2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid

If you look at the majority of the 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid’s rivals, you could be forgiven for thinking there’s a law saying hybrids need to look and drive exactly the way most people expect them to. Thankfully, the Ford Fusion Hybrid doesn’t conform to this stereotype in any way. Instead, it takes the stunning good looks and superb driving dynamics of the standard Fusion, but compliments them with a highly fuel efficient hybrid propulsion system for outstanding mileage returns.

At the heart of the Fusion is a hybrid system that combines a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor that delivers a combined power rating of 188 net horsepower through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that sends power to the front wheels. Power for the electric motor comes from a lithium-ion battery pack. EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2015 Fusion Hybrid are 44 mpg in the city, 41 mpg on the highway and a combined figure of 42 mpg.*

It is also fairly normal for manufacturers to only offer a single, often very high-specification trim level with their hybrid. However, the Fusion offers three different trim levels to select from: S, SE and the top-of-the-line Titanium trim.

The S may effectively be the base model in the Fusion Hybrid lineup, but it still boats upscale features including: dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, a rear-view camera, active noise cancellation, 17-inch aluminum wheels and Ford MyKey. The next trim level is SE, which brings the addition of a ten-way power driver’s seat, six-way powered front-passenger seat and SiriusXM. But the Titanium trim really does offer a true feeling of luxury with features that include: leather-trimmed sport seats, ten-way powered and heated front seats, ambient lighting for an upscale interior feel, a premium Sony audio system with 12 speakers and SYNC with MyFord Touch.

Impressive fuel economy often seems to be all that matters with some competing hybrids, but the Fusion is the best car in its class in its standard form and so is the hybrid. As far as driving and handling are concerned, the Fusion Hybrid offers an experience that is decidedly more Fusion than hybrid. It still offers outstanding levels of fuel economy, but it leaves most of the competition way behind with a forgiving ride that is still firm enough for sporty handling, but doesn’t cause any of that uncomfortable jarring that can ruin ride quality.

Edmunds wrote: "The 2015 Fusion's appeal goes well beyond its eye-catching design. You'd be hard-pressed to find another family car that provides a sharper driving experience or as great variety of configurations."

Standard safety features for the 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid include anti-lock disc brakes with emergency braking assist, traction control, stability control, child seat anchors, front seat-belt pretensioners, rear height adjustable headrests, side airbags for the front seat, front knee airbags, side curtain airbags and tire pressure monitoring. Also standard is Ford's Sync system, which features emergency crash notification. This setup will automatically dial 911 when paired with a compatible smart-phone. Ford's MyKey system is also included; this system can limit certain parameters, such as top speed and audio volume for teen drivers.

Optional safety gear includes parking sensors, inflatable seatbelts in the rear, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, late departure warning, lane keeping assist, driver drowsiness detection and a frontal collision warning system that can prime the brakes.

The Fusion is an IIHS Top Safety Pick, and also gets the highest "Good" ratings in all but one of its latest set of crash tests. The NHTSA has awarded the 2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid its highest five-star rating for overall safety, partly because of its extensive list of standard and available safety features.

*All vehicle mileage based on 2015 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare with models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

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