Potential buyers are spoiled for choice these days when looking at the best hybrid vehicles to save money at the pump. Every mainstream manufacturer offers one or more eco-friendly small cars, large sedans, and SUVs. Those looking at the used market may desire the ubiquitous Toyota Prius. Yet, one option is a capable, discreet, and stylish vehicle from America’s biggest automotive brand. In fact, it was the most popular used hybrid sedan last year: the Ford Fusion Hybrid.  

What interior features does the Ford Fusion Hybrid offer?

2020 was the last year Ford made the Fusion Hybrid before focusing on its SUV lineup. The four-door, five-seater sedan came in three trim levels: the SE, SEL, and Titanium.

In the base SE, cloth upholstery is standard but the seats are quite comfortable in both rows. In the front, the driver will have access to a 10-way adjustable seat with variable lumbar support. The passenger seat is four-way adjustable. The SEL trim level will have upgraded partial leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Those opting for the top-of-the-line Titanium will also have ventilated front seats. Notably, both rows of seating have a lot of legroom and headroom, a significant selling point for taller drivers and passengers. The sleek roofline does reduce rear visibility, though. Car and Driver asserts the Fusion Hybrid’s cargo area is small for the segment. Yet, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, there’s enough room for big shopping trips or teens moving to college.

On the entertainment and tech side, standard equipment includes an eight-inch SYNC 3 infotainment touchscreen with a nine-speaker stereo. Satellite radio is also standard, as are two 4.2-inch configurable LCD displays, navigation with voice control, and FordPass Connect. Critically, the unit is controlled with traditional, well-placed knobs and buttons for easy use. Optional tech upgrades in the SEL and Titanium include audio systems with additional speakers and HD radio. Yet, plenty of additions could be had on the Fusion Hybrid, including a power-operated sunroof.

Ford Fusion Hybrid performance figures

No matter which trim level a customer selects, each Fusion Hybrid is powered by the same hybrid engine. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder and an 88-kWh electric motor combine to produce 188 horsepower and 129 pounds-feet of torque. A continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive are standard, but an all-wheel drive system is available. The Fusion Hybrid is much more powerful than the comparable 96-horsepower Prius. However, the Ford isn’t sporty, despite its looks. The sedan won’t win any races and may struggle to pass other drivers on the highway quickly. But the Fusion Hybrid boasts balanced handling and won’t present much body roll under hard cornering.

Regarding fuel economy, the aforementioned Prius will have the Fusion Hybrid licked. The EPA contends that the Ford will achieve 42 mpg combined. Conversely, Edmunds declares that “real-world fuel economy doesn’t always match EPA estimates.” Therefore, potential owners may see fuel economy figures in the high 30s for everyday commuting.

Ford Fusion Hybrid key safety features

In 2019, Ford blessed the base model SE with its Co-Pilot360 safety feature suite. They include automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Each trim level also features pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera.

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration awarded the 2020 Ford Fusion Hybrid a five-star crash safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety was also impressed with the sedan. The Fusion Hybrid’s headlights didn’t receive praise, though.

Is the Ford Fusion Hybrid a reliable car?

Based on initial owner response and feedback, U.S. News reports the 2020 Fusion Hybrid has excellent predicted reliability. Ford backed the Fusion Hybrid with a three-year, 36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Additionally, some hybrid components are covered for up to eight years or 100,000 miles. Furthermore, there haven’t been any recalls for the model.

Is the 2020 Ford Fusion Hybrid a good pick?

The Fusion Hybrid remains a well-balanced midsize sedan with high-quality ride comfort and handling. Some alternatives will offer better fuel economy but compromise space and performance. The Fusion Hybrid’s infotainment system is also one of the easier-to-use systems in the segment.

Depending on the trim level and condition, the price for a used 2020 Ford Fusion Hybrid sits between $23,000 and $28,000, iSeeCars reports. Compared to new hybrid offerings, the Ford presents great value for money that gives potential owners peace of mind with predicted reliability. It’s also one of the best-looking midsize sedans out there.