aesthetics
Gasoline-Powered Ford Fusion
The gasoline-powered Ford Fusion sports a sleek and modern exterior design. Its aerodynamic lines and sharp creases give it a sporty and aggressive stance. The front fascia features a bold grille and angular headlights, while the rear end boasts stylish taillights and a dual exhaust system.
Ford Fusion Hybrid
The Ford Fusion Hybrid retains the same sleek exterior design as the gasoline-powered model, but it incorporates subtle cues to distinguish it as a hybrid. The grille has a blue accent, and the rear end features a hybrid badge. The Fusion Hybrid also rides on low-rolling resistance tires, which help improve fuel efficiency.
Safety and Reliability: A Crucial Comparison
Gasoline-Powered Ford Fusion
The gasoline-powered Ford Fusion has earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It comes standard with a suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a rearview camera. The Fusion also offers advanced safety technologies such as blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Ford Fusion Hybrid
The Ford Fusion Hybrid shares the same excellent safety ratings and standard safety features as the gasoline-powered model. It also offers some hybrid-specific safety features, such as regenerative braking, which helps recharge the battery while slowing down.
Pricing and Value: A Question of Worth
Gasoline-Powered Ford Fusion
The gasoline-powered Ford Fusion has a starting price of around $24,000, which is slightly lower than the hybrid model. However, its higher fuel consumption costs can add up over time, potentially offsetting the initial price difference.
Ford Fusion Hybrid
The Ford Fusion Hybrid starts at a slightly higher price of around $27,000. However, its superior fuel efficiency can result in significant savings on gas expenses in the long run, making it a more cost-effective choice in the long term.
Which Ford Fusion Reigns Supreme? A Verdict
The choice between the Ford Fusion and Ford Fusion Hybrid ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you prioritize performance and prefer a lower initial cost, the gasoline-powered Fusion is a solid choice. However, if fuel efficiency is your primary concern, the Ford Fusion Hybrid offers an excellent balance of performance and economy. Its higher initial cost can be offset by long-term savings on gas expenses, making it a more cost-effective option over time.
Beyond the Comparison: Additional Considerations
Environmental Impact
The Ford Fusion Hybrid has a significantly lower carbon footprint than the gasoline-powered model, making it a more environmentally friendly choice. Its reduced fuel consumption means fewer greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment.
Government Incentives
Many states and municipalities offer tax credits or other incentives for purchasing hybrid vehicles. These incentives can further reduce the cost of ownership for the Ford Fusion Hybrid, making it an even more attractive option.
Resale Value
Hybrid vehicles tend to hold their value better than gasoline-powered vehicles, especially in areas with high gas prices. This increased resale value can help mitigate the higher initial cost of the Ford Fusion Hybrid.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which Ford Fusion has better acceleration?
A: The gasoline-powered Ford Fusion has a slightly better acceleration due to its more powerful engine.
Q: Does the Ford Fusion Hybrid have a sunroof?
A: Yes, the Ford Fusion Hybrid offers a sunroof as an optional feature.
Q: Is the Ford Fusion Hybrid eligible for the federal tax credit?
A: Yes, the Ford Fusion Hybrid is eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500, depending on the model and your tax liability.