2017 Ford Fusion Energi – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Specs

The Car with Super Mileage

From slick looks, to fast thrills, and off-road conquering. We’ve seen most of what today’s best has to offer. Most but not all, and in this week’s review, the Ford Fusion Energi Plug-In Eectric Vehicle (PHEV) enters the realm of super-mileage. Rated up to 900km on a single tank, the Fusion Energi encourages you to do more things and see more places without breaking the bank, or the environment.

This is all done by allowing the Ford Fusion to drive in extended pure EV mode using just electricity, then operating as a conventional gas engine-powered hybrid when its battery runs low.  In fact, there’s more to rave about the Ford Fusion Energi than just exceptional mileage. Modern styling, and quality finishing are two additional bullet points worth noting in its list of accolade.

The Mechanics

The Ford Fusion Energi maximizes fuel efficiency by compacting the size of its gas-powered engine to accommodate the added payload for its onboard electric motor and lithium ion battery pack. It takes about 2.5 hours to fully charge up its 7.6kWh battery pack on a level 2 charger.  That buys you about 20 miles of pure EV range before its 2.0L 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine kicks in to work in hybrid mode with its electric motor.  For those with a single phase 120VAC wall outlet, you’re stuck waiting for a full charge of 7.5 hours.

Power is not much of an astonishment though. In pure EV mode, the Fusion Energi can deliver a momentary peak power of 35kW, which is just enough to casually bring you up to city and highway speeds. For additional power demanded by a deeper push in the gas pedal, the combustion engine will start and assist with additional power when needed.  Its engine is rated at 141 horsepower and 129 lb.ft of torque.  When working in hybrid mode assisted by its onboard electric motor, the total estimated power output is rated at 188hp.

Spectacular Interior

Since its initial debut back in 2013, the Ford Fusion has refreshed its brand image conveying sleek styling and quality finishing. Entry into the cabin space of our highest Platinum trim is greeted by a warm and welcoming dual tone cream and chocolate color scheme. New this year is also cross-mesh stitching on its interior door paneling and leather seats, which adds an element of luxury to its looks. Even the center console is cleaned up and now clutter free with the installment of a a rotary gear shift dial.

Powering the digital logic behind the infotainment system is the SYNC 3 software with the added convenience of a larger 8″ screen, and a companion SYNC mobile app that allows you to remotely see your fuel level, schedule when to start your vehicle and remotely lock and unlock your doors.  Overall, the Fusion feels solid from its exterior doors to interior paneling and there is surprisingly no shortage of quality found within both the interior and exterior of the Fusion. There is one deficiency hard to bypass, and that’s the added lithium ion battery pack mounted close to the rear of the chassis, which severely compromises trunk space.

The Drive

In EV mode, the Fusion runs near silent with the exception of minor electrical current whining during acceleration and deceleration. Road and wind noise is relatively well shielded from within the cabin space and the ride is relatively composed in city driving for the most part. Upon depletion of energy from the lithium ion battery pack, its 2.0L Atkinson cycle engine kicks in to run in hybrid mode in parallel with its electric motor. Its engine tone is a slow consistent grunt, which is not the most pleasant audible experience, but you do eventually get used to it.

Responsiveness is near the lines of slow to sluggish. The Fusion Energi adds an additional 514 lbs to its combustion only model, and that’s enough to make a significant difference in handling performance. The Fusion has trouble remaining balanced under cornering, and its heavyweight is quickly noticed.

All in all, the Fusion Energi is benefited by an impressive fuel economy of an insane 43/41/42mpg city and highway combined respectively. Its ability to run in pure EV mode for a short distance of 30 km helps save, and in some cases, completely eliminate fuel costs for those that make relatively short trips on a daily basis. The added gas-powered engine helps eliminate the problematic issue of range anxiety with pure EV’s and even extends its range up to a rated 900km.

Though I have to say, its EV and total mileage is a bit exaggerated on its spec sheet. I was able to achieve about 23km on pure EV mode and about 800 km in combined EV and hybrid mode. Our tester comes priced in at $47,844. It’s an expensive price tag mostly rationalized by its quality interior and hybrid power train system. As much of an advocate for clean energy one may be, its hefty price is a bit far fetched from the average consumer. The Ford Fusion Titanium Energi model can be had for less at a starting price of $32,120 with an identical hybrid/EV powertrain minus some of the luxury extravaganza though.

Specifications

• Vehicle : 2017 Ford Fusion Energi
• Model : Fusion Energi Platinum
• Vehicle Type : Mid-size Sedan
• Seating Capacity : 2+3
• Engine : 2.0L V4 Atkinson Cycle + 88kW AC induction motor
• Horsepower: 188hp in hybrid mode.
• Transmission :  eCVT
• Price as tested: $47,488

Pros

• Beautiful interior and exterior styling
• Ultra solid looks and feel
• Quiet and elegant cabin space

Cons

• Poor handling and acceleration performance.
• Heavy curb weight
• Trunk capacity compromised by placement of Lithium Ion battery pack.